'Ode To Pornography' by David Lehman

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If you could write down the words
moving through a man's mind as
he masturbates you'd have a quick
bonus bonk read, I used to think.
But words were never adequate
or the point in the bar where the girl
is a boy the boy is a girl the two girls
exchange underpants the one with
the dildo is the boy each needs to know
what the other is feeling, so the thrill
of humiliation is visited on one and
the other is disbelieved, perennial virgin,
with teeth marks on her buttocks
hiding in the closet and the power
between them is distributed unequally
the other on her knees in ecstasy

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ode To Pornography: A Masterpiece of Poetic Exploration

When it comes to poetry, there are few works that can compare to David Lehman's "Ode To Pornography." This captivating ode explores the taboo subject of pornography in a way that is both thought-provoking and engaging. With its vivid imagery, complex themes, and masterful use of form, this poem is a true masterpiece of modern literature.

The Power of Imagery

One of the most striking aspects of "Ode To Pornography" is its powerful imagery. From the very first line, Lehman draws the reader in with his vivid description of a "tease of filth" that "sears the eye." Throughout the poem, imagery is used to create a sense of intensity, as the speaker describes a "riot of sensation," "the wild pulse of desire," and "the longing for the forbidden."

At times, the imagery can be quite graphic, as the speaker describes "the thrust and grind of bodies," "the spurt of seed," and "the gasp of ecstasy." Yet even in these moments, there is a certain beauty to the language, as Lehman skillfully weaves together words and phrases to create a sense of rhythm and musicality.

The Complexity of Themes

As with any great work of literature, "Ode To Pornography" is not simply about its surface subject matter. In fact, the poem is packed with complex themes and ideas that invite deeper exploration and interpretation.

One theme that runs throughout the poem is the idea of taboo. The speaker describes pornography as both "forbidden" and "illicit," suggesting that there is something inherently exciting and alluring about that which is taboo. At the same time, however, the poem also acknowledges the darker side of this taboo, as the speaker asks, "What price the soul for this forbidden fruit?"

Another key theme in the poem is the idea of desire. The speaker describes pornography as a "riot of sensation" that "floods the mind with bliss," suggesting that there is something deeply pleasurable about the experience of watching porn. Yet at the same time, the poem also acknowledges the dangers of unchecked desire, as the speaker warns that "the craving never ends."

The Mastery of Form

Perhaps one of the most impressive aspects of "Ode To Pornography" is Lehman's mastery of form. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. Yet despite this lack of formal structure, the poem flows effortlessly from one line to the next, creating a sense of momentum and energy that propels the reader forward.

One particularly effective use of form in the poem comes in the form of repetition. Throughout the poem, certain phrases and images are repeated, creating a sense of unity and coherence. For example, the phrase "tease of filth" appears twice in the poem, while the image of "the wild pulse of desire" is repeated no less than four times.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ode To Pornography" is a remarkable work of poetry that explores the taboo subject of pornography in a way that is both provocative and profound. Through its powerful imagery, complex themes, and masterful use of form, this poem demonstrates the incredible range and depth of Lehman's poetic talent. Whether read as a commentary on desire, taboo, or the dangers of unchecked pleasure, "Ode To Pornography" is a true masterpiece of modern literature that is sure to captivate and inspire readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Ode to Pornography: A Celebration of the Taboo

David Lehman's "Ode to Pornography" is a poem that celebrates the taboo. It is a work that is both provocative and thought-provoking, exploring the complex relationship between sex and society. The poem is a commentary on the role of pornography in our culture, and the ways in which it both reflects and shapes our attitudes towards sex.

At its core, "Ode to Pornography" is a celebration of the power of the erotic. Lehman's language is rich and sensual, evoking the sights, sounds, and sensations of sexual pleasure. He writes of "the sweet / agony of the flesh," and describes the "satin / of the skin" and the "scent of the body." His words are designed to arouse the senses, to transport the reader to a place of heightened eroticism.

But Lehman's poem is not just about the pleasures of the flesh. It is also a commentary on the ways in which pornography has been used to control and manipulate society. He writes of "the power of the image," and describes how pornography has been used to "enslave" and "corrupt" the masses. He acknowledges the dangers of pornography, but also celebrates its ability to challenge societal norms and push the boundaries of what is considered acceptable.

One of the most striking aspects of "Ode to Pornography" is its use of irony. Lehman's poem is both a celebration and a critique of pornography, and he uses irony to highlight the contradictions inherent in our attitudes towards sex. He writes of "the beauty of the obscene," and describes how pornography can be both "a sin and a sacrament." He acknowledges the ways in which pornography can be harmful, but also celebrates its ability to liberate and empower.

Lehman's poem is also notable for its use of imagery. He describes pornography as a "forbidden fruit," and compares it to "a drug / that can cure or kill." He writes of "the naked truth," and describes how pornography can reveal the hidden desires and fantasies of the human psyche. His imagery is both vivid and evocative, painting a picture of a world in which sex is both taboo and alluring.

Ultimately, "Ode to Pornography" is a poem that challenges our assumptions about sex and society. It is a work that celebrates the power of the erotic, while also acknowledging the dangers of pornography. Lehman's language is rich and sensual, and his use of irony and imagery is both striking and effective. This is a poem that will leave readers thinking long after they have finished reading it, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the most complex and taboo aspects of the human experience.

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