'Quickstep' by A.S.J. Tessimond

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Acknowledge the drum's whisper.
Yield to its velvet
Nudge. Cut a slow air-
Curve. Then dip (hip to hip):
Sway, swing, pedantically
Poise. Now recover,
Converting the coda
To prelude of sway-swing-
Recover.
Acknowledge
The drum-crack's alacrity -
Acrid exactitude -
Catch it, then slacken,
Then catch as cat catches
Rat. Trace your graph:
Loop, ellipse. Skirt an air-wall
To bend it and break it -
Thus - so -
As the drum speaks!


Submitted by Stephen Fryer

Editor 1 Interpretation

Quickstep: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Quickstep, a poem by ASJ Tessimond, is a masterful work of art that explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of life. The poem is a marvel of structure and form, with vivid imagery and precise language that create a haunting atmosphere of beauty and melancholy. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various elements of the poem that make it a masterpiece of modern poetry.

Background Information

Born in Liverpool in 1902, ASJ Tessimond was a poet and writer who published several books of poetry during his lifetime. His work was highly regarded by his contemporaries, and his unique style and powerful imagery made him one of the most respected poets of his time. Quickstep was first published in 1941, during the height of World War II, and reflects the anxieties and uncertainties of the time.

Analysis of the Poem

Structure and Form

Quickstep consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in iambic tetrameter, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. The regularity of the poem's structure and form creates a sense of order and control, which is in contrast to the chaotic and uncertain world that it describes. The use of iambic tetrameter gives the poem a musical quality, with a rhythm that evokes the quickstep dance that the poem is named after.

Imagery

The imagery in Quickstep is vivid and powerful, creating a sense of urgency and immediacy. The opening lines of the poem describe the "drumming feet" of the dancers, which creates a sense of motion and energy. The use of the word "drumming" also suggests the militaristic context of the poem, as if the dancers are marching to the beat of a military drum.

The image of the "fugitive lights" in the second stanza is particularly striking. The use of the word "fugitive" suggests something transient and fleeting, which is reinforced by the image of the lights disappearing into the darkness. This image creates a sense of impermanence and ephemerality, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem.

Themes

The themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of life are central to Quickstep. The poem is set in a dance hall, which is a symbol of fleeting pleasure and escape from the harsh realities of life. The dancers are caught up in the moment, losing themselves in the rhythm and motion of the dance. However, the poem suggests that this momentary pleasure is ultimately futile, as the dancers will eventually grow old and die.

The image of the "hourglass" in the fourth stanza reinforces this theme of the passage of time. The hourglass is a symbol of the fleeting nature of life, with the sand running out as the dancers move to the rhythm of the dance. The image of the hourglass also suggests the inevitability of death, as time marches on regardless of our desires or fears.

Tone and Mood

The tone of Quickstep is melancholic and reflective, with a sense of nostalgia for a past that is gone forever. The poem suggests that the dance hall is a place of escape from the harsh realities of life, but this escape is ultimately illusory. The mood of the poem is haunting and bittersweet, with a sense of sadness for the transience of life.

Interpretation

Quickstep is a powerful meditation on the transience of life and the inevitability of mortality. The poem suggests that our lives are like a dance, fleeting and ephemeral, and that we must make the most of the moment before it is gone forever. The dance hall is a symbol of escape from the harsh realities of life, but the poem suggests that this escape is ultimately illusory.

The image of the hourglass is particularly powerful, suggesting that time is constantly slipping away, and that we must make the most of the time that we have. The use of the word "hourglass" also suggests that our lives are like sand slipping through our fingers, with the sand representing our time on earth.

The poem is also a commentary on the futility of war and the destructive power of human conflict. The militaristic imagery of the "drumming feet" and the reference to the "hour of the wolf" suggest that the poem is set during a time of war. The image of the dancers losing themselves in the rhythm of the dance suggests that people are seeking escape from the horrors of war, but that this escape is ultimately futile.

Conclusion

Quickstep is a masterful work of modern poetry that explores themes of mortality, the passage of time, and the ephemeral nature of life. The poem's structure and form, vivid imagery, and powerful language all contribute to its haunting and melancholic atmosphere. The poem suggests that our lives are like a dance, fleeting and ephemeral, and that we must make the most of the moment before it is gone forever.

Ultimately, Quickstep is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of living each moment to the fullest. It is a poem that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds, and its message is as relevant today as it was when it was first written. Quickstep is a true masterpiece of modern poetry, and a testament to the enduring power of the written word.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Quickstep: A Poem of Life's Fleeting Moments

A.S.J. Tessimond's Quickstep is a classic poem that captures the essence of life's fleeting moments. The poem is a celebration of life, a reminder that we should cherish every moment and make the most of our time on earth. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, imagery, and language.

The poem begins with the image of a quickstep, a fast-paced dance that requires quick movements and agility. The quickstep is a metaphor for life, which moves at a rapid pace, and we must keep up with it if we want to make the most of it. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the speaker urging us to "dance while you can" and "seize the day." The use of imperative verbs creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of living in the present and not wasting time.

The second stanza continues the theme of seizing the day, with the speaker urging us to "pluck the fruit" and "drink the wine." The use of sensory imagery creates a vivid picture of life's pleasures, reminding us that we should enjoy them while we can. The line "for time is flying" reinforces the idea that life is fleeting, and we must make the most of it before it's too late.

The third stanza takes a more reflective tone, with the speaker acknowledging that life is not always easy. The line "the road is rough" suggests that there will be challenges and obstacles along the way, but we must keep moving forward. The use of the metaphor "life's a race" emphasizes the competitive nature of life, and we must strive to succeed if we want to achieve our goals.

The fourth stanza returns to the theme of seizing the day, with the speaker urging us to "dance while you can" once again. The repetition of this phrase reinforces its importance, and the use of the metaphor "life's a song" suggests that we should enjoy the music of life while we can. The final line, "and death's the end of all," reminds us that life is finite, and we must make the most of it before it's too late.

The language of the poem is simple and direct, with short lines and clear imagery. The use of imperatives creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of living in the present. The sensory imagery creates a vivid picture of life's pleasures, reminding us that we should enjoy them while we can. The use of metaphors, such as "life's a race" and "life's a song," adds depth and complexity to the poem, highlighting the different aspects of life.

The poem's themes are universal and timeless, resonating with readers of all ages and backgrounds. The theme of seizing the day is particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world, where we are often too busy to appreciate the simple pleasures of life. The poem reminds us that life is short, and we should make the most of it while we can.

In conclusion, A.S.J. Tessimond's Quickstep is a classic poem that celebrates life's fleeting moments. The poem urges us to seize the day, enjoy life's pleasures, and keep moving forward, even in the face of challenges and obstacles. The poem's language is simple and direct, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. The poem's themes are universal and timeless, reminding us that life is short, and we should make the most of it while we can.

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