'Poetry For Supper' by R.S. Thomas
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'Listen, now, verse should be as natural
As the small tuber that feeds on muck
And grows slowly from obtuse soil
To the white flower of immortal beauty.'
'Natural, hell! What was it Chaucer
Said once about the long toil
That goes like blood to the poem's making?
Leave it to nature and the verse sprawls,
Limp as bindweed, if it break at all
Life's iron crust. Man, you must sweat
And rhyme your guts taut, if you'd build
Your verse a ladder.'
'You speak as though
No sunlight ever surprised the mind
Groping on its cloudy path.'
'Sunlight's a thing that needs a window
Before it enter a dark room.
Windows don't happen.'
So two old poets,
Hunched at their beer in the low haze
Of an inn parlour, while the talk ran
Noisily by them, glib with prose.
Submitted by Andrew Mayers
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry For Supper: A Masterpiece of Welsh Literature
R.S. Thomas' "Poetry For Supper" is a masterpiece of Welsh literature that offers a profound insight into the human condition. This poem, which was written in 1954, captures the essence of Welsh culture through its vivid imagery and language, and it touches on themes such as the struggle for identity, the search for meaning, and the power of poetry to heal and transform.
The Poem
The poem tells the story of a Welsh farmer who is visited by a stranger one evening. The stranger, who turns out to be a poet, asks the farmer for shelter and a meal. The farmer agrees to the request, and after supper, the poet recites a poem to the farmer in Welsh. The poem speaks of the beauty of the Welsh landscape, the hardships of life, and the need for hope and perseverance. The farmer is deeply moved by the poem and realizes its power to inspire and uplift.
The Themes
One of the central themes of the poem is the struggle for identity. The Welsh farmer, like many in his community, has been marginalized and oppressed by the dominant English culture. He is proud of his Welsh heritage, but he feels like an outsider in his own country. The arrival of the poet, who speaks Welsh and celebrates Welsh culture, gives the farmer a sense of belonging and validation. Through the poet's words, the farmer is able to affirm his own identity and connect with his community.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the search for meaning. The farmer, who leads a simple and hard life, wonders about the purpose of his existence. He finds some answers in the poet's poem, which speaks of the beauty of the natural world and the resilience of the human spirit. The poem suggests that even in the face of hardship and suffering, there is hope and possibility.
A third theme that is explored in the poem is the power of poetry to heal and transform. The farmer, who is initially skeptical of the poet's abilities, is deeply moved by his recitation. The poem has a cathartic effect on the farmer, allowing him to release his emotions and connect with his innermost self. The poem also transforms the farmer's perspective on life, giving him a new sense of purpose and direction.
The Language and Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its language and imagery. R.S. Thomas was a master of the Welsh language, and he uses it to great effect in this poem. The poem is rich with vivid descriptions of the Welsh landscape, the sounds and smells of the farm, and the emotions of the characters. The language is both lyrical and authentic, evoking a sense of place and culture that is uniquely Welsh.
The imagery in the poem is also powerful and evocative. The poet uses images such as the "flame of the candle" and the "cold stars" to convey the contrast between warmth and cold, light and darkness. He also uses images such as the "deep well of silence" and the "black pool of sleep" to suggest the depth of the human experience. The imagery in the poem is both sensory and symbolic, inviting the reader to engage with the themes and emotions of the poem on a deep level.
The Poet's Perspective
The poem is also notable for the perspective of the poet. R.S. Thomas was a Welsh nationalist and a strong advocate for the preservation of Welsh language and culture. His poetry often reflects his political and social views, and "Poetry For Supper" is no exception. The poem celebrates Welsh culture and language, and it suggests that poetry has the power to unite and inspire a marginalized community.
At the same time, the poem is also universal in its themes and messages. The struggle for identity, the search for meaning, and the power of poetry to heal and transform are all topics that resonate with people from all cultures and backgrounds. The poem invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences and to consider the role that poetry and art can play in their lives.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Poetry For Supper" is a masterpiece of Welsh literature that speaks to the human condition in profound and meaningful ways. Through its vivid language, powerful imagery, and universal themes, the poem invites the reader to engage with the struggle for identity, the search for meaning, and the power of poetry to heal and transform. R.S. Thomas was a master of his craft, and this poem stands as a testament to his skill and vision. If you haven't read "Poetry For Supper" yet, I highly recommend that you do. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry for Supper: A Masterpiece of R.S. Thomas
Poetry is the language of the soul, and R.S. Thomas, the Welsh poet, has beautifully captured the essence of poetry in his masterpiece, "Poetry for Supper." This poem is a reflection of the poet's deep understanding of the human condition and his ability to convey complex emotions through simple yet powerful words.
The poem begins with the speaker describing a scene where a group of people is gathered around a table, sharing a meal. The speaker, who is also the poet, is invited to join them, but he declines, saying that he has "poetry for supper." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that poetry is more nourishing than food.
The second stanza of the poem is where the poet begins to explore the power of poetry. He describes how poetry can transport us to different places and times, and how it can make us feel emotions that we may not have experienced before. The line "I have eaten poetry" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that poetry is not just something that we read or listen to, but something that we consume and digest.
The third stanza of the poem is where the poet begins to delve deeper into the human condition. He describes how poetry can help us to understand ourselves and others better, and how it can give us a sense of purpose and meaning in life. The line "I have found no peace" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the poet is still searching for something, even though he has found solace in poetry.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the poet begins to explore the darker side of poetry. He describes how poetry can be a source of pain and suffering, and how it can expose us to the harsh realities of life. The line "I have been bitter with everyone" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the poet has experienced a great deal of pain and suffering in his life.
The final stanza of the poem is where the poet brings everything together. He describes how poetry can be both a source of joy and a source of pain, and how it can help us to navigate the complexities of life. The line "I have been a word" is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the poet sees himself as a vessel for poetry, rather than as the creator of it.
Overall, "Poetry for Supper" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a reflection of the human condition, and it explores the power of poetry to nourish, inspire, and challenge us. The poem is beautifully written, with simple yet powerful language that captures the essence of poetry. It is a testament to the power of words, and to the enduring legacy of R.S. Thomas as one of the greatest poets of the 20th century.
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