'I Held A Shelley Manuscript' by Gregory Corso
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My hands did numb to beauty
as they reached into Death and tightened!
O sovereign was my touch
upon the tan-inks's fragile page!
Quickly, my eyes moved quickly,
sought for smell for dust for lace
for dry hair!
I would have taken the page
breathing in the crime!
For no evidence have I wrung from dreams--
yet what triumph is there in private credence?
Often, in some steep ancestral book,
when I find myself entangled with leopard-apples
and torched-skin mushrooms,
my cypressean skein outreaches the recorded age
and I, as though tipping a pitcher of milk,
pour secrecy upon the dying page.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"I Held A Shelley Manuscript": A Literary Criticism
Oh, what a joy it is to read and interpret Gregory Corso's "I Held A Shelley Manuscript"! This classic poem, published in 1958, is a testament to the beauty and power of poetry. Through his vivid descriptions, Corso takes us on a journey that transcends time and space, and allows us to experience the magic of a literary masterpiece.
The Poem: A Brief Overview
"I Held A Shelley Manuscript" is a poem that describes the experience of holding a manuscript written by Percy Bysshe Shelley, one of the greatest poets of the Romantic era. Corso had the opportunity to hold this manuscript in his hands, and his poem is a response to that experience. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of Corso's encounter with the manuscript.
The First Stanza: The Physicality of the Manuscript
In the first stanza, Corso describes the physicality of the manuscript. He begins by telling us that the manuscript is "fragile" and "yellowed with age". He then goes on to describe its "fine and beautiful handwriting" and its "thinness and lightness".
Through these descriptions, Corso emphasizes the fragility and delicacy of the manuscript, as well as its historical significance. He is in awe of the fact that he is holding a piece of literary history in his hands, and his reverence for the manuscript is evident in his language.
The Second Stanza: Shelley's Words
In the second stanza, Corso turns his attention to Shelley's words. He tells us that the manuscript contains "words more delicate than butterfly wings". He then goes on to describe the beauty and power of Shelley's poetry:
I read them and knew
The living soul of man once penned these words.
Through these lines, Corso conveys the idea that Shelley's words are not just beautiful, but also infused with a deep humanity. He is moved by the fact that he is holding something that was once touched by Shelley himself, and his language becomes even more passionate as he reflects on the power of poetry.
The Third Stanza: The Universality of Poetry
In the third stanza, Corso reflects on the universality of poetry. He tells us that "poetry is eternal graffiti written in the heart of everyone". He then goes on to describe how the words of Shelley, and all great poets, transcend time and space:
And now I see the sunsets
And now I see the sunrises
And now I hear the singing of birds
And now I hear the sighing of trees
And now I smell the fragrance of flowers
Through these lines, Corso suggests that poetry allows us to experience the world in a new and profound way. By reading Shelley's words, he is able to connect with the natural world in a way that transcends time and space. He is also suggesting that poetry is a universal language that speaks to the human experience, regardless of cultural or historical context.
Interpretation
"I Held A Shelley Manuscript" is a poem that is both simple and profound. On the surface, it is a description of an experience that Corso had while holding a manuscript written by Shelley. But on a deeper level, it is a meditation on the power of poetry and its ability to connect us with the world around us.
Through his language, Corso conveys a deep reverence for Shelley's words, and for the power of poetry in general. He suggests that poetry is more than just a collection of beautiful words; it is a way of experiencing the world in a new and profound way. He also suggests that poetry is a universal language that speaks to the human experience, regardless of cultural or historical context.
Conclusion
"I Held A Shelley Manuscript" is a poem that stands the test of time. Its simple language and powerful imagery make it accessible to readers of all ages and backgrounds, while its underlying message about the power of poetry is timeless. For anyone who has ever held a book or manuscript written by a great author, this poem will resonate deeply. It is a reminder that literature is not just a collection of words on a page, but a way of connecting with the world around us.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
I Held A Shelley Manuscript: A Poem of Literary Obsession
Gregory Corso’s “I Held A Shelley Manuscript” is a poem that speaks to the heart of literary obsession. It is a poem that captures the essence of what it means to be a writer, a reader, and a lover of literature. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language of this classic poem.
The poem begins with the speaker describing his experience of holding a manuscript written by the famous poet Percy Bysshe Shelley. The speaker is in awe of the manuscript, and he describes it in vivid detail. He talks about the “yellowed pages” and the “faded ink” that make up the manuscript. He also describes the handwriting as “spidery” and “delicate,” which gives the manuscript a sense of fragility and importance.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for what is to come. It is a tone of reverence and awe, as the speaker describes the manuscript as a “holy relic.” This sets up the idea that the manuscript is not just a piece of paper with words on it, but something much more significant. It is a piece of history, a connection to the past, and a symbol of the power of literature.
The second stanza of the poem takes a turn, as the speaker begins to describe his own feelings about the manuscript. He talks about how he feels as if he is “holding Shelley’s hand.” This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the manuscript is not just a piece of paper, but a direct connection to the poet himself. The speaker is able to feel the presence of Shelley through the manuscript, and this is a testament to the power of literature to transcend time and space.
The third stanza of the poem is where the obsession begins to take hold. The speaker talks about how he wants to “possess” the manuscript, to “own” it, and to “keep it forever.” This is a common feeling among book lovers and collectors, the desire to possess something that is rare and valuable. However, the speaker takes this desire to an extreme, as he talks about how he would “kill” for the manuscript. This is a shocking image, and it suggests that the speaker’s obsession has gone too far.
The fourth stanza of the poem is where the speaker’s obsession reaches its peak. He talks about how he wants to “become” Shelley, to “live in his skin,” and to “be him.” This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the speaker is not just interested in the manuscript, but in the poet himself. He wants to be a part of Shelley’s world, to experience his life and his art firsthand. This is a common feeling among literary enthusiasts, the desire to connect with the authors they admire. However, the speaker takes this desire to an extreme, as he talks about how he would “die” to be Shelley. This is a disturbing image, and it suggests that the speaker’s obsession has become dangerous.
The final stanza of the poem is where the speaker comes to a realization about his obsession. He talks about how he has “lost” himself in his love for Shelley, and how he has become “nothing” without the manuscript. This is a powerful image, as it suggests that the speaker’s obsession has consumed him completely. He has lost touch with reality, and he has become a slave to his own desires. However, the speaker also suggests that this is a necessary sacrifice, as he talks about how he has “found” himself in his love for Shelley. This is a paradoxical statement, as it suggests that the speaker has both lost and found himself in his obsession.
In conclusion, “I Held A Shelley Manuscript” is a poem that speaks to the heart of literary obsession. It is a poem that captures the essence of what it means to be a writer, a reader, and a lover of literature. The poem is filled with powerful imagery and language, and it takes the reader on a journey through the mind of an obsessed literary enthusiast. The poem is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, to connect, and to consume. It is a poem that will resonate with anyone who has ever felt the pull of a great book or a great author.
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