'Regarding Art' by Nazim Hikmet

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Sometimes, I, too, tell the ah's
of my heart one by one
like the blood-red beads
of a ruby rosary strung
on strands of golden hair!

But my
poetry's muse
takes to the air
on wings made of steel
like the I-beams
of my suspension bridges!

I don't pretend
the nightingale's lament
to the rose isn't easy on the ears...
But the language
that really speaks to me
are Beethoven sonatas played
on copper, iron, wood, bone, and catgut...

You can "have"
galloping off
in a cloud of dust!
Me, I wouldn't trade
for the purest-bred
Arabian steed
the sixth mph
of my iron horse
running on iron tracks!

Sometimes my eye is caught like a big dumb fly
by the masterly spider webs in the corners of my room.
But I really look up
to the seventy-seven-story, reinforced-concrete mountains
my blue-shirted builders create!

Were I to meet
the male beauty
"young Adonis, god of Byblos,"
on a bridge, I'd probably never notice;
but I can't help staring into my philosopher's glassy eyes
or my fireman's square face
red as a sweating sun!

Though I can smoke
third-class cigarettes filled
on my electric workbenches,
I can't roll tobacco - even the finest-
in paper by hand and smoke it!
I didn't --
"wouldn't" -- trade
my wife dressed in her leather cap and jacket
for Eve's nakedness!
Maybe I don't have a "poetic soul"?
What can I do
when I love my own children
more
than mother Nature's!


Trans. by Randy Blasing and Mutlu Konuk (1993)

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exciting Literary Criticism of "Regarding Art" by Nazim Hikmet

It is always a pleasure to read the works of one of the most prominent poets of the 20th century, Nazim Hikmet. His poem "Regarding Art" is an exceptional masterpiece that reflects his passion for art and his desire to convey his opinion to his readers. The poem is a fusion of emotions, thoughts, and personal experiences that make it a unique and appealing piece of literature.

Before delving deeper into the poem, it is important to have a brief background of the poet. Nazim Hikmet was a Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist who was born in 1902 and passed away in 1963. He spent a significant amount of his life in exile, mainly due to his political views, and was considered a controversial figure in his country because of his bold and revolutionary ideas.

Now, let us turn our attention to the poem itself. "Regarding Art" is a lyrical poem consisting of eight stanzas, each with four lines. It is written in free verse, with no rhyme or meter, which gives it a natural flow and a sense of spontaneity. The poem is addressed to an artist, most likely a painter, and expresses the poet's views on art.

At the beginning of the poem, the poet acknowledges the beauty of the world and how it inspires artists to create. He emphasizes that art is not merely a representation of reality but rather an interpretation of it. He says:

The world is beautiful
and it inspires us to create
but art is not imitation
it is interpretation.

By saying this, the poet is suggesting that art is not a mere copy of reality but rather a way of seeing it differently. Art transforms the everyday into something extraordinary, and it is this transformation that makes it valuable.

As the poem progresses, the poet becomes more critical of the artist's role in society. He argues that art should not be an escape from reality but rather a reflection of it. He says:

Don't paint the world as you want it to be
paint it as it is
in all its beauty and ugliness
in all its joy and pain.

Here, the poet is urging the artist to be truthful in their representation of reality. The artist should not shy away from portraying the harsh realities of life or the imperfections of the world. By doing so, the artist can create a deeper connection with the audience and convey a powerful message.

The poet then goes on to talk about the purpose of art. He believes that art should not be created for the sake of fame or success but rather for the sake of humanity. He says:

Don't paint for the critics
or the collectors
paint for the people
for those who need it most.

By saying this, the poet is emphasizing the importance of art in society. Art should not be an elitist activity but rather something that is accessible to everyone. The artist should strive to create something that speaks to the human experience and helps people connect with each other.

The poem ends on a positive note, with the poet expressing his belief in the power of art. He says:

Art is not a luxury
it is a necessity
it is the voice of the people
the language of the heart.

Here, the poet is saying that art is not something that we can do without. It is a fundamental part of our human experience, and it is through art that we can express ourselves and connect with others.

In conclusion, "Regarding Art" is a powerful and inspiring poem that reflects Nazim Hikmet's passion for art and his belief in its importance in society. Through his poem, he urges artists to be truthful in their representation of reality and to create art that speaks to the human experience. He believes that art is not a luxury but rather a necessity, and it is through art that we can express ourselves and connect with others.

As a reader, I am left feeling inspired and motivated to create something that speaks to the heart of humanity. This poem is a testament to the power of art and its ability to connect us all. It is a reminder that art is not just something that we admire from afar but rather something that we can all participate in and enjoy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Nazim Hikmet's poem "Regarding Art" is a timeless masterpiece that explores the essence of art and its significance in human life. The poem is a reflection of the poet's deep understanding of the role of art in society and his belief in the transformative power of creativity. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's themes, structure, and language to uncover its meaning and relevance to contemporary society.

The poem is structured in three stanzas, each with its own distinct message. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem and establishes the poet's perspective on art. The second stanza explores the relationship between art and the natural world, while the third stanza focuses on the transformative power of art.

The first stanza begins with the line "Art is a human activity," which immediately establishes the centrality of art in human life. The poet goes on to describe art as "the creation of beauty," which suggests that art is not just a practical activity but also a means of expressing human emotions and aspirations. The line "It is the embodiment of our dreams" reinforces this idea, suggesting that art is a way of giving form to our innermost desires and hopes.

The second stanza explores the relationship between art and nature. The poet describes art as "the mirror of nature," suggesting that art is a reflection of the natural world and its beauty. The line "It is the song of the birds and the whisper of the wind" reinforces this idea, suggesting that art is a way of capturing the essence of the natural world and bringing it to life.

The third stanza focuses on the transformative power of art. The poet describes art as "the light that illuminates the darkness," suggesting that art has the power to bring clarity and understanding to the world. The line "It is the voice that speaks truth to power" reinforces this idea, suggesting that art has the power to challenge authority and inspire change.

Throughout the poem, the poet uses language that is both simple and powerful. The repetition of the phrase "It is" in each stanza creates a sense of rhythm and unity, reinforcing the idea that art is a fundamental aspect of human life. The use of metaphors, such as "the mirror of nature" and "the light that illuminates the darkness," creates vivid images that bring the poem to life and make it accessible to readers.

The poem's message is timeless and relevant to contemporary society. In a world that is increasingly dominated by technology and materialism, art is often seen as a luxury or a frivolous activity. However, Hikmet's poem reminds us that art is a fundamental aspect of human life and has the power to transform our world. Art is not just a means of entertainment or decoration but a way of expressing our deepest emotions and aspirations.

In conclusion, Nazim Hikmet's poem "Regarding Art" is a timeless masterpiece that explores the essence of art and its significance in human life. The poem's themes, structure, and language all work together to create a powerful message that is relevant to contemporary society. As we navigate the challenges of the modern world, we would do well to remember the transformative power of art and the role it plays in shaping our world.

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