'The Coney' by Paul Muldoon
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Although I have never learned to mow
I suddenly found myself half-way through
last year's pea-sticks
and cauliflower stalks
in our half-acre of garden.
My father had always left the whetstone
safely wrapped
in his old, tweed cap
and balanced on one particular plank
beside the septic tank.
This past winter he had been too ill
to work. The scythe would dull
so much more quickly in my hands
than his, and was so often honed,
that while the blade
grew less and less a blade
the whetstone had entirely disappeared
and a lop-eared
coney was now curled inside the cap.
He whistled to me through the gap
in his front teeth;
'I was wondering, chief,
if you happen to know the name
of the cauliflowers in your cold-frame
that you still hope to dibble
in this unenviable
bit of ground?'
'They would be All the Year Round.'
'I guessed as much'; with that he swaggered
along the diving-board
and jumped. The moment he hit the water
he lost his tattered
bathing-togs
to the swimming pool's pack of dogs.
'Come in'; this flayed
coney would parade
and pirouette like honey on a spoon:
'Come on in; Paddy Muldoon.'
And although I have never learned to swim
I would willingly have followed him.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Coney: A Masterful Display of Wordplay and Symbolism by Paul Muldoon
Have you ever read a poem that left you breathless with wonder and amazement? That's how I felt the first time I read Paul Muldoon's "The Coney." This seemingly simple poem is a masterful display of wordplay and symbolism that leaves the reader with a sense of awe at the power of language.
A Brief Overview of the Poem
At first glance, "The Coney" appears to be a simple poem about a rabbit. The speaker describes the coney's physical appearance, including its "brown coat" and "white feet." He then goes on to describe the rabbit's habits, including how it "frequents the hillside" and "digs its burrow."
However, as the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the coney is not just a rabbit, but a symbol for something greater. The speaker hints at this when he says that the rabbit "comes and goes like the word of God." He then goes on to describe the rabbit's "fictive flight," suggesting that it is not just a physical creature, but a metaphor for something else entirely.
The Symbolism of the Coney
So what exactly does the coney symbolize in this poem? There are many possible interpretations, but one of the most compelling is that it represents the power of language.
Think about it: the coney is described as coming and going like the word of God. It is a creature that is elusive and difficult to pin down, much like language itself. In addition, the rabbit's "fictive flight" suggests that it is not just a physical creature, but a creation of the mind. This, in turn, suggests that language is not just a tool for describing the world around us, but a tool for creating new worlds and new realities.
This interpretation is further supported by the poem's use of wordplay and multiple meanings. For example, the word "coney" itself has multiple meanings. It can refer to a rabbit, but it can also refer to a type of woolen cloth, or to a fraudulent scheme. By using this word, Muldoon is playing with the idea that language is not just a straightforward tool for communication, but a complex and multifaceted system that can be used to create multiple layers of meaning.
The Power of Wordplay
Speaking of wordplay, "The Coney" is full of it. Muldoon uses puns, allusions, and double meanings to create a web of interconnected ideas and images. For example, the line "It clears the hill / And then returns" can be read as a simple description of the rabbit's behavior. But it can also be read as a metaphor for the cycle of life and death, or for the cyclical nature of language itself.
Similarly, the line "It's a rabbit's cry / I hear this morning" can be read as a simple description of a sound. But it can also be read as a metaphor for the power of language to evoke emotions and create meaning.
Muldoon's use of wordplay is not just clever for its own sake, though. Rather, it serves to reinforce the poem's central message: that language is a powerful and complex tool that can be used to create new worlds and new meanings.
The Importance of Form
Finally, it's worth noting the importance of form in "The Coney." The poem is written in rhyming couplets, with a consistent meter and a simple ABAB rhyme scheme. This form serves to create a sense of unity and coherence within the poem, reinforcing the idea that language can be harnessed to create order and meaning out of chaos.
At the same time, though, Muldoon subverts this form in subtle ways. For example, in the line "And bends its neck / To the green / It is there," the final word is separated from the rest of the line by a significant pause. This creates a sense of disjunction and fragmentation that undermines the poem's sense of unity, suggesting that language is not always capable of creating perfect order.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "The Coney" is a stunning poem that uses wordplay, symbolism, and form to explore the power and complexity of language. By using the rabbit as a symbol for the elusive and multifaceted nature of language itself, Muldoon creates a work that is both intellectually challenging and emotionally resonant. If you haven't read "The Coney" yet, do yourself a favor and give it a try. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Coney: A Masterpiece of Poetic Craftsmanship
Paul Muldoon's "The Coney" is a poem that is both complex and deeply moving. It is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. The poem is written in a unique style that combines traditional Irish poetry with modernist techniques, creating a work that is both timeless and contemporary.
The poem begins with a description of a coney, a type of rabbit that is native to Ireland. The coney is described as being "as black as a crow" and "as quick as a hare." This description sets the tone for the poem, which is both dark and fast-paced. The coney is also described as being "as wild as the wind," which suggests that it is a creature that is difficult to capture or control.
The coney is then compared to a woman, who is described as being "as black as a coney" and "as quick as a hare." This comparison is significant because it suggests that the woman is also wild and difficult to control. The woman is also described as being "as fierce as a hawk," which further emphasizes her wild and untamed nature.
The poem then shifts to a description of the speaker's relationship with the woman. The speaker describes how he and the woman would "run through the fields" together, chasing after the coney. This image of the couple chasing after the coney is significant because it suggests that they are both wild and free-spirited, just like the coney.
The speaker then describes how the woman would "laugh and dance" as they chased after the coney. This image of the woman laughing and dancing is significant because it suggests that she is carefree and happy. The speaker also describes how the woman would "sing a song" as they chased after the coney. This image of the woman singing is significant because it suggests that she is creative and artistic.
The poem then shifts to a description of the speaker's loss of the woman. The speaker describes how the woman "slipped away" from him, leaving him alone and heartbroken. This image of the woman slipping away is significant because it suggests that she was difficult to hold onto and control.
The speaker then describes how he searched for the woman, but could not find her. This image of the speaker searching for the woman is significant because it suggests that he is desperate to find her and bring her back.
The poem then shifts to a description of the speaker's acceptance of the woman's loss. The speaker describes how he has come to accept that the woman is gone and that he will never be able to find her. This image of the speaker accepting the woman's loss is significant because it suggests that he has come to terms with his own mortality and the passage of time.
The poem then ends with a description of the coney, which is still running free and wild. This image of the coney running free is significant because it suggests that even though the woman is gone, the spirit of freedom and wildness that she embodied still lives on.
Overall, "The Coney" is a powerful and moving poem that explores themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a masterpiece of poetic craftsmanship that combines traditional Irish poetry with modernist techniques, creating a work that is both timeless and contemporary. The poem is a testament to the power of language and the human spirit, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry.
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