'when hair falls off and eyes blur And... (L)' by e.e. cummings
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when hair falls off and eyes blur And
thighs forget(when clocks whisper
and night shouts)When minds
shrivel and hearts grow brittler every
Instant(when of a morning Memory stands,
with clumsily wilted fingers
emptying youth colour and what was
into a dirtied glass)Pills for Ills
(a recipe against Laughing Virginity Death)
then dearest the
way trees are made leaves
open Clouds take sun mountains
stand And oceans do Not sleep matters
nothing;then(then the only hands so to speak are
they always which creep budgingly over some
numbered face capable of a largest nonglance the
least unsmile
or whatever weeds feel and fish think of)
Editor 1 Interpretation
When Hair Falls Off and Eyes Blur And... (L): A Deeper Look into e.e. cummings' Classic Poem
If there is one thing e.e. cummings is known for, it's his unconventional approach to poetry. A master of syntax and punctuation, cummings has always been a poet who defies traditional rules and forms. And "When Hair Falls Off and Eyes Blur And... (L)" is no exception.
At first glance, this poem may seem like a musing on aging and the inevitability of death. But as you dive deeper into the poem, you'll find that there is much more to it than that. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll explore the themes, literary devices, and deeper meanings behind this classic cummings poem.
The Poem: A Closer Look
Here is the poem in its entirety:
when hair falls off and eyes blur And
sorrow grows in the heart of the brave
And no one knows where the yellow bird flies
But what of it?
Spring comes and the grass grows by itself.
The first thing you may notice about this poem is its lack of capitalization and punctuation. This is a hallmark of cummings' style, and it serves to break down traditional barriers and create a more free-flowing, natural rhythm. But what does the poem actually mean?
Theme: The Inevitability of Death and the Transience of Life
One of the most obvious themes in "When Hair Falls Off and Eyes Blur And... (L)" is the inevitability of death and the transience of life. The opening lines suggest a sense of loss and decline:
when hair falls off and eyes blur
And sorrow grows in the heart of the brave
The hair falling off and the eyes blurring are both physical signs of aging and decline. The sorrow growing in the heart of the brave suggests that even the strongest among us cannot escape the ravages of time.
But cummings doesn't dwell on this sense of loss and decline for long. Instead, he shifts the focus to something more positive:
And no one knows where the yellow bird flies
But what of it?
These lines suggest a sense of wonder and mystery. No one knows where the yellow bird flies, but that doesn't mean we can't appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Literary Devices: Syntax and Punctuation
One of the most striking things about cummings' poetry is his use of syntax and punctuation. In "When Hair Falls Off and Eyes Blur And... (L)," he uses both to great effect.
The lack of punctuation creates a sense of flow and fluidity in the poem. The lines seem to run together, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere. The lack of capitalization also serves to unify the poem, suggesting that everything is interconnected and part of a larger whole.
But cummings doesn't just abandon punctuation altogether. He uses it selectively to create emphasis and to guide the reader's attention. For example, the capitalization of "And" suggests that it is an important word, and the lack of a period at the end of the first line creates a sense of continuation and fluidity.
Deeper Meanings: Finding Beauty in the Transient
The final two lines of the poem are perhaps the most enigmatic:
Spring comes and the grass grows by itself.
On the surface, these lines suggest a sense of renewal and growth. But there is also a deeper meaning here. The grass grows by itself, suggesting that nature has its own rhythms and cycles that are beyond our control. And yet, there is beauty to be found in this transience.
This idea of finding beauty in the transient is a common theme in cummings' poetry. He often celebrates the fleeting moments of life, suggesting that they are just as important as the grander, more significant moments.
Conclusion: The Power of e.e. cummings' Poetry
"when hair falls off and eyes blur And... (L)" is a prime example of e.e. cummings' unique approach to poetry. Through his use of syntax, punctuation, and themes, cummings creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that celebrates the transience of life and the beauty to be found in the fleeting moments.
This poem is a reminder that poetry doesn't have to be rigid and structured. It can be free-flowing and unconventional, breaking down traditional barriers and creating something new and exciting. And that is the power of e.e. cummings' poetry - it challenges us to see the world in a different way, to find beauty in the unexpected, and to approach life with a sense of wonder and curiosity.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
When Hair Falls Off and Eyes Blur And... (L): An Analysis of e.e. cummings' Classic Poem
e.e. cummings is known for his unique style of poetry, characterized by his use of unconventional syntax, punctuation, and capitalization. His poem, "when hair falls off and eyes blur And... (L)," is no exception. In this poem, cummings explores the theme of aging and the inevitability of death. Through his use of language and imagery, cummings creates a powerful and poignant meditation on the human condition.
The poem begins with the line, "when hair falls off and eyes blur." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as cummings immediately establishes the theme of aging and the physical decay that comes with it. The use of the word "when" suggests that this process is inevitable and will happen to everyone. The image of hair falling off and eyes blurring is a powerful one, as it represents the loss of youth and vitality. The use of the word "And" in the title suggests that there is more to come, that this is just the beginning of a larger meditation on the human condition.
The next line of the poem reads, "the mind's bright eye can no longer see." Here, cummings continues to explore the theme of aging, but he also introduces the idea of the mind's eye. This is a common metaphor in literature, referring to the imagination or the ability to visualize things in one's mind. The fact that the mind's eye can no longer see suggests that the aging process affects not only the physical body but also the mind and spirit.
The third line of the poem reads, "the heart's warm hand can no longer hold." This line is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the aging process not only affects the individual but also those around them. The heart's warm hand represents the ability to love and connect with others, and the fact that it can no longer hold suggests that the aging process can lead to isolation and loneliness.
The next line of the poem reads, "the lips' red mouth can no longer kiss." This line continues to explore the theme of physical decay, but it also introduces the idea of intimacy and connection. The lips' red mouth represents the ability to express love and desire, and the fact that it can no longer kiss suggests that the aging process can lead to a loss of intimacy and connection with others.
The final line of the poem reads, "then, and only then, will I be old." This line is a powerful conclusion to the poem, as it suggests that aging is not just a physical process but also a mental and emotional one. The fact that the speaker will only be old when all of these things have happened suggests that aging is a holistic process that affects every aspect of one's being.
Overall, "when hair falls off and eyes blur And... (L)" is a powerful and poignant meditation on the human condition. Through his use of language and imagery, cummings explores the theme of aging and the inevitability of death. The poem is a reminder that we are all mortal and that the aging process affects not only our physical bodies but also our minds and spirits. It is a call to embrace life and to cherish the connections we have with others, for they are what truly make life worth living.
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