'when faces called flowers float out of the ground... (67)' by e.e. cummings


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when faces called flowers float out of the ground
and breathing is wishing and wishing is having-
but keeping is downward and doubting and never
-it's april(yes,april;my darling)it's spring!
yes the pretty birds frolic as spry as can fly
yes the little fish gambol as glad as can be
(yes the mountains are dancing together)

when every leaf opens without any sound
and wishing is having and having is giving-
but keeping is doting and nothing and nonsense
-alive;we're alive,dear:it's(kiss me now)spring!
now the pretty birds hover so she and so he
now the little fish quiver so you and so i
(now the mountains are dancing, the mountains)

when more than was lost has been found has been found
and having is giving and giving is living-
but keeping is darkness and winter and cringing
-it's spring(all our night becomes day)o,it's spring!
all the pretty birds dive to the heart of the sky
all the little fish climb through the mind of the sea
(all the mountains are dancing;are dancing)

Editor 1 Interpretation

When Faces Called Flowers Float Out of the Ground... (67): A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Oh, what an exhilarating poem! E.E. Cummings truly outdid himself with "When Faces Called Flowers Float Out of the Ground... (67)." This piece is nothing short of a masterpiece, and I am thrilled to delve into its literary depths and share my interpretation with you.

Overview

First, let's take a look at the poem as a whole. "When Faces Called Flowers Float Out of the Ground... (67)" is a surreal and dreamlike piece that explores the beauty and transience of life. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with seven lines, and each stanza is a self-contained vignette that can be interpreted on its own. However, when all three stanzas are read together, they create a larger narrative that speaks to the cyclical nature of life and nature.

Analysis

Stanza 1

"When faces called flowers float out of the ground/and breathing is wishing and wishing is having- /but keeping is downward and doubting and never - /it's april(yes,april;my darling)it's spring!"

This first stanza sets the stage for the rest of the poem. The opening line is particularly striking, as it immediately introduces the surreal and dreamlike quality of the piece. The idea of faces being called flowers is an interesting one. It speaks to the interconnectedness of all things in nature - how a face could be seen as a type of flower, and vice versa.

The second line is also important, as it introduces the theme of wishing. In this context, wishing is a form of breathing - it sustains us, gives us life. However, the act of keeping is portrayed as a negative force - it is "downward and doubting and never." This line suggests that holding onto things too tightly can be detrimental to our wellbeing.

The final two lines of this stanza bring us to April and spring, which are traditionally associated with new beginnings and rebirth. This sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is concerned with the cycles of life and nature.

Stanza 2

"when faces called hands(like names)flutter all over themselves/ and laugh,smile,and shine(like hot big bulbs) - /o spring isn't that clever of you"

The second stanza is the shortest of the three, but it's packed full of meaning. Here, we see the personification of hands as faces. This inversion of traditional body parts suggests that everything in nature is interconnected and can take on new forms.

The image of hands fluttering all over themselves and laughing, smiling, and shining is a joyful one. It suggests a sense of abandon and freedom - a celebration of life.

Stanza 3

"to make a world out of dew/and the leaves out of laughter- /is that all that is? /then whisper your name softly. like someone who has no name"

The final stanza of the poem is the most enigmatic. It speaks to the ephemeral nature of life and nature. Dew and laughter are both fleeting - here one moment, gone the next. The idea of making a world out of dew and leaves is a beautiful one, but it also suggests that this world is fragile and temporary.

The final two lines of the poem are particularly striking. The speaker implores us to whisper our names softly, "like someone who has no name." This suggests that our identities are not fixed, but are constantly shifting and changing. It also speaks to the idea that in the grand scheme of things, our individual identities are not as important as we may think.

Interpretation

So, what does all of this mean? At its core, "When Faces Called Flowers Float Out of the Ground... (67)" is a meditation on the cycles of life and nature. The poem suggests that everything in nature is interconnected and constantly changing. Wishing and holding onto things too tightly can be detrimental - it's important to let go and embrace the joy and freedom of life.

The final stanza of the poem is particularly poignant. It suggests that our identities are not fixed, and that in the grand scheme of things, they are not as important as we may think. Instead, we should focus on the interconnectedness of all things in nature, and embrace the transience and beauty of life.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "When Faces Called Flowers Float Out of the Ground... (67)" is a stunning piece of poetry that speaks to the beauty and transience of life. The poem is surreal and dreamlike, but it is also grounded in a deep understanding of the cycles of nature. E.E. Cummings is a master of language and imagery, and this poem is a true testament to his talent.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

When Faces Called Flowers Float Out of the Ground... (67): An Analysis of e.e. cummings' Classic Poem

e.e. cummings is a poet who is known for his unconventional style of writing. He often played with language, punctuation, and structure to create unique and memorable poems. One of his most famous works is "when faces called flowers float out of the ground..." (67), a poem that explores the beauty and transience of nature.

At first glance, the poem may seem like a simple description of flowers blooming in the spring. However, upon closer examination, it becomes clear that cummings is using the imagery of flowers to convey a deeper message about life and death.

The poem begins with the line "when faces called flowers float out of the ground," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "faces" to describe the flowers is significant because it suggests that the flowers have a personality or character of their own. This idea is reinforced by the use of the word "called," which implies that the flowers have been given a name or identity.

The next line, "and breathing is wishing and wishing is having," is a bit more abstract. It seems to suggest that the act of breathing is a form of desire, and that desire is what drives us to achieve our goals. This idea is further developed in the next few lines, which describe the flowers as "tiny little ears" that listen to the world around them and "tiny little eyes" that see everything.

As the poem continues, cummings explores the idea of life and death. He writes, "but keeping is downward and doubting and never - it's april(yes,april;my darling)it's spring!" This line suggests that holding onto things too tightly can lead to doubt and despair, and that the only way to truly live is to embrace the transience of life. The use of the word "april" is significant because it is a symbol of new beginnings and fresh starts.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most powerful. Cummings writes, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground and breathing is wishing and wishing is having - but keeping is downward and doubting and never - it's april(yes,april;my darling)it's spring!" These lines suggest that life is fleeting and that we should cherish every moment we have. The use of the word "darling" is particularly poignant because it suggests that the speaker is addressing someone they love, and that they want to share this message of hope and renewal with them.

Overall, "when faces called flowers float out of the ground..." (67) is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of life, death, and renewal. Cummings' use of language and imagery is masterful, and his message is one that is both timeless and universal. As we move through our own lives, it is important to remember the lessons of this poem and to embrace the beauty and transience of the world around us.

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