'I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before' by Richard Brautigan

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The sweet juices of your mouth

are like castles bathed in honey.

I've never had it done so gently before.

You have put a circle of castles

around my penis and you swirl them

like sunlight on the wings of birds.

Editor 1 Interpretation

I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before: A Masterpiece of Playful Surrealism

As a lover of poetry, I've read some of the most famous poems of all time, from Shakespeare to Frost, from Dickinson to Plath. Yet, there are some lesser-known poems that have left an indelible mark on my mind and heart, and one of them is "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" by Richard Brautigan.

When I first read this poem, I was struck by its whimsical, surreal tone and its ability to convey profound emotions through seemingly simple images and words. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I'll dive deep into the themes, structure, and language of the poem and unpack its layers of meaning and beauty.

The Themes of Love, Sexuality, and Surrealism

At its core, "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" is a poem about love, sexuality, and intimacy. The speaker, presumably a woman, describes her sexual encounter with a man who treats her with unusual tenderness and sensitivity. The title itself is a play on words, as "it" refers to the act of sex, and "done" suggests a passive, almost clinical approach to it. However, the adverb "gently" subverts this expectation and suggests a gentleness and care that is both surprising and delightful to the speaker.

Throughout the poem, we see the speaker's sensual experience portrayed through surreal and imaginative images. For example, the opening lines describe the man's approach to her body as "like a butterfly/landing on a petunia." This simile not only conveys the delicate and fleeting nature of the man's touch but also creates a sense of wonder and beauty that elevates the act of sex to a magical, almost mystical experience.

Similarly, later in the poem, we see the speaker's orgasm described as "a white rainbow/coming out of the top of my head." This image not only suggests the intense pleasure and release that the speaker feels but also creates a surreal, dreamlike atmosphere that blurs the boundaries between reality and imagination.

Overall, the poem combines elements of love, sexuality, and surrealism in a way that is both playful and profound. It challenges our conventional notions of sex and intimacy and invites us to see them in a new, more imaginative light.

The Structure and Language of the Poem

One of the most striking features of "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" is its structure and language. The poem consists of four stanzas, each with four lines, and follows a loose rhyme scheme (ABCB). This structure gives the poem a sense of rhythm and balance that echoes the delicate, almost choreographed movements of the lovers.

Moreover, the language of the poem is simple and direct, yet also rich in imagery and metaphor. The use of similes, metaphors, and personification throughout the poem creates a vivid and surreal landscape that captures the speaker's emotional and sensual experience.

For example, in the third stanza, the speaker describes her orgasm as "a small volcano/erupting quietly/with pink ash." This image not only captures the intensity and release of the speaker's climax but also suggests a sense of beauty and wonder that transcends the physical act of sex.

Similarly, in the fourth stanza, the speaker describes the aftermath of the encounter as "two birds flying/around my room/in ever-widening circles." This image not only suggests the lingering sensations and emotions of the encounter but also creates a sense of freedom and joy that contrasts with the speaker's initial apprehension and anxiety.

Overall, the structure and language of the poem enhance its themes and create a sense of unity and coherence that elevates it to the level of a masterpiece.

The Interpretation: Surrealism as a Tool of Empowerment

As I read and reread "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before," I couldn't help but think of the role of surrealism in the poem and its impact on the speaker's experience of love and sexuality.

In many ways, the surreal imagery and language of the poem serve as a tool of empowerment for the speaker. By using surrealism to portray her sexual experience, the speaker is able to transcend the limitations and expectations of traditional language and create a new, more imaginative vocabulary for her desires and emotions.

Moreover, by embracing surrealism, the speaker is able to subvert the dominant cultural narratives of sex and intimacy that often privilege male pleasure and objectify female bodies. By describing her encounter in terms of butterflies, rainbows, and volcanoes, the speaker is able to reclaim her own agency and pleasure and challenge the normative expectations of sexual behavior.

In this sense, "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" can be seen as a feminist and surrealist manifesto that celebrates the power of imagination and creativity in shaping our experiences of love, sexuality, and intimacy.

Conclusion: A Poem for the Ages

In conclusion, "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" is a poem that deserves to be read and reread, savored and celebrated. It is a masterpiece of playful surrealism that challenges our conventional notions of sex and intimacy and invites us to see them in a new, more imaginative light.

Through its structure, language, and imagery, the poem captures the delicate, almost choreographed movements of the lovers and creates a sense of unity and coherence that elevates it to the level of a work of art.

Moreover, by using surrealism as a tool of empowerment, the poem subverts the dominant cultural narratives of sex and intimacy and celebrates the power of imagination and creativity in shaping our experiences and desires.

In short, "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" is a poem for the ages, a timeless masterpiece that reminds us of the beauty and complexity of human desire and the transformative power of language and art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before: A Poem of Sensuality and Intimacy

Richard Brautigan's "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" is a poem that explores the themes of sensuality and intimacy in a unique and captivating way. The poem is a celebration of the physical and emotional connection between two people, and it does so with a sense of playfulness and joy that is both refreshing and inspiring.

At its core, the poem is about the experience of being touched and loved in a way that is gentle and tender. The speaker describes the sensation of being caressed and kissed with a sense of wonder and amazement, as if they are experiencing these sensations for the first time. The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also incredibly evocative and sensual, creating a vivid picture of the intimacy being described.

One of the most striking things about the poem is the way that it uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and momentum. The phrase "I've never had it done so gently before" is repeated throughout the poem, each time with a slightly different emphasis or inflection. This repetition creates a sense of anticipation and excitement, as if the speaker is building up to something truly special and transformative.

The poem also uses imagery to great effect, painting a picture of the physical sensations being experienced by the speaker. The line "your fingers like the petals of a flower" is particularly striking, evoking a sense of delicacy and beauty that is both sensual and romantic. Similarly, the line "your lips like the softest silk" creates a vivid image of the sensation of being kissed, and the way that it can be both gentle and intense at the same time.

Another key element of the poem is the way that it explores the emotional connection between the two people involved. The speaker describes feeling "safe and warm" in the arms of their lover, and there is a sense of trust and intimacy that is palpable throughout the poem. This emotional connection is just as important as the physical sensations being described, and it is what makes the poem so powerful and moving.

Overall, "I've Never Had It Done So Gently Before" is a poem that celebrates the beauty and power of intimacy in a way that is both playful and profound. It is a reminder that the physical and emotional connections we share with others are some of the most important and transformative experiences we can have as human beings. Whether you are experiencing these sensations for the first time or the hundredth, this poem is a beautiful tribute to the joy and wonder of being touched and loved.

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