'Sympathy' by Eileen Myles

AI and Tech Aggregator
Download Mp3s Free
Tears of the Kingdom Roleplay
Best Free University Courses Online
TOTK Roleplay

American Poetry Review and Best American Poetry 2002She's rubbing his shoulder
and he's reading about
Western birds. There's a scoop
of light just above my kneeit resembles the world, the one I know
a layer of smoke spread thin, a shelfmy mind returns again &
again to the picture
you gave me. In pain.
I'm holding the receiver
in Denver some woman making
human eyes at me from her
blue seat, but I later
conclude she's crazyI'm helpless, rushing back to fix the
"h," how can I help youI think we tried this long enough
our cure
we would save us from everybody
else, we "got" it,
usand now we're another falling down car
complaining animal
empty houseyou bleeding & expanding
untilthe red night itself
is your endless disappointment
in me
who promised so much
on that hillO Glory to everybody & everything
that we will fish again & again
& get lucky

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Sympathy" by Eileen Myles: An Exploration of Intimacy and Vulnerability

As a poet, Eileen Myles is known for their candid and vulnerable approach to writing. Their poem "Sympathy" is no exception. Through the use of intimate language and vivid imagery, Myles explores the complexities of human relationships and the yearning for emotional connection.

The Power of Intimacy

One of the most striking aspects of "Sympathy" is the intimacy that Myles creates with their language. The poem is written in second person, addressing the reader directly and drawing them into the speaker's experience. This technique creates a sense of closeness between the speaker and the reader, allowing the reader to empathize with the speaker's emotions and desires.

For example, Myles writes:

You want someone to come up behind you and kiss you on the neck and whisper something in your ear

This passage is evocative of a very specific kind of intimacy - the kind that is built on trust and shared vulnerability. By describing this intimate moment, Myles invites the reader into the speaker's desire for connection and closeness.

Intimacy is also conveyed through the use of sensory imagery. Myles describes the feeling of touch, taste, and sight in a way that is both sensual and emotionally charged. For example, in the following passage:

You want to put your hand on someone's thigh and feel the warmth of their skin and the softness of their hair

Myles creates a vivid image of physical touch that is imbued with emotional intimacy. The tactile sensations of warmth and softness are paired with the desire for emotional connection, emphasizing the importance of both physical and emotional intimacy in human relationships.

Yearning for Connection

The theme of yearning is also central to "Sympathy." Throughout the poem, the speaker expresses a deep longing for emotional connection and intimacy. This desire is rooted in a sense of loneliness and isolation, as exemplified by the following passage:

You want to be seen and heard and known in a way that feels real and true and deep

These lines convey a sense of desperation for human connection, a need to be understood and validated in a way that feels genuine. The use of repetition - "seen and heard and known" - emphasizes the speaker's desire for recognition and understanding, and the adjectives "real and true and deep" highlight the importance of authenticity in human relationships.

This theme of yearning is also expressed through the use of metaphor. Myles writes:

You want to be a bird with a heart that's always breaking

This metaphorical image of a bird with a broken heart is poignant and powerful. It conveys the intense emotional pain of the speaker's longing while also emphasizing the fragility of human emotions. The use of a natural image - a bird - adds to the sense of vulnerability and openness that is inherent in the poem.

The Complexity of Human Relationships

Finally, "Sympathy" explores the complexity of human relationships. The speaker's desire for intimacy and connection is tempered by a fear of vulnerability and rejection. Myles writes:

You want to be close and you want to be safe but you know that those things are sometimes at odds

This passage highlights the tension between intimacy and safety, and the difficulty of balancing the two in a relationship. The use of the word "sometimes" acknowledges that there are moments when intimacy and safety can coexist, but also emphasizes the inherent challenge of navigating the complexities of human connection.

The poem also touches on the idea of reciprocity in relationships. The speaker desires a connection that is mutual and equal, one in which both parties are willing to be vulnerable and open. Myles writes:

You want someone who is willing to show you their own fear and hold your hand

This passage emphasizes the importance of mutual vulnerability in a relationship. The speaker is not just seeking validation and understanding, but also a sense of reciprocity and balance.

Conclusion

In "Sympathy," Eileen Myles explores the complexities of human relationships through the lens of intimacy and vulnerability. Through the use of intimate language, sensory imagery, and metaphor, Myles creates a powerful portrait of the yearning for emotional connection. The poem's exploration of the tension between intimacy and safety, as well as the importance of reciprocity in relationships, adds depth and nuance to its portrayal of the complexities of human connection. Overall, "Sympathy" is a poignant and powerful exploration of the human experience of longing for intimacy and emotional connection.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Sympathy: An Analysis of Eileen Myles’ Classic Poem

Eileen Myles’ Poetry Sympathy is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its raw and honest portrayal of the struggles of a poet. Written in 1991, the poem captures the essence of the poet’s journey, from the initial spark of inspiration to the final product. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem’s themes, structure, and language to understand its significance and impact.

Themes

The poem’s central theme is the struggle of the poet to create something meaningful. Myles captures the frustration and pain of the creative process, as the poet grapples with the blank page and the weight of expectation. The poem is a lament for the difficulty of writing, and the toll it takes on the poet’s psyche. Myles writes, “I am tired of being a poet / I want to be a poem”. This line encapsulates the poet’s desire to transcend the limitations of their own creativity and become something greater.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea of isolation. The poet is depicted as being alone in their struggle, with no one to turn to for support or guidance. Myles writes, “I am alone / with my poem”. This line highlights the loneliness of the creative process, and the sense of isolation that can come with it. The poet is trapped in their own mind, struggling to find the words to express their thoughts and emotions.

Structure

The poem is structured in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This reflects the chaotic nature of the creative process, as the poet struggles to find the right words and phrases to express their ideas. The lack of structure also allows the poem to flow freely, with each line building on the previous one to create a sense of momentum.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and mood. The first stanza sets the scene, with the poet describing their frustration and exhaustion. The second stanza is more introspective, as the poet reflects on their own limitations and doubts. The third stanza is more hopeful, as the poet begins to see the potential in their work. The final stanza is a plea for understanding, as the poet asks for sympathy and support from the reader.

Language

Myles’ use of language is one of the most striking aspects of the poem. The language is raw and unfiltered, with no attempt to sugarcoat the difficulties of the creative process. The poet uses vivid imagery to convey the intensity of their emotions, such as “my brain is a city / and I am lost in it”. This line captures the overwhelming nature of the creative process, as the poet struggles to navigate their own thoughts and ideas.

The language is also highly personal, with the poet using the first person throughout the poem. This creates a sense of intimacy between the poet and the reader, as the reader is invited into the poet’s inner world. The use of the first person also allows the poet to express their own doubts and fears, such as “I am afraid / that my poem will never be good enough”. This vulnerability is a hallmark of Myles’ work, and is what makes the poem so powerful.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Eileen Myles’ Poetry Sympathy is a classic poem that captures the essence of the poet’s struggle. The poem’s themes of isolation and the difficulty of creation are universal, and will resonate with anyone who has ever attempted to create something meaningful. The poem’s structure and language are both highly effective, creating a sense of momentum and intimacy that draws the reader in. Overall, Poetry Sympathy is a powerful and moving poem that continues to inspire and resonate with readers today.

Editor Recommended Sites

Jupyter Cloud: Jupyter cloud hosting solutions form python, LLM and ML notebooks
Blockchain Job Board - Block Chain Custody and Security Jobs & Crypto Smart Contract Jobs: The latest Blockchain job postings
LLM OSS: Open source large language model tooling
Learn Devops: Devops philosphy and framework implementation. Devops organization best practice
Tech Deals: Deals on laptops, computers, apple, tablets, smart watches

Recommended Similar Analysis

King Pest - A Tale Containing An Allegory by Edgar Allen Poe analysis
The Great Advantage Of Being Alive by e.e. cummings analysis
Reasons For Attendance by Philip Larkin analysis
Asking For Roses by Robert Frost analysis
Stanzas For Music by George Gordon, Lord Byron analysis
Dust Of Snow by Robert Frost analysis
Music, When Soft Voices Die by Percy Bysshe Shelley analysis
Weakest Thing, The by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
Work by Elizabeth Barrett Browning analysis
If I can stop one Heart from breaking by Emily Dickinson analysis