'Intramuros' by Roddy Lumsden

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Magna #212001She lies in her well-kept apartment
above the spick and span cathedral
in the heart of the walled city
above Manila Bay and she dreamsof the great, ruined cities of Europe:
Vienna crumbling into the ocean,
Warsaw in a plague of frogs and flies
and London, where all the black men
have learned to talk like white men,
where all the white men have begun
to talk like cartoon characters.
One week left until Christmas
and you can't buy a Scrabble set
in any shop.The cartoon characters
are warming their three-fingered hands
around a bonfire made of love letters.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Intramuros: A Journey into the Heart of Manila

When it comes to poetry, there are few works that capture the essence of a city as vividly and evocatively as "Intramuros" by Roddy Lumsden. This remarkable piece of literature takes us on a journey into the heart of Manila, exploring the history, culture, and people of this vibrant city through the eyes of a curious traveler. From the bustling streets and colorful markets to the ancient walls and majestic churches, Lumsden paints a vivid picture of a city that is both timeless and ever-changing.

So, what makes "Intramuros" such a captivating work of poetry? To answer that question, we must first look at the structure and language of the poem itself. At first glance, the poem appears to be a series of disjointed vignettes, each one depicting a different aspect of life in Manila. However, upon closer examination, we can see that there is a subtle thread that ties these vignettes together, creating a cohesive narrative that is both mesmerizing and thought-provoking.

One of the most striking features of "Intramuros" is its use of imagery. Lumsden has a remarkable talent for painting vivid pictures with words, using sensory details to bring the city to life in the reader's mind. From "the rustling palm trees" to "the smoky scent of grilling meat," the poem is filled with images that transport us to the streets of Manila, allowing us to see, hear, and smell everything that the city has to offer.

But "Intramuros" is not just a collection of pretty pictures. Beneath the surface, the poem is a commentary on the complex social and political issues that define Manila, from poverty and corruption to the clash of cultures and traditions. Lumsden does not shy away from the harsh realities of life in the city, but rather confronts them head-on, exploring the contradictions and complexities that make Manila such a fascinating and challenging place to live.

At the heart of the poem is the walled city of Intramuros itself. This ancient fortress, built by the Spanish conquistadors in the 16th century, is a symbol of Manila's colonial past, but also of its resilience and endurance. Lumsden describes the walls as "labyrinths of brick and coral," a testament to the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the Filipinos who built them. But the walls are also a reminder of the city's troubled history, a history of conquest and oppression that is still felt today in the social and economic disparities that plague the city.

The poem also explores the role of religion in Manila, particularly the dominant influence of Catholicism. Lumsden describes the city's churches as "fortresses of faith," towering monuments to the power and influence of the Catholic Church. But he also recognizes the contradictions inherent in this faith, the way it can both comfort and oppress, uplift and stifle. For many Filipinos, Catholicism is a source of strength and community, but for others, it is a reminder of the ways in which they have been marginalized and excluded.

Perhaps the most powerful aspect of "Intramuros" is its portrayal of the people of Manila. Lumsden introduces us to a diverse cast of characters, from street vendors and beggars to wealthy businessmen and politicians. Through his descriptions and observations, we see the struggles and triumphs of everyday life in the city, the way people have adapted and survived in the face of adversity. We also see the way in which the city's residents have created their own culture and identity, drawing on a rich and varied history to forge a unique and vibrant community.

For all its complexity and depth, "Intramuros" is ultimately a celebration of Manila, a tribute to its resilience, diversity, and beauty. Lumsden captures the spirit of the city in all its contradictions and complexities, inviting us to explore its streets and alleys, to taste its food and drink, to hear its music and poetry. This is a poem that demands to be read and reread, a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a place and its people.

In conclusion, "Intramuros" is a masterful work of poetry, a journey into the heart of Manila that is both enlightening and inspiring. Lumsden has created a portrait of the city that is both honest and celebratory, a testament to the resilience and creativity of its people. This is a poem that deserves to be read by anyone who loves poetry, travel, or simply the beauty of the human spirit.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Intramuros: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Poetry Intramuros is a classic poem written by Roddy Lumsden, a Scottish poet, and editor. The poem is a beautiful piece of modern poetry that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time. It is a masterpiece that has captured the hearts of many poetry lovers around the world.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with its own unique style and tone. The first stanza sets the scene for the poem, describing the city of Manila, the capital of the Philippines. The poet uses vivid imagery to paint a picture of the city, describing the "streets of Intramuros" and the "old walls" that surround it. The use of the word "Intramuros" in the title of the poem is significant, as it refers to the walled city of Manila that was built during the Spanish colonial period.

The second stanza of the poem is where the theme of love is introduced. The poet describes a couple walking through the streets of Intramuros, holding hands and enjoying each other's company. The use of the word "lovers" in this stanza is significant, as it highlights the theme of love that runs throughout the poem. The poet also uses the imagery of the "old walls" to symbolize the strength and durability of their love.

The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of loss is introduced. The poet describes the couple parting ways, with the woman leaving the city and the man staying behind. The use of the word "parting" in this stanza is significant, as it highlights the theme of loss that runs throughout the poem. The poet also uses the imagery of the "old walls" to symbolize the separation between the two lovers.

The fourth and final stanza of the poem is where the theme of the passage of time is introduced. The poet describes the man walking through the streets of Intramuros, alone and reminiscing about his lost love. The use of the word "alone" in this stanza is significant, as it highlights the theme of the passage of time that runs throughout the poem. The poet also uses the imagery of the "old walls" to symbolize the passage of time and the memories that are left behind.

The use of imagery is one of the most striking features of Poetry Intramuros. The poet uses vivid and powerful imagery to paint a picture of the city of Manila and the emotions of the characters in the poem. The use of the word "old walls" is particularly significant, as it symbolizes the strength and durability of the city, as well as the memories that are left behind.

The use of language is also a key feature of Poetry Intramuros. The poet uses a range of poetic devices, such as alliteration, repetition, and metaphor, to create a powerful and evocative poem. The use of the word "Intramuros" in the title of the poem is also significant, as it adds a sense of mystery and intrigue to the poem.

The themes of love, loss, and the passage of time are universal themes that resonate with readers around the world. Poetry Intramuros is a timeless poem that captures the essence of these themes in a powerful and evocative way. The poem is a masterpiece of modern poetry that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire and move readers today.

In conclusion, Poetry Intramuros is a classic poem that explores the themes of love, loss, and the passage of time in a powerful and evocative way. The use of imagery and language is striking, and the themes are universal, making the poem a timeless masterpiece of modern poetry. It is a must-read for anyone who loves poetry and wants to be moved by the power of words.

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