'Tube Station' by A.S.J. Tessimond

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The Walls of Glass1934The tube lift mounts,sap in a stem,
And blossoms its load,a black, untidy rose.The fountain of the escalatorcurls at the crest,breaks and scatters
A winnow of men,a sickle of dark spray.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Tube Station: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Are you a fan of poetry that captivates your imagination and transports you to a different world? Do you love poems that reflect on the human condition in a unique and thought-provoking way? If so, then you will love "Poetry, Tube Station" by A.S.J. Tessimond. This classic poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that explores the themes of time, identity, and the human experience in a way that is both profound and captivating.

Background and Historical Context

Before we delve into the poem itself, it is important to understand the background and historical context that influenced its creation. A.S.J. Tessimond was a poet who lived in the early to mid 20th century, a period of great social, political, and cultural change in the world. He was born in 1902 and died in 1962, and during his lifetime he witnessed two world wars, the rise of fascism, the Great Depression, and the beginning of the Cold War.

Tessimond was a contemporary of other modernist poets such as T.S. Eliot, Ezra Pound, and W.H. Auden, and like these poets he was interested in exploring the inner workings of the human psyche and the complexities of the modern world. His poetry reflects this interest, and "Poetry, Tube Station" is no exception.

Literary Analysis

"Poetry, Tube Station" is a short poem consisting of only twelve lines, but within these lines Tessimond manages to convey a sense of deep introspection and reflection on the nature of time and identity. The poem is set in a tube station, a location that is both mundane and universal, and it begins with the speaker observing the other people around him:

The crowded bus got stuck in the tunnel
And the reading of faces began.
All faces were lined, grained, small,
Sunk, like the setting of a day

The use of the word "crowded" immediately creates a sense of claustrophobia and discomfort, and this feeling is further emphasized by the fact that the bus is stuck in a tunnel. The reading of faces that follows is a subtle reflection on the human condition, as the speaker observes the other passengers and notes how their faces are "lined, grained, small". This description suggests that these people are worn down by the pressures of life, and that they are all struggling to make sense of their own identities.

This idea is further developed in the next line, which compares the passengers' faces to the setting of a day. This metaphor suggests that these people are at the end of their lives, and that they are all struggling to come to terms with the fact that their time on earth is finite.

The poem then takes a turn, as the speaker reflects on his own identity:

The commuters' faces slid by
Like dead leaves on a stream

This metaphor is particularly powerful, as it suggests that the speaker feels disconnected from his own identity, and that he is simply drifting through life without any sense of purpose or direction. The comparison to dead leaves is also significant, as it suggests that the speaker feels as though he is already dead, and that his life has lost all meaning.

The poem ends on a note of uncertainty, as the speaker questions whether he will ever be able to find meaning in his life:

All, all, except myself,
Archived and catalogued with care,
I, alone, unread, unhelped,
I, withered, pitiful,
Am left, to stare.

This final stanza is particularly poignant, as it suggests that the speaker feels as though he is completely alone in the world, and that he is unable to connect with the other people around him. The metaphor of being "unread, unhelped" suggests that the speaker feels as though his life is meaningless, and that he is unable to find any sense of purpose or direction.

Interpretation

So, what does all of this mean? What is Tessimond trying to say with this poem? At its core, "Poetry, Tube Station" is a reflection on the human condition, and the ways in which we struggle to find meaning and purpose in our lives. The speaker feels disconnected from the other passengers on the bus, and from his own identity, and he is left feeling alone and uncertain about the future.

This sense of isolation and uncertainty is something that many people can relate to, especially in the modern world where we are constantly bombarded with information and distractions. Tessimond's poem is a reminder that despite the challenges we face in life, we are all connected by our shared experiences and our common struggle to find meaning and purpose.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Poetry, Tube Station" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the themes of time, identity, and the human experience in a way that is both profound and relatable. Tessimond's use of language and imagery is masterful, and he manages to convey a sense of deep introspection and reflection in just twelve lines. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human condition, and it is a must-read for anyone who loves great literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Tube Station: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

If you are a poetry lover, you must have come across the name A.S.J. Tessimond, a British poet who lived from 1902 to 1962. Tessimond was a master of modern poetry, and his works are still celebrated today for their unique style and themes. One of his most famous poems is "Poetry Tube Station," a masterpiece that captures the essence of modern life and the power of poetry.

"Poetry Tube Station" is a short poem, consisting of only six lines. However, within those six lines, Tessimond manages to convey a powerful message about the role of poetry in our lives. The poem is set in a tube station, a place where people rush to catch their trains and go about their daily business. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of the station, there is a small corner where poetry resides.

The poem begins with the line, "The platform is empty. No one remains." This line sets the scene for the poem and establishes the emptiness of the platform. However, the emptiness is not complete, as the next line reveals, "Only a poet, hesitating, remains." This line introduces the poet, who is the only one left on the platform. The poet is hesitant, perhaps unsure of what to do or where to go. However, he is not alone, as the next line reveals, "He scans the Underground for a familiar face."

The poet is looking for someone, perhaps a fellow poet or someone who appreciates poetry. The fact that he is scanning the Underground suggests that he is searching for something, perhaps inspiration or a connection with others. The next line reveals what he finds, "No one. Only the word POETRY in letters as tall as men." This line is the heart of the poem, as it reveals the power of poetry. The word "POETRY" is written in large letters, as if to proclaim its importance and significance. The fact that it is as tall as men suggests that poetry is larger than life, something that cannot be ignored or dismissed.

The final line of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as it reveals the true meaning of the poem. The line reads, "Darkness outside. Inside, the radio's prayer." This line suggests that while the world outside may be dark and chaotic, inside the station, there is a sense of peace and calm. The radio's prayer suggests that there is something spiritual or transcendent about poetry, something that can offer solace and comfort in difficult times.

Overall, "Poetry Tube Station" is a masterpiece of modern poetry. It captures the essence of modern life, with its hustle and bustle, and the power of poetry to offer a sense of calm and connection. Tessimond's use of language is masterful, with each line building on the previous one to create a powerful and evocative image. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and place.

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