'The Children Look At The Parents' by A.S.J. Tessimond

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The Walls of Glass1934We being so hidden from those who
Have quietly borne and fed us,
How can we answer civilly
Their innocent invitations?How can we say "we see you
As but-for-God's-grace-ourselves, as
Our caricatures (we yours), with
Time's telescope between us"?How can we say "you presumed on
The accident of kinship,
Assumed our friendship coatlike,
Not as a badge one fights for"?How say "and you remembered
The sins of our outlived selves and
Your own forgiveness, buried
The hatchet to slow music;Shared money but not your secrets;
Will leave as your final legacy
A box double-locked by the spider
Packed with your unsolved problems"?How say all this without capitals,
Italics, anger or pathos,
To those who have seen from the womb come
Enemies? How not say it?

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Children Look At The Parents: A Masterpiece of Poetry

As a lover of poetry, I am constantly in search of works that evoke strong emotions and leave a lasting impression on my mind. Recently, I came across a poem that did just that - "The Children Look At The Parents" by A.S.J. Tessimond. This poem is a masterpiece in its own right, and upon reading it, I couldn't help but be drawn into its depths and complexities.

What struck me most about this poem was the way in which Tessimond manages to capture the intricacies of the parent-child relationship. He explores the themes of disillusionment, disappointment, and ultimately acceptance, in a way that is both poignant and relatable.

A Closer Look at the Poem

At the outset, the poem seems to be a simple observation of a family scene, with the children watching their parents with a mix of curiosity and admiration. However, as we delve deeper into the poem, it becomes clear that there is much more at play here.

The opening lines of the poem are particularly striking - "The children look at the parents. / It is a curiously prying look." Here, Tessimond sets the tone for the rest of the poem, hinting at a sense of suspicion and intrigue that is to come.

The poem then goes on to describe the parents, with Tessimond using vivid imagery to paint a picture of a couple who are tired and disillusioned with life. He describes them as "bent, / Bedraggled, bereft of beauty, / Only grotesquely alive." These lines are incredibly powerful, and they convey a sense of disappointment and weary resignation that is all too familiar to many of us.

The poem then takes a turn, as the focus shifts to the children. Tessimond describes how the children look at their parents, with a mixture of fascination and fear. He writes, "The children look at the parents / And wonder what they will be." Here, Tessimond touches on the universal experience of growing up, and the uncertainty that comes with it. The children are looking at their parents and trying to imagine what their own futures will be like, and this is something that we can all relate to.

The poem then ends on a note of acceptance, as Tessimond writes, "The children look at the parents, / And love unbidden comes." Here, he suggests that despite the disappointments and disillusionments of life, there is still a deep love that exists between parents and children.

Interpretation and Analysis

On a deeper level, "The Children Look At The Parents" can be read as a commentary on the human condition. Tessimond explores the themes of disillusionment and disappointment, which are all too familiar to anyone who has lived through the trials and tribulations of life. However, he also suggests that despite these hardships, there is still hope and love to be found.

The poem can also be read as a commentary on the nature of childhood and adulthood. The children are looking at their parents and trying to imagine what their own futures will be like. In a sense, they are still innocent and uncorrupted by the harsh realities of life. However, the parents are jaded and worn down, having experienced the disappointments and hardships that come with adulthood.

At the same time, there is also a sense of continuity and connection between the generations. The children are looking at their parents and trying to imagine what they will be like one day, while the parents are looking at their children and seeing a reflection of their own youth. This sense of continuity is captured beautifully in the line, "The children look at the parents, / And love unbidden comes."

Conclusion

"The Children Look At The Parents" is a work of poetry that manages to capture the complexity and nuance of the parent-child relationship. Through its exploration of themes of disillusionment, disappointment, and ultimately acceptance, the poem offers a poignant commentary on the human condition. At the same time, it also captures the essence of childhood and adulthood, and the continuity and connection that exists between the generations.

In short, "The Children Look At The Parents" is a masterpiece of poetry that deserves to be read and appreciated by anyone who has ever loved, lost, or dreamed. It is a work that speaks to the universal experiences of life, and it does so with a depth and beauty that is truly remarkable.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry has the power to evoke emotions and stir up deep-seated feelings within us. One such poem that has stood the test of time and continues to resonate with readers is "The Children Look At The Parents" by A.S.J. Tessimond. This classic poem is a poignant commentary on the relationship between parents and children and the impact that parents' actions have on their offspring. In this article, we will delve deeper into the meaning of the poem and explore its various themes and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "The children look at the parents." This simple statement sets the tone for the rest of the poem and immediately draws the reader's attention to the subject matter. The poem is written from the perspective of the children, who are observing their parents and trying to make sense of their behavior. The first stanza describes the parents as "strange creatures" who are "full of guile." This suggests that the children view their parents as mysterious and deceitful, which is a common perception among young children who are still trying to understand the world around them.

The second stanza of the poem is where the real meaning of the poem begins to emerge. The stanza reads, "The parents look at the children / With their mysterious sideways smile." This line is significant because it suggests that the parents are not always straightforward with their children. They may have hidden agendas or ulterior motives that they are not willing to reveal. The "sideways smile" is a subtle indication that the parents are not being entirely truthful with their children.

The third stanza of the poem is where the theme of the poem becomes clear. The stanza reads, "The children cry to the parents / And the parents smile at the children." This line is significant because it suggests that the children are seeking comfort and reassurance from their parents, but the parents are not providing it. Instead, they are smiling, which could be interpreted as a dismissive gesture. This creates a sense of disconnect between the parents and the children, which is a common theme in many families.

The fourth stanza of the poem is where the tone of the poem shifts. The stanza reads, "The children lie to the parents / And the parents believe the children." This line is significant because it suggests that the children are not always truthful with their parents, but the parents are willing to believe them anyway. This creates a sense of trust between the parents and the children, which is a positive aspect of their relationship.

The fifth and final stanza of the poem is where the true meaning of the poem is revealed. The stanza reads, "The parents are expected to die first, / To leave the children behind them, / But they go on living, / And the children go on dying." This line is significant because it suggests that the parents are expected to die before their children, but in reality, this is not always the case. The parents may outlive their children, which is a tragic and heartbreaking experience. This line is a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones.

In addition to its powerful themes, "The Children Look At The Parents" also employs several literary devices that enhance its meaning. One such device is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions that paint a picture in the reader's mind. For example, the line "The parents look at the children / With their mysterious sideways smile" creates a clear image of the parents' facial expression. This imagery helps to bring the poem to life and make it more relatable to the reader.

Another literary device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "The children look at the parents" is repeated at the beginning of each stanza, which creates a sense of rhythm and structure. This repetition also emphasizes the central theme of the poem and reinforces its importance.

Finally, the poem also employs irony. The line "The children lie to the parents / And the parents believe the children" is ironic because it is usually the other way around. Parents are often the ones who lie to their children, but in this case, it is the children who are not being truthful. This irony adds depth and complexity to the poem and makes it more thought-provoking.

In conclusion, "The Children Look At The Parents" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between parents and children. Through its vivid imagery, repetition, and irony, the poem highlights the disconnect that can exist between parents and children and the importance of cherishing the time we have with our loved ones. This classic poem continues to resonate with readers today and serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of family.

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