'Cocoon For A Skeleton' by A.S.J. Tessimond
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The Walls of Glass1934Clothes: to compose
The furtive, lone
Pillar of bone
To some repose.To let hands shirk
Utterance behind
A pocket's blind
Deceptive smirk.To mask, belie
The undue haste
Of breast for breast
Or thigh for thigh.To screen, conserve
The pose, when death
Half strips the sheath
And leaves the nerve.To edit, glose
Lyric desire
And slake its fire
In polished prose.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Cocoon For A Skeleton by A.S.J. Tessimond: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
Have you ever read a poem that left you with a sense of melancholy, yet somehow uplifted? A poem that made you think deeply about life and death, about the fleeting nature of human existence and the beauty of the world around us? A poem that captured the essence of what it means to be human, with all our hopes, fears, dreams and desires? If you haven't, then you need to read Cocoon For A Skeleton by A.S.J. Tessimond.
This classic poem was first published in 1938, yet it still resonates with readers today, more than eight decades later. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, language and structure of Cocoon For A Skeleton, and examine why it continues to be a timeless masterpiece of English poetry.
Themes
At its core, Cocoon For A Skeleton is a meditation on mortality and the transience of life. The poem begins with the image of a "skeleton in a plaster jacket," a metaphor for the human body trapped in the constraints of time and space. The speaker asks, "What do you say to them?" as if addressing the skeleton, and then proceeds to answer his own question in a series of rhetorical statements that reflect on the inevitability of death.
"We are all imprisoned," he says, "in the carcass of time." He compares life to a "flower that lasts an hour," and describes how "the wind blows it away." He acknowledges the "fear of death" that haunts us all, and yet also finds comfort in the fact that "the tree lives on" and that "the stars burn bright."
Throughout the poem, the speaker strikes a delicate balance between acknowledging the darkness and mystery of death, and celebrating the beauty and resilience of life. He recognizes that we are all "fleeting as the mist," and yet also finds solace in the fact that "there is no end to being." This tension between mortality and immortality, between death and rebirth, is a recurring theme in Cocoon For A Skeleton, and it gives the poem its emotional depth and power.
Imagery
One of the most striking features of Cocoon For A Skeleton is its vivid and evocative imagery. The poem is full of sensory details that bring the world to life, from the "fragile houses" and "drowned fields" to the "bronze sun" and "sapphire moon." Tessimond uses color, sound, and texture to create a rich and immersive environment that draws the reader in and engages the senses.
One of the most memorable images in the poem is the metaphor of the "cocoon for a skeleton." This image captures the delicate balance between life and death that is at the heart of the poem. The cocoon represents the protective shell that surrounds us in life, the physical body that shields us from harm and allows us to experience the world. The skeleton, on the other hand, represents the bare bones of our existence, the essential core that remains even when the body is gone.
Another powerful image in the poem is the metaphor of the tree. The speaker describes how "the tree lives on" even after it has died, and how its "roots go down to hell." This image suggests that life and death are not separate states, but rather part of a continuous cycle of growth and decay. The tree becomes a symbol of resilience and endurance, a reminder that even in the face of death, there is always the possibility of renewal.
Language
Tessimond's use of language in Cocoon For A Skeleton is both simple and profound. The poem is written in a clear and direct style, with short, declarative sentences that emphasize the starkness of the imagery. The language is also highly symbolic, with each word carefully chosen to convey multiple layers of meaning.
One of the most striking examples of this is the repetition of the phrase "there is no end to being." This phrase appears several times throughout the poem, each time with a slightly different emphasis. At first, it seems to be a statement of fact, a simple observation about the nature of existence. But as the poem progresses, the phrase takes on a deeper significance, becoming a kind of mantra that expresses the speaker's belief in the infinite possibilities of life.
Another example of Tessimond's careful use of language is his use of metaphor and personification. He describes how "the wind blows away the flower," as if the wind itself were a conscious being with the power to destroy. He also personifies death, describing how it "stalks us like a thief" and how "it is the shadow at the end of the day." These poetic devices add depth and complexity to the poem, transforming it from a simple meditation on death into a work of art that explores the full range of human experience.
Structure
Cocoon For A Skeleton is structured as a series of nine quatrains, with a rhyme scheme of ABAB. This structure gives the poem a sense of symmetry and balance, and allows the speaker to build a steady, rhythmic momentum as he moves from one idea to the next.
The use of quatrains also creates a sense of unity and coherence within the poem. Each quatrain contains a distinct idea or image, yet they are all connected by the central theme of mortality and the transience of life. The repetition of key phrases and images throughout the poem further reinforces this sense of coherence, creating a cohesive whole that is greater than the sum of its parts.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Cocoon For A Skeleton is a masterpiece of English poetry that continues to resonate with readers today. Its themes of mortality and the transience of life are universal and timeless, and its vivid imagery and careful use of language create a work of art that is both profound and accessible.
Whether you are a student of literature, a lover of poetry, or simply someone who is searching for meaning in life, Cocoon For A Skeleton is a poem that you need to read. It will challenge you, inspire you, and leave you with a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty of the world around us. So why not take a few minutes to read it, and see for yourself why it is considered one of the great works of English literature?
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Cocoon For A Skeleton: An Analysis of A.S.J. Tessimond's Masterpiece
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions, paint vivid pictures, and transport the reader to another world. A.S.J. Tessimond's "Poetry Cocoon For A Skeleton" is a masterpiece that does just that. This poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to explore complex themes and ideas. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem begins with the line, "I have a friend at the end of the world." This line immediately sets the tone for the poem. It suggests that the speaker is lonely and isolated, and that the friend at the end of the world is the only person they can turn to. The use of the word "end" also suggests that the speaker is at the end of their rope, and that their friend is the only thing keeping them from falling off the edge.
The next line, "His name is a breath of fresh air," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that the friend is a source of comfort and relief for the speaker. The use of the word "breath" also suggests that the friend is a source of life for the speaker, and that without them, the speaker would be suffocating.
The third line, "He is dressed in poetry," is a powerful image that suggests that the friend is a poet, and that his words are his clothing. This line also suggests that the friend is a source of inspiration for the speaker, and that his poetry is a source of comfort and solace.
The fourth line, "It is a costume for sheer delight," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that the friend's poetry is not just a source of comfort, but also a source of joy and happiness. The use of the word "costume" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of art, and that it is something that he wears with pride.
The fifth line, "And his nature is as fluid as a stream," is a beautiful simile that suggests that the friend is a free spirit, and that his poetry is a reflection of his fluid nature. The use of the word "stream" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a source of life, and that it flows freely and effortlessly.
The sixth line, "He enters the cocoon of my loneliness," is a powerful image that suggests that the friend is a source of comfort and relief for the speaker. The use of the word "cocoon" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of protection for the speaker, and that it shields them from the harsh realities of the world.
The seventh line, "And I am instantly beautiful," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that the friend's poetry has the power to transform the speaker, and that it makes them feel beautiful and whole. The use of the word "instantly" also suggests that the transformation is immediate, and that it happens as soon as the friend enters the speaker's life.
The eighth line, "He is a butterfly who has come to rest," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that the friend is a free spirit, and that he has finally found a place to rest. The use of the word "butterfly" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of art, and that it is something that he creates with care and precision.
The ninth line, "Beside a quiet pond," is a beautiful image that suggests that the friend has found a place of peace and tranquility. The use of the word "quiet" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of meditation, and that it helps him find inner peace.
The tenth line, "And for a while I watch his wings," is a beautiful image that suggests that the speaker is in awe of the friend's poetry, and that they are content to simply watch him create. The use of the word "wings" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of flight, and that it allows him to soar to new heights.
The eleventh line, "And he watches my face for a sign," is a powerful image that suggests that the friend is looking for validation from the speaker. The use of the word "face" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of communication, and that he is looking for a response from the speaker.
The twelfth line, "That our love is pure," is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that the friendship between the speaker and the friend is based on love and mutual respect. The use of the word "pure" also suggests that the friendship is free from any ulterior motives or hidden agendas.
The thirteenth line, "And then he flies away," is a powerful image that suggests that the friend is a free spirit, and that he cannot be tied down. The use of the word "flies" also suggests that the friend's poetry is a form of flight, and that it allows him to soar to new heights.
The final line, "Leaving me alone with my skeleton," is a powerful image that suggests that the speaker is once again alone, and that they are left to face their own mortality. The use of the word "skeleton" also suggests that the speaker is facing their own mortality, and that they are left to confront the harsh realities of life.
In conclusion, "Poetry Cocoon For A Skeleton" is a masterpiece that explores complex themes and ideas. The poem is a beautiful meditation on the power of poetry, and how it can be used to comfort, inspire, and transform. The use of metaphors, similes, and powerful images creates a vivid picture of the speaker's world, and the friend who brings light and joy into their life. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry, and how it can be used to explore the deepest parts of the human experience.
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