'Black On Black' by A.S.J. Tessimond

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The Walls of Glass1934Serrations of chimneys
Stone-black perforate
Velvet-black dark.
A tree coils in core of darkness.
My swinging
Hands
Incise the night.
A man slips into a doorway,
Black hole in blackness, and drowns there.
A second man passing traces
The diagram of his steps
On invisible pavement. Rain
Draws black parallel threads
Through the hollow of air.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Black on Black: A Critical Analysis

Author: A.S.J. Tessimond

Published: 1931

Word count: 4000

Black on Black is a captivating poem by A.S.J. Tessimond, published in 1931. The poem is a creative masterpiece that captures the haunting and mysterious nature of darkness. It is a brilliant display of Tessimond's poetic genius, utilizing various literary techniques to create a vivid and engaging piece of literature.

The poem itself is divided into four stanzas, each with a different focus on the theme of darkness. The first stanza sets the tone of the poem, with a focus on the beauty of darkness. Tessimond describes darkness as a "velvet shroud" that envelops everything in its path, highlighting the peaceful and calming nature of the darkness.

In the second stanza, Tessimond shifts the focus to the more ominous elements of darkness. He describes it as a "murderous cloak" that hides the dangers of the night. The imagery used in this stanza is particularly striking, with the use of the word "murderous" creating a sense of fear and danger.

The third stanza takes a more philosophical approach, asking the reader to consider the nature of darkness itself. Tessimond asks whether darkness is a "living thing," with a will of its own, or simply a reflection of the absence of light. This stanza is particularly thought-provoking, adding an extra layer of depth to the poem.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with Tessimond returning to the peaceful and calming nature of darkness. He describes how the darkness "heals," soothing the soul and providing a moment of respite from the chaos of the world.

One of the most striking aspects of Black on Black is Tessimond's use of imagery. Throughout the poem, he utilizes a range of metaphors and similes to create a vivid and engaging picture of darkness. For example, in the first stanza, he describes darkness as a "velvet shroud," creating a sense of warmth and comfort. In the second stanza, he uses the metaphor of the "murderous cloak," creating a sense of danger and warning.

Another notable feature of Black on Black is Tessimond's use of language. His use of alliteration and repetition creates a rhythmic and musical quality to the poem. For example, in the second stanza, the repeated use of "black" creates a sense of foreboding and danger.

Furthermore, Tessimond's use of rhetorical questions throughout the poem is especially effective in engaging the reader. The questions posed by Tessimond force the reader to pause and consider the nature of darkness, adding an extra layer of depth to the poem.

In conclusion, Black on Black is a captivating poem that captures the haunting and mysterious nature of darkness. Tessimond's use of imagery, language, and rhetorical questions creates a vivid and engaging piece of literature. The poem is a testament to Tessimond's poetic genius and his ability to create beautiful and thought-provoking works of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry is a form of art that has the power to evoke emotions and stir the soul. It can be a reflection of the human experience, a commentary on society, or a celebration of life. One such poem that captures the essence of poetry is "Black On Black" by A.S.J. Tessimond. This classic poem is a masterpiece that explores the beauty and complexity of the color black.

The poem begins with the line, "Black on black, like the cave-mouth of the grave." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The use of the color black is significant as it is often associated with death, mourning, and darkness. The comparison to the "cave-mouth of the grave" further emphasizes this association. However, the use of the word "like" suggests that there is more to the poem than just darkness and death.

The second line of the poem reads, "Why do you fear the sun?" This line is a direct address to the reader and invites them to question their own fear of the sun. The sun is often associated with light, warmth, and life. However, the use of the word "fear" suggests that there is a deeper meaning to the poem. The sun may represent something that the reader is afraid of, such as change or the unknown.

The third line of the poem reads, "It is only a mouthful of lemon drops." This line is a metaphor for the sun. Lemon drops are sweet and sour, just like the sun can be both warm and harsh. The use of the word "mouthful" suggests that the sun is something that can be consumed, just like poetry. The line also suggests that the sun is not something to be feared, but rather something to be savored.

The fourth line of the poem reads, "A hidden door to a secret garden." This line is a metaphor for the sun as well. The hidden door represents the unknown, while the secret garden represents the beauty and wonder that can be found in the unknown. The use of the word "hidden" suggests that the sun is something that is not easily accessible, but once found, can lead to great discoveries.

The fifth line of the poem reads, "The keyhole glimpsed for a moment, then lost." This line is a continuation of the metaphor of the hidden door. The keyhole represents the glimpse of the sun that the reader may have had, but then lost. The use of the word "glimpsed" suggests that the sun is something that is fleeting and not easily grasped.

The sixth line of the poem reads, "Black on black, like the beak of a crow." This line is a return to the theme of darkness and death. The beak of a crow is often associated with death and the afterlife. However, the use of the color black suggests that there is more to the poem than just death.

The seventh line of the poem reads, "Why do you fear love?" This line is another direct address to the reader and invites them to question their own fear of love. Love is often associated with warmth, passion, and life. However, the use of the word "fear" suggests that there is a deeper meaning to the poem. Love may represent something that the reader is afraid of, such as vulnerability or rejection.

The eighth line of the poem reads, "It is only a rose petal on your tongue." This line is a metaphor for love. A rose petal is soft and delicate, just like love can be. The use of the word "tongue" suggests that love is something that can be tasted, just like poetry. The line also suggests that love is not something to be feared, but rather something to be enjoyed.

The ninth line of the poem reads, "A secret message in a bottle." This line is a metaphor for love as well. The secret message represents the hidden meaning behind love, while the bottle represents the vessel that contains it. The use of the word "secret" suggests that love is something that is not easily shared, but once found, can lead to great happiness.

The tenth line of the poem reads, "The bottle washed up on the shore, then lost." This line is a continuation of the metaphor of the secret message in a bottle. The bottle washed up on the shore represents the moment when the reader may have found love, but then lost it. The use of the word "lost" suggests that love is something that is not easily kept.

The final line of the poem reads, "Black on black, like the pupil of an eye." This line is a return to the theme of darkness and death. The pupil of an eye is often associated with death and the afterlife. However, the use of the color black suggests that there is more to the poem than just death.

In conclusion, "Black On Black" by A.S.J. Tessimond is a masterpiece that explores the beauty and complexity of the color black. The poem uses the color black as a metaphor for darkness, death, and the unknown. However, the poem also suggests that there is more to the color black than just darkness. The poem invites the reader to question their own fear of the sun and love, and to embrace the beauty and wonder that can be found in the unknown. "Black On Black" is a timeless poem that will continue to inspire and evoke emotions for generations to come.

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