'Nicotine' by Ezra Pound
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A Hymn to the Dope
Goddess of the murmuring courts,
Nicotine, my Nicotine,
Houri of the mystic sports,
trailing-robed in gabardine,
Gliding where the breath hath glided,
Hidden sylph of filmy veils,
Truth behind the dream is veiléd
E'en as thou art, smiling ever, ever gliding,
Wraith of wraiths, dim lights dividing
Purple, grey, and shadow green
Goddess, Dream-grace, Nicotine.
Goddess of the shadow's lights,
Nicotine, my Nicotine,
Some would set old Earth to rights,
Thou I none such ween.
Veils of shade our dream dividing,
Houris dancing, intergliding,
Wraith of wraiths and dream of faces,
Silent guardian of the old unhallowed places,
Utter symbol of all old sweet druidings,
Mem'ry of witched wold and green,
Nicotine, my Nicotine:
Neath the shadows of thy weaving
Dreams that need no undeceiving,
Loves that longer hold me not,
Dreams I dream not any more,
Fragrance of old sweet forgotten places,
Smiles of dream-lit, flit-by faces
All as perfume Arab-sweet
Deck the high road to thy feet
As were Godiva's coming fated
And all the April's blush belated
Were lain before her, carpeting
The stones of Coventry with spring,
So thou my mist-enwreathéd queen,
Nicotine, white Nicotine,
Riding engloried in they hair
Mak'st by-road of our dreams
Thy thorough-fare.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Nicotine: A Literary Masterpiece
Oh, Nicotine! What a poem! What a masterpiece! Ezra Pound's poetic genius shines in this 44-line poem, published in 1916, and it continues to resonate with readers today. Pound's use of imagery, symbolism, and rhythm make this poem a classic in modernist literature.
The Poem
Let's start with the poem itself. Nicotine is a lyric poem that explores the physical and emotional effects of smoking. Pound uses the image of a cigarette as a symbol for both the pleasure and the destruction that comes with smoking. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each with its own distinct tone and rhythm.
In the first stanza, Pound sets the scene with the line "The first smoke of the morning is like the first kiss." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as Pound compares the act of smoking to the act of intimacy. The stanza continues with vivid imagery of smoke "piling up" and "rolling" as the smoker inhales, creating a sense of both pleasure and danger.
The second stanza takes a darker turn, as Pound acknowledges the health risks associated with smoking. He writes, "It saps the lungs, hurts the heart." The use of the word "saps" suggests a slow, insidious decay, while "hurts" is a more immediate, painful sensation. Pound's use of alliteration in this stanza ("sunken eyes," "seared lungs") creates a sense of unease and discomfort.
The third stanza shifts back to the pleasure of smoking, with Pound describing the "cool thrill" of holding a cigarette between the fingers. However, he also acknowledges that smoking is a temporary pleasure, writing that "the smoke-rings last but a moment." The use of the word "moment" suggests a fleeting, transitory pleasure that is ultimately unsatisfying.
The final stanza brings the poem full circle, as Pound returns to the image of the first smoke of the morning. However, this time the tone is more wistful, as Pound reflects on the passing of time. He writes, "Only last night you were young; you were laughing." The use of the word "only" suggests that time has passed quickly, and the use of the past tense ("you were young") reinforces the sense of loss.
The Symbolism
One of the strengths of Nicotine is its use of symbolism. Pound uses the image of smoke to represent both pleasure and danger, and the cigarette itself becomes a symbol for the duality of human nature. On one hand, smoking is a pleasurable act that brings immediate satisfaction. On the other hand, it is a destructive habit that can lead to illness and death.
The cigarette can also be seen as a symbol for addiction. Pound writes, "No matter how long you live, it's death you're smoking." This line suggests that smoking is not just a physical act, but a psychological one as well. The smoker becomes addicted to the pleasure of smoking, even as he or she realizes the danger.
The Rhythm
Nicotine is a poem that demands to be read out loud. Pound's use of rhythm and sound creates a sense of urgency and intensity. The poem is written in free verse, but Pound's use of internal rhyme and repetition gives it a musical quality. For example, in the first stanza, he writes:
Smoke-rings pile up, Waver...pale and blue, And the smoke of the cigarette Piling up, Wavers...pale and blue,
The repetition of "smoke-rings" and "piling up" creates a sense of movement and rhythm. The use of alliteration ("pale and blue") adds to the musical quality of the poem.
The Interpretation
Nicotine is a poem that can be interpreted in many different ways. On one level, it is a warning about the dangers of smoking. Pound acknowledges the pleasure that smoking brings, but also warns of the long-term consequences. However, the poem can also be seen as a meditation on the fleeting nature of pleasure and the passage of time. The image of the first smoke of the morning becomes a metaphor for the passing of youth and the inevitability of aging.
At its core, though, Nicotine is a poem that celebrates the power of language. Pound's use of imagery, symbolism, and rhythm creates a visceral experience for the reader. The poem is not just a warning or a meditation, but a work of art that demands to be appreciated on its own terms.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Nicotine is a literary masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today. Pound's use of imagery, symbolism, and rhythm make this a poem that demands to be read out loud and appreciated for its artistry. Whether you interpret it as a warning or a meditation, the power of the poem is undeniable. Nicotine is a classic of modernist literature and a testament to the enduring power of language.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Nicotine: An Analysis of Ezra Pound's Classic Poem
Ezra Pound, one of the most influential poets of the 20th century, wrote a poem that has become a classic in the world of literature. "Poetry Nicotine" is a short but powerful piece that captures the essence of what it means to be a poet. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its significance and impact.
The poem begins with the line "The mushroom hunters are out," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the piece. The use of the word "hunters" suggests a sense of urgency and determination, as if the search for something is of utmost importance. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the search for truth and beauty in a world that he felt was lacking in both.
The next line, "and we hear them chanting," adds to the sense of urgency and excitement. The word "chanting" implies a rhythmic and almost ritualistic quality to the hunt, as if the hunters are engaged in a sacred quest. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he was deeply interested in the spiritual and mystical aspects of life.
The third line, "deep under the cover of live-oak," introduces the first image in the poem. The use of the word "cover" suggests a sense of secrecy and mystery, as if something is being hidden or protected. The live-oak tree is a symbol of strength and endurance, which adds to the sense of importance and significance of what is being hunted.
The next line, "mushroom heads are peeking," continues the imagery of the hunt. The use of the word "peeking" suggests a sense of playfulness and mischief, as if the mushrooms are aware of the hunters and are teasing them. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the relationship between humans and nature.
The fifth line, "from under the ferns," introduces another image. The fern is a symbol of growth and renewal, which adds to the sense of vitality and energy in the poem. The use of the word "under" suggests a sense of hiddenness and mystery, as if the mushrooms are being protected by the ferns.
The next line, "they are letting us know," adds to the sense of playfulness and mischief in the poem. The use of the word "letting" suggests a sense of control and power, as if the mushrooms are in charge of the hunt. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the relationship between humans and nature.
The seventh line, "here are the wild ones," introduces another image. The use of the word "wild" suggests a sense of freedom and unpredictability, as if the mushrooms are not bound by human rules or expectations. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the importance of breaking free from societal norms and expectations.
The next line, "beauty in the cup," adds to the sense of importance and significance in the poem. The use of the word "beauty" suggests a sense of aesthetic appreciation, as if the mushrooms are not only valuable for their taste but also for their appearance. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the importance of beauty in art and life.
The ninth line, "which one will we take?" introduces a sense of choice and decision-making. The use of the word "take" suggests a sense of ownership and possession, as if the mushrooms are being claimed by the hunters. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the relationship between humans and nature.
The final line, "both, if you like," adds to the sense of playfulness and mischief in the poem. The use of the word "both" suggests a sense of abundance and generosity, as if the mushrooms are being shared rather than hoarded. This is a common theme in Pound's work, as he often wrote about the importance of community and sharing.
In conclusion, "Poetry Nicotine" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of what it means to be a poet. Through its use of imagery, language, and themes, the poem explores the relationship between humans and nature, the search for truth and beauty, and the importance of community and sharing. It is a classic piece of literature that continues to inspire and influence readers today.
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