'Notice' by Steve Kowit
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The Dumbbell Nebula2000This evening, the sturdy Levi's
I wore every day for over a year
& which seemed to the end
in perfect condition,
suddenly tore.
How or why I don't know,
but there it was: a big rip at the crotch.
A month ago my friend Nick
walked off a racquetball court,
showered,
got into this street clothes,
& halfway home collapsed & died.
Take heed, you who read this,
& drop to your knees now & again
like the poet Christopher Smart,
& kiss the earth & be joyful,
& make much of your time,
& be kindly to everyone,
even to those who do not deserve it.
For although you may not believeit will happen,
you too will one day be gone,
I, whose Levi's ripped at the crotch
for no reason,
assure you that such is the case.
Pass it on.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exploring the Depths of "Notice" by Steve Kowit
Are you looking for a piece of poetry that captures the essence of human existence? Do you want to read something that explores the complexities of our being, and the human condition? Look no further than "Notice" by Steve Kowit.
"Notice" is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that delves deep into the human psyche, touching on themes such as love, despair, and the fleeting nature of time. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the different layers of meaning in this poem, and how Kowit uses language and imagery to create a moving and thought-provoking piece of art.
Form and Structure
At first glance, "Notice" appears to be a simple poem, with only four stanzas and a total of 21 lines. However, upon closer inspection, we can see that Kowit has masterfully crafted this poem with a precise structure and form that enhances its meaning.
The poem is divided into two parts, with the first two stanzas presenting a scene of two lovers lying in bed, and the last two stanzas exploring the deeper meaning of their relationship. The first stanza introduces us to the setting, with the speaker describing the "white sheets" and the "sunlight" that filters through the window. The second stanza focuses on the couple's physical intimacy, with lines such as "your hip, my hip, our two backs curved / into the shape of a single being."
The third stanza marks a shift in the poem, with Kowit using the metaphor of a "ticking clock" to convey the idea of time passing. The clock is a symbol of the impermanence of life, and how everything eventually comes to an end. The final stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker reflecting on the nature of love and how it can transcend time.
Overall, the form and structure of "Notice" serve to enhance its thematic content, with Kowit using carefully crafted stanzas and a precise structure to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking aspects of "Notice" is the use of vivid and evocative imagery to convey the emotions and ideas in the poem. From the "white sheets" to the "ticking clock," Kowit uses language to create a sense of atmosphere and mood that is both beautiful and haunting.
The image of the "white sheets" is particularly powerful, as it represents the pure and innocent nature of the couple's love, untainted by the outside world. The sunlight that filters through the window adds to this sense of purity and calmness, creating a sense of serenity that is in contrast to the ticking clock that is introduced later in the poem.
The metaphor of the ticking clock is one of the most powerful elements of the poem, representing the passage of time and the inevitability of death. Kowit uses this image to convey the fleeting nature of life, and how everything we hold dear will eventually slip away.
Despite the melancholic tone of the poem, Kowit also includes moments of hope and beauty, such as the image of the couple's two backs curved into the shape of a single being. This image conveys the idea of unity and oneness, and how love can bring people together in a way that transcends the physical realm.
Overall, the language and imagery in "Notice" are masterfully crafted, creating a sense of atmosphere and emotion that is both powerful and poignant.
Themes and Meanings
"Notice" is a poem that explores a range of themes and meanings, from the nature of love to the inevitability of death. At its core, the poem is a meditation on the human condition, and how we navigate the complexities of life and love.
One of the key themes in the poem is the idea of impermanence, with Kowit using the ticking clock as a symbol of the fleeting nature of life. The poem reminds us that everything we hold dear will eventually pass away, and that we must cherish every moment we have with our loved ones.
Another theme in the poem is the power of love to transcend time and space. Despite the impermanence of life, love is something that can endure beyond death, and can bring people together in a way that is both beautiful and transcendent.
Overall, "Notice" is a poem that explores the depths of the human experience, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of life, and the power of love to sustain us in even the darkest of times.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Notice" by Steve Kowit is a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that explores the complexities of the human experience with precision and beauty. From its carefully crafted form and structure to its vivid language and imagery, the poem is a moving and thought-provoking reflection on the nature of love, time, and the fleeting nature of life.
Whether you are a fan of poetry or just looking for something that will move you on a deeper level, "Notice" is a must-read. Its themes and meanings are timeless and universal, making it a piece of art that will resonate with readers for generations to come.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is a form of art that has been around for centuries. It is a way of expressing oneself through words, and it has the power to move people in ways that other forms of art cannot. Steve Kowit's "Poetry Notice" is a classic poem that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail.
The poem begins with the line "You have to be always drunk." This line sets the tone for the entire poem. It suggests that in order to appreciate poetry, one must be in a state of mind that is open to new experiences. The word "drunk" is used metaphorically here, and it implies that one must be willing to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the unknown.
The next line reads, "That's all there is to it—it's the only way." This line reinforces the idea that being open to new experiences is essential to understanding poetry. It suggests that there is no other way to appreciate poetry than to be in a state of mind that is open to new experiences.
The poem then goes on to describe what it means to be "drunk" in the context of poetry. It says, "So as not to feel the horrible burden of time that breaks your back and bends you to the earth, you have to be continually drunk." This line suggests that poetry is a way of escaping the burdens of everyday life. It is a way of transcending time and space and entering into a world of imagination and creativity.
The next line reads, "But on what? Wine, poetry or virtue, as you wish." This line suggests that there are many ways to achieve the state of mind that is necessary to appreciate poetry. One can do so through drinking wine, reading poetry, or practicing virtue. The choice is up to the individual.
The poem then goes on to describe what it means to be "drunk" on poetry. It says, "But be drunk." This line is a command, and it suggests that one must be fully committed to the experience of poetry. It implies that one must be willing to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the unknown.
The next line reads, "And if sometimes, on the steps of a palace or the green grass of a ditch, in the mournful solitude of your room, you wake again, drunkenness already diminishing or gone, ask the wind, the wave, the star, the bird, the clock, everything that is flying, everything that is groaning, everything that is rolling, everything that is singing, everything that is speaking. . .ask what time it is and wind, wave, star, bird, clock will answer you: 'It is time to be drunk!'" This passage is perhaps the most powerful in the entire poem. It suggests that poetry is a way of connecting with the world around us. It implies that the world is full of poetry, and that one must be willing to listen to it in order to appreciate it fully.
The poem then concludes with the line, "So as not to be the martyred slaves of time, be drunk, be continually drunk! On wine, on poetry or on virtue, as you wish." This line reinforces the idea that being open to new experiences is essential to understanding poetry. It suggests that one must be willing to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the unknown in order to appreciate poetry fully.
In conclusion, Steve Kowit's "Poetry Notice" is a classic poem that captures the essence of what poetry is all about. It suggests that being open to new experiences is essential to understanding poetry. It implies that poetry is a way of escaping the burdens of everyday life and entering into a world of imagination and creativity. It also suggests that poetry is a way of connecting with the world around us. Overall, "Poetry Notice" is a powerful poem that reminds us of the importance of poetry in our lives.
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