Saturday 29 June 2024

At being Driven through the western Ghats

I am quite curious to know, about these hundreds of blue barrels arranged in a single row
A host of companies make these, am sure a lot of companies buy these too
My curiosity is not with their existence, it is with their current placement
How do these end up on the rainy highway home, do they use butyl acetate on roads now?

It is such an unromantic thought, to have to write about a certain what not
For these are not becoming of a poet and a poet should steer clear of these I know
Yet in this diametrically opposite world of my being, where I still question of love
How can my mind be free, truly free I must add if I didn't shoehorn these into a poetry somehow

Now the distant foggy road that shows, I will pass those in an hour or so
I will click pictures, switch from the poem blogging application every then and now
But such lackluster commodities, and the unromance'able oddities will always make me remark and write
Some I will write and romance about, some of these will be written out of spite.



Analysis by Gemini.
Short:



The poem is free of grammatical errors and typos.
Here's a breakdown of the poem's themes:
 * Industrialism vs. Nature: The poem contrasts the natural beauty of the Western Ghats with the sight of industrial waste (blue barrels) on the highway.
 * Disillusionment: The speaker finds the barrels an "unromantic thought" and feels obligated to write about them despite their lack of poetic appeal.
 * The Duality of the Poet's Mind: The speaker grapples with the desire to write about love and beauty while also acknowledging the harsh realities of the world.
 * Finding Inspiration in the Mundane: The speaker finds inspiration for writing even in unexpected and unromantic things.

Long:

A detailed analysis of the poem stanza by stanza:
Stanza 1:
 * The speaker is intrigued by the rows of blue barrels lining the highway, questioning their purpose and origin.
Stanza 2:
 * The speaker's curiosity goes beyond the barrels' existence and focuses on their placement in the natural setting. They wonder if these barrels are somehow related to road maintenance, perhaps containing a chemical like butyl acetate.
 * Butyl acetate is a solvent used in paints and varnishes, and its mention here adds a touch of irony, highlighting the intrusion of industrial materials into the natural beauty.
Stanza 3:
 * The speaker acknowledges that writing about industrial waste may seem unromantic and unfitting for poetry.
 * They recognize the traditional expectation for poets to focus on themes of love and beauty.
Stanza 4:
 * Despite the unromantic nature of the barrels, the speaker feels compelled to incorporate them into their work. This reflects the poet's struggle to reconcile their artistic inclinations with the realities of the world.
 * The speaker wrestles with the desire for a perfect, idealized world while acknowledging the messiness of reality. They find inspiration even in unexpected and unconventional subjects.
Stanza 5:
 * The speaker shifts focus to the foggy road ahead, indicating they will soon move past the barrels.
 * They plan to capture pictures, highlighting the coexistence of the natural landscape and the industrial elements.
 * The speaker concludes by reiterating their attraction to both the romanticized and the unromantic, finding inspiration in both types of experiences.

Sunday 23 June 2024

Oh Mani..

I send e-mails at Nine PM, hoping it to be the first in the lot 
The attention it could get , I hypothesize
But my mails still land into support inboxes amongst thousands 
Will I ever be the first in line, have my complaints addressed
Mani ponders often, and I tease her about these cute innocent thoughts
Some delusions are fun to hear, they make you see a smiling child

Saturday 22 June 2024

I see no mirrors

Sometimes, yes sometimes we must change, change from our hearts and accept
Accept changes, changes that bring us sentiments, that often echo loudly when we don't call out to them
I for one do not cater to sediments, for sentiments are just sediments that obstruct how I flow through life
Make it shallow and cause the sailing ships to get lodged and stuck 
I believe ships should sail, and they should keep doing so

While we have heard of love, have we really stopped for a moment to understand it
We dam it, and thus damn it, or drop anchors into the bed of the flowing raging river of love
Seeking to achieve some sort of permanence, and all that permeates is water through the hull
Sinking a bond that could have been so much better and easier, but we keep rowing to the same mistakes

I have learnt that the years of wear by my flowing life can carve beautiful memories on the landscapes passed
But none shall be revisited, I carry an essence, a fragment of each moment momentarily 
Dump it all into the open sea, that over the years shall grind to fine sand and deposit on unknown beaches
I do not see those being sifted, or built into castles, or see a lover writing names into it
I flow and meander, create oxbows , ponds, and tributaries until I shall dry out from where I spring.


## Analysis of "I See No Mirrors"

This poem explores the concept of embracing change and impermanence. The speaker rejects the idea of clinging to the past or seeking permanence in relationships. Let's break it down line by line:

**Lines 1-4:** The poem starts with a paradoxical statement - "I see no mirrors." Mirrors reflect the past, and the speaker doesn't want to dwell on it. They acknowledge the need for change, even if it brings difficult emotions ("sentiments that echo loudly").

**Lines 5-8:** The speaker criticizes clinging to "sediments" (metaphor for past experiences and emotions) that slow down their progress. They compare life to a flowing river, and these sentiments are like shallow spots that get ships stuck.

**Lines 9-14:** The poem shifts to the concept of love. The speaker criticizes those who try to control love by "damming" it (seeking permanence) or "dropping anchors" (clinging on). This metaphor suggests love requires constant flow. Love that is dammed or anchored becomes stagnant and ultimately sinks.

**Lines 15-19:** Here, the speaker reflects on the beauty of impermanence. The "years of wear" carve memories on the "landscapes passed," but the speaker doesn't revisit them. They carry an essence of each moment, but don't hold onto specifics. These memories are like sand deposited on unknown beaches - unanalyzed and unclaimed.

**Lines 20-23:** The speaker emphasizes their constant movement. They flow and create new paths ("oxbows," "ponds," "tributaries") but ultimately accept that they will "dry out" from their source. 

**Themes:**

* Embracing change: The poem celebrates the constant flow of life and encourages letting go of the past.
* Impermanence of relationships: The speaker views relationships as impermanent, like flowing water.
* Importance of movement: The poem emphasizes the importance of constant movement and adaptation in life.

**Symbolism:**

* Mirror: Represents the past and the act of dwelling on it. (Though not directly mentioned)
* River: Represents the speaker's life and its constant flow.
* Ship: Represents relationships and the danger of stagnation.

**Overall, "I See No Mirrors" is a powerful poem that advocates for embracing change and impermanence in life and relationships.**



Friday 21 June 2024

Analysis and Paralysis

Fragility, is it now the norm of modern sensitivity where a man is indistinguishable from a woman
And to be labelled a misogynist is easy for someone uttering such, I am called so sometimes
For what? For asking someone to pick up after themselves, man or woman? These one sided charades of modern sensibility, or the lack of then; is to blame

I miss waiting on my mother's arrival to make me a serving of okra, I would have cooked rice already, I was a caring boy
Cooking is a life skill, not a gender appropriation and these complaints are laughable 
Of I am a woman who doesn't cook, nor clean, don't be in a life if you cannot 
The absurdity of cooking and cleaning being beneath is appalling 
Thus I laugh on these who consider such gender roles, treat these as Life Skills

So I ask you again, are you a man if you cannot cook and feed? Or a woman even? 
For life is not lived on an empty stomach and food that would remind us of why flavours exist
I would wish to be at the pots and pans of my kitchen all day, as I romance the spices
And clean up, to sit down for a meal with someone who wishes to share one with me.



## Line-by-Line Analysis:

**Line 1: Fragility, is it now the norm of modern sensitivity where a man is indistinguishable from a woman**

* The speaker introduces the concept of "fragility" and connects it to "modern sensitivity."
* They see this sensitivity as blurring the lines between masculinity and femininity.

**Line 2: And to be labelled a misogynist is easy for someone uttering such, I am called so sometimes**

* The speaker expresses frustration with being labeled a misogynist for expressing traditional views.
* They feel it's easy to be unfairly judged for simply having an opinion.

**Lines 3-4: For what? For asking someone to pick up after themselves, man or woman? These one sided charades of modern sensibility, or the lack of then; is to blame**

* The speaker clarifies their position. They're not against equality, but against a one-sided application of "modern sensibility."
* They see both a lack of responsibility and an oversensitivity at play.

**Lines 5-6: I miss waiting on my mother's arrival to make me a serving of okra, I would have cooked rice already, I was a caring boy**

* The speaker shares a positive memory of helping their mother in the kitchen, highlighting a traditional gender role they embraced.
* They emphasize their own willingness to contribute to domestic tasks.

**Line 7: Cooking is a life skill, not a gender appropriation and these complaints are laughable**

* The speaker argues that cooking is a necessary life skill, not something specific to one gender.
* They find complaints about "gender appropriation" in cooking to be ridiculous.

**Lines 8-9: Of I am a woman who doesn't cook, nor clean, don't be in a life if you cannot  
The absurdity of cooking and cleaning being beneath is appalling**

* The speaker expands their argument. If someone, regardless of gender, isn't willing to contribute to basic chores, they shouldn't be in a relationship.
* They find the idea of these tasks being "beneath" someone to be absurd.

**Line 10: Thus I laugh on these who consider such gender roles, treat these as Life Skills**

* The speaker emphasizes their stance. They scoff at the idea of viewing traditional gender roles as limitations, instead seeing them as valuable life skills.

**Lines 11-12: So I ask you again, are you a man if you cannot cook and feed? Or a woman even?**

* The speaker challenges the idea of masculinity and femininity being defined by domestic tasks. 
* They question if someone who can't contribute to basic needs can truly embody their gender identity.

**Lines 13-14: For life is not lived on an empty stomach and food that would remind us of why flavours exist**

* The speaker shifts the focus back to the fundamental importance of food and the joy it brings.
* They see cooking not just as a chore, but as a way to experience and appreciate life's pleasures.

**Lines 15-16: I would wish to be at the pots and pans of my kitchen all day, as I romance the spices  
And clean up, to sit down for a meal with someone who wishes to share one with me.**

* The speaker expresses a personal desire to cook and share a meal with someone who appreciates it.
* They paint a picture of cooking and cleaning as acts of love and connection.

## Overall Analysis:

This poem explores the concept of gender roles in the context of "modern sensitivity." The speaker feels that an overemphasis on sensitivity can lead to a blurring of traditional roles and a devaluation of essential life skills like cooking and cleaning. They argue that these skills are important for everyone, regardless of gender, and contribute to a fulfilling life and meaningful connections. 

Wednesday 19 June 2024

Set that contrast knob to middle, will you?

The lemon slice drowns in a mist in the bubbling of melting ice, partially
Adding the gentle hint of taste that I seem to abhor 
Shame on me to have called for a Long island tea, I confess 
When I wanted a shot of rum or vodka in iced coffee, so I admit that fault too 
I ponder on such random choices, I make about drinks, and food also about poems that I scribble to be seldom understood by readers.

It is eleven minutes past ten, and the night is fading faster than a limping snail 
I see the moon is sort of full, hazy too due rains June is a month of many changes, what about yours?
But I digress as I always do, trying to hold on to some coherence of constantly derailing thoughts
Do you remember why you read this? It is an absurd cacophony! Oh, but you don't read my poems anyway but others find it meaningful 

That brings up another problem,the burrito bowl I ordered is a tiny portion, and weight watching won't satiate my hunger
You would remind me to keep it in check, because I would pant like a dog in an hour of our love making
It wasn't so, maybe it is my age catching up, or the smokes and food habits, read line five for the culprit 
But nevertheless, the night is young and I am being a nurse to you
You know it is impossible to be at ease when you are running a fever, so here I am at unease, away from work trying to be me and be the me you love.


## Line-by-Line Analysis of "Set that contrast knob to middle, will you?"

**Title:** "Set that contrast knob to middle, will you?" - This title sets the tone for the poem as one seeking balance and clarity. "Contrast knob" could be a metaphor for life's choices, emotions, or even the speaker's own perspective. Setting it to "middle" suggests a desire for moderation or neutrality. 

**Line 1:** "The lemon slice drowns in a mist in the bubbling of melting ice, partially" - This line introduces a sense of melancholy. The lemon slice, a symbol of sourness, is "drowning" in a "mist," hinting at a loss of clarity or purpose. The "bubbling" ice adds a sense of restlessness. "Partially" suggests the speaker is only partially experiencing this feeling.

**Line 2:** "Adding the gentle hint of taste that I seem to abhor" - This line clarifies the speaker's dislike for the Long Island iced tea they ordered. The "gentle hint" of lemon contradicts the strong dislike ("abhor"). This could be a metaphor for a situation that initially seemed appealing but has turned out unpleasant.

**Line 3:** "Shame on me to have called for a Long island tea, I confess" - Here, the speaker acknowledges their mistake in ordering the drink. "Confess" adds a touch of self-deprecation and regret.

**Line 4:** "When I wanted a shot of rum or vodka in iced coffee, so I admit that fault too" - This line reveals the speaker's true desire - a stronger drink, possibly for a pick-me-up. "Admit" reinforces the theme of acknowledging mistakes.

**Line 5:** "I ponder on such random choices, I make about drinks, and food also about poems that I scribble to be seldom understood by readers." - This line connects the speaker's choice of drink to a larger pattern of seemingly random decisions. "Scribble" suggests a lack of confidence or control in their creative process. 

**Line 6 & 7:** "It is eleven minutes past ten, and the night is fading faster than a limping snail / I see the moon is sort of full, hazy too due rains June is a month of many changes, what about yours?" - These lines shift the focus to the passage of time and the speaker's observations. The "limping snail" metaphor emphasizes the feeling of time slipping away. The "hazy" moon reflects the speaker's own lack of clarity. "June is a month of many changes" could be a general observation or a personal reflection on the speaker's own life. 

**Line 8:** "But I digress as I always do, trying to hold on to some coherence of constantly derailing thoughts" - Here, the speaker acknowledges their tendency to wander off topic and struggle to maintain focus. "Derailing thoughts" reinforces the earlier image of a lack of clarity.

**Line 9 & 10:** "Do you remember why you read this? It is an absurd cacophony! Oh, but you don't read my poems anyway but others find it meaningful" - These lines address the reader directly, questioning their purpose for reading and suggesting the poem might not be very good. ("Cacophony" means a harsh, discordant mixture of sounds.) However, the speaker finds solace in the idea that "others find it meaningful."

**Line 11:** "That brings up another problem,the burrito bowl I ordered is a tiny portion, and weight watching won't satiate my hunger" - This line introduces a new issue - a lack of satisfaction, both physical (hunger) and possibly emotional.

**Line 12:** "You would remind me to keep it in check, because I would pant like a dog in an hour of our love making" - This line introduces a personal element, referencing a past intimate moment with someone who presumably cared about the speaker's health. 

**Line 13:** "It wasn't so, maybe it is my age catching up, or the smokes and food habits, read line five for the culprit" - Here, the speaker contradicts the previous line, suggesting their past stamina wasn't exceptional. "Read line five for the culprit" playfully connects the lack of stamina to the earlier mentioned poor food and drink choices.

**Line 14 & 15:** "But nevertheless, the night is young and I am being a nurse to you / You know it is impossible to be at ease when you are running a fever, so here I am at unease, away from work trying to be me and be the me you love." - These lines end the poem on a more positive note. The speaker is caring for someone who is sick, despite their own anxieties and discomfort. "

Monday 17 June 2024

Then, and now are different times

I passed by the rail road, on my way to school watching men at work
Joining steel rails with thermite, those lovely sparks, splattering iron 
I always would wait until they finished, and removed the clay cast and then polished the rails
It was beautiful to see the fervor of thermite, and the welders and the welds

Those are times I miss, of being able to stand at an old paper mart
Collecting books for mere rupees and paise, I still have some of those
I have collected them like literal pages of old memories
Most are not fully read yet, and I often chance upon a random poet in one of those pages
I remisce in having to hold, a treasure and a literal page of my memories

I remember the train stations, though the plied distance was a full five minutes
I have somedays walked through, by the lanes of the train yard, observed shunting of coaches
Watched the Diesel trains, enjoyed their ear shattering horns and the smell of burnt fuel
I stood by to often watch people, working like clock work, people I wanted to become like

I often search for things around the house to fix, old broken furniture, watches, books
At home matches is my thermite , my patience the shunting buffers, and superglue and clothes pins are my couplers 
I don't miss my childhood, school was annoying anyway and I being an observer was a loner
I miss strolling by the train yards, old book shops, and walking through small shortcuts to reach places

I miss the absence of devices that chain us now, our modern distractions 
I miss the old struggle to gather knowledge and the glee of having found out 
The thirst being quenched after reaching out to many for an answer, when someone would explain something
I miss those teachers from the old times, always ready to illustrate 
I miss learning like that, I miss being focussed, I miss loving to go the extra mile that was needed then to know.



Analysis.


The poem "Then, and now are different times" takes us on a journey through the speaker's memories, contrasting their childhood experiences with the present. It's a story about missing a simpler time.

**The good old days:**

* The poem starts with the speaker fondly remembering watching railroad workers. They were fascinated by the sparks from thermite and the finished, polished rails. This simple act of observing filled them with joy.
* Another cherished memory involves finding treasures in old bookstores – buying books for mere pennies and collecting them like pieces of their past. 
* Train stations were a source of fascination too. They'd spend time observing the shunting of trains, the powerful horns, and the unique smell of diesel fuel. These experiences fueled their curiosity about the world. 

**More than just memories:**

* These experiences weren't just fun; they shaped the speaker. They admired the workers, wanting to be like them someday. Observing and understanding how things worked sparked a love for learning.
* The poem cleverly compares the past and present. In the "old times," finding knowledge took effort. You had to search, ask people, and appreciate the explanations you received. Today, information is readily available, but the thrill of discovery seems to be missing.

**Missing the simple things:**

* The speaker doesn't necessarily miss childhood itself, acknowledging school could be annoying. They miss the freedom to explore and learn from the world around them.
* Importantly, they miss the lack of distractions modern technology brings. The "devices that chain us now" symbolize the constant busyness of the present, contrasting with the focus and dedication to learning in the past.

**The poem's message:**

Ultimately, "Then, and now are different times" is a poem about change. It celebrates the joys of the past while acknowledging the realities of the present. The speaker reminisces about a time when learning was an adventure and the world felt full of wonder. It's a reminder to cherish the simple things and perhaps find ways to rediscover that excitement for learning in our own lives. 


Also:
A bit more Analysis .

Yes, the text you provided is indeed a poem. Here's why:

* **Title:** It has a title, "Then, and Now are different times," which sets the stage for the poem's theme. 
* **Figurative Language:** It uses figurative language like similes ("At home matches is my thermite") to create comparisons and deeper meaning.
* **Sensory Details:** It employs vivid sensory details like "lovely sparks" and "ear shattering horns" to bring the memories to life. 
* **Structure:** While not adhering to a strict rhyme scheme, the poem has a clear structure with stanzas that group related ideas. 
* **Emotional Impact:** It evokes emotions of nostalgia and a longing for a simpler time. 

Overall, the text uses elements commonly found in poems to create a piece that reflects on the past and present. 




Saturday 15 June 2024

Knock at the door

Why would I choose to be in a moment of drama
That is spun up, for no entertainment of mine
I refuse to play, I refuse to pay, and I refuse your complaining
I will wait and wave, and smile as I watch you walk away

For all of your insecurities, and your need for assurances 
That are just pointless creations, an indulgence of your thoughts
I refuse to fly into such incessant storms, and I ignore your muttering
I will let you be, as you fall into the dark of sad utterings


Monday 10 June 2024

Mockuenting poets

I shalt not hear thy banter
For these poems left by, have gnawed my mind surly
Of difficult prose and words that hath been cloudy
Only for a lot to think a poem should toe

To such, I deplore with a strong sense of abandonment 
I find no need, to have mead follow
Nor would , be followed by my should
I will let the other copycats to such dredge

In abstract, ah poignant modernism, yet most is not
tis only a recycled lot, filled of poly plot
And I am a polyglot, who writes in three or more tongues
So I'll extend one, i forego to appeal to old poets as such

I only need to touch a frost, 
Maybe some Bishop, Dickinson, or whitman's lot
Not read, but revere them like I do, more Constantine 
I start my scribbling, unlike these copy cat rots

So come July, sing me a song of drudge 
When mercury falls, and rain form a terrible sludge 
I will scribble sitting under my roof, sans power, food, and undried linen
Mock you and hope you drown the pretentious poet brethren.


## Analysis of "Mockumenting Poets"

This poem takes aim at the perceived obscurity and pretentiousness of some 20th-century poetry. Here's a breakdown:

* **Style:** The poem uses archaic language ("shalt not," "hath," "thy") in contrast to its modern subject matter. This creates a sense of irony and humor.
* **Theme:** The speaker rejects the complexity and "cloudy" language of some modern poetry, preferring a more accessible style. 
* **Structure:** The poem doesn't have a strict rhyme scheme or meter, suggesting a rejection of traditional forms. 
* **Imagery:** The final stanza uses vivid imagery of drudgery ("drudge," "sludge") to mock the suffering artist trope some poets employ.

## Comparison to 20th-Century Poets

The poem critiques some aspects of 20th-century poetry, particularly:

* **Modernism:** The speaker disdains "abstract" and "poignant modernism," implying a dislike for free verse and symbolism. 
* **Complexity:** Phrases like "difficult prose" and "words that hath been cloudy" suggest a rejection of complex metaphors and allusions.
* **Elitism:** The speaker mocks the perceived pretentiousness of poets who follow trends ("copycats") and rely on obscurity for status.

Here's how the poem contrasts with some 20th-century movements:

* **Imagism:** Imagists like Ezra Pound focused on clear imagery, which the speaker might appreciate. However, Imagists often used free verse, which the poem seems to reject.
* **Confessionalism:** Poets like Sylvia Plath explored personal struggles in a raw and honest way. The speaker might find this relatable but may disapprove of the perceived self-importance.
* **The Harlem Renaissance:** Poets like Langston Hughes celebrated African American culture using accessible language. The speaker might find this more appealing, though the poem lacks any social commentary.

## Overall

"Mockumenting Poets" is a humorous and pointed critique of some aspects of 20th-century poetry. It champions clarity and accessibility but risks oversimplifying the rich tapestry of this period. 

Saturday 8 June 2024

I am to be bent your way

Another breath emerges, from the want of selfishness
And it is cast as sacrifice, yet most know the truth
It is only a form of control, created to be moulded 
And then be a part of acceptance

There are those who project, fail at one of blood, and pretend
Showcase as great for having borrowed from an unknown another
What is the purpose really, if one should ponder
It is only control, and to be accepted

I would not understand, I am told over and again
Yet I so well do, beyond the pretentious parading of sacrifice
It is to become of some value, aliging to ideas sold
Since their own first breath, a mould they wont break themselves

For those hoping my own would have thought so
I welcome you, as I turn around and ask too
For in this fakery of existing as someone stereotyped
It is not love, but a vote of belonging that is sought


Analysis

The poem can be interpreted through the lens of pretentious motherhood, but it's important to see it as a critique, not an endorsement. Here's how the themes apply:

* **Sacrifice as Performance:** Motherhood often comes with genuine sacrifice, but the poem criticizes the idea of using that sacrifice as a badge of honor or a tool for manipulation. It suggests some mothers might portray their struggles as a way to control situations or gain sympathy.
* **Borrowed Greatness:** The poem criticizes those who brag about their children's achievements, implying that these mothers might be taking credit for something not entirely theirs. This can be seen as a way to inflate their own image and seek validation through their child. 
* **Misunderstood Motherhood:** The speaker rejects the idea that they can't understand the pressures of motherhood. They see through the "performance" of sacrifice and suggest some mothers might use it to claim a higher status. 
* **Breaking Free from Mommy Stereotypes:** The poem criticizes the pressure to conform to a specific image of motherhood. The speaker suggests some mothers might be trapped in a mold of expectations, prioritizing acceptance over genuine expression of their own identities.
* **Yearning for Real Connection:** The poem might be longing for a more authentic connection between mothers, not one based on competition or playing a stereotypical role. It seeks a love and respect that goes beyond simply being a mother.

**Important to Note:**

* The poem criticizes the *pretentious* side of motherhood, not motherhood itself.  
* Not all mothers behave this way. 
* The poem doesn't negate the genuine challenges and sacrifices of motherhood.

This analysis offers a critical perspective on how motherhood can be portrayed in a way that prioritizes control and acceptance over authenticity and genuine connection. 

Thursday 6 June 2024

Drama, a staple pin that piked
 in between those chips one munches
And it hurts the tingue, breaks the tooth enamel ever so slightly.
Waiting, knowing it will cause decay pain 

Wednesday 5 June 2024

Fading in and out

At some point the moon shall fade
In fifteen days, as I believe
But in those fifteen days
I will have been losing my mind for another few years

Maybe the seas would be stormy
In another ninenty days, I would gather
But by those ninenty days 
I will have been missing you for another few rains

In a dim lit cabin upon the hills, I shall sit
In another year of my forty's passing
But in the fourth of my forty
I will have been wilting everyday for another four years

Maybe the final bits of me died, that day
In the breezy evening of our falling apart
But the year that passed reminded me
I had been dying every step of the way.



Here is an analysis of the grammar used in the poem.

--------------------------
For Grammar:

Let's break down the poem line by line and analyze the tense of each verb:

**Stanza 1**

* **"At some point the moon shall fade"** - 
    * "shall fade" is **future tense (other persons)**, indicating an event that will inevitably happen at some unspecified time.

* **"In fifteen days, as I believe"** - 
    * "believe" is **present simple (other persons)**, expressing the speaker's current belief. 

* **"But in those fifteen days"** - 
    * This phrase doesn't have a verb, but it introduces a timeframe using a prepositional phrase.

* **"I will have been losing my mind for another few years"** - 
    * "will have been losing" is **future perfect continuous tense**, indicating an action that started in the past (losing mind), is ongoing in the present, and will continue until a specific point in the future (fifteen days from now).
    * "another few years" clarifies the duration of the ongoing action.

**Stanza 2**

* **"Maybe the seas would be stormy"** - 
    * "would be" is **conditional mood**, expressing a hypothetical situation where the seas are stormy.

* **"In another ninety days, I would gather"** - 
    * "would gather" is again **conditional mood**, suggesting a potential action the speaker might take.

* **"But by those ninety days"** - 
    * Similar to stanza 1, this phrase doesn't have a verb but introduces a timeframe.

* **"I will have been missing you for another few rains"** - 
    * "will have been missing" is **future perfect continuous tense**, indicating ongoing missing that started in the past and will continue for "a few rains."

**Stanza 3**

* **"In a dim lit cabin upon the hills, I shall sit"** - 
    * "shall sit" is **future tense (other persons)**, indicating a specific future action the speaker will take.

* **"In another year of my forties' passing"** - 
    * "passing" is a **present participle** describing an ongoing process ("my forties") within a larger timeframe.

* **"But in the fourth of my forty"** - 
    * This line is a bit ambiguous. It could be interpreted as:
        * "in the fourth year of my forties" (**present perfect tense**) - This clarifies the timeframe within the speaker's forties.
        * "by the time I reach the fourth year of my forties" (**future perfect tense**) - This puts the emphasis on reaching that specific year. 

* **"I will have been wilting everyday for another four years"** - 
    * "will have been wilting" is **future perfect continuous tense**, indicating an ongoing decline ("wilting") that started in the past and will continue for another four years. 

**Stanza 4**

* **"Maybe the final bits of me died, that day"** - 
    * "died" is **past simple tense**, indicating a specific event in the past (the speaker's metaphorical death).

* **"In the breezy evening of our falling apart"** - 
    * "falling apart" is a **present participle** describing a past event ("our falling apart").

* **"But the year that passed reminded me"** - 
    * "passed" and "reminded" are both **past simple tense**, indicating completed actions in the past.

* **"I had been dying every step of the way"** - 
    * "had been dying" is **past perfect continuous tense**, indicating an action that started in the distant past ("every step of the way") and continued until a specific point in the past (being reminded).
-------------

For analysis

## Analysis of the Poem and Comparison to 20th-Century Poets

The poem utilizes a variety of techniques to create a sense of despair, loss, and the passage of time. Let's break it down further:

**Themes:**

* **Mental Deterioration:** The speaker mentions "losing my mind" and "wilting everyday."
* **Longing and Loss:** The references to missing someone ("missing you") and the metaphorical death ("final bits of me died") highlight a sense of loss.
* **The Inevitability of Time:** The use of future and future perfect continuous tenses emphasize the relentless passage of time.

**Techniques:**

* **Tense Shifts:** The poem employs a variety of tenses, particularly future perfect continuous, to create a sense of ongoing decline and actions reaching a culmination point in the future.
* **Conditional Mood:** The use of "would" creates a sense of hypothetical situations that might not come to be, adding to the speaker's despair.
* **Imagery:** "Dim lit cabin," "breezy evening," and "seas would be stormy" paint a picture of isolation and potential turmoil.
* **Ambiguity:** Lines like "another few years" and "the fourth of my forty" create a sense of uncertainty about the timeframe, adding to the speaker's emotional state.

**Comparison to 20th-Century Poets:**

This poem shares some characteristics with several 20th-century movements:

* **Modernism:** The poem's fragmented structure, use of free verse, and focus on internal emotions are reminiscent of Modernist poetry, which often challenged traditional forms and explored individual alienation. Poets like T.S. Eliot ("The Waste Land") and Ezra Pound ("The Cantos") explored similar themes of fragmentation and societal decay.
* **Existentialism:** The sense of meaninglessness and despair resonates with Existentialist themes explored by poets like Jean-Paul Sartre and Albert Camus. The poem reflects on the speaker's struggle to find meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. 
* **Confessional Poetry:** The poem's raw and personal exploration of loss and mental decline has similarities to Confessional poets like Sylvia Plath ("Daddy") and Anne Sexton ("Wintering"). These poets often bared their emotional vulnerabilities in their work.

**However, this poem also has its own unique qualities:**

* **Focus on Nature:** While the poem reflects on internal struggles, it also incorporates natural imagery ("seas," "rains"), adding a layer of symbolism and connection to the external world.
* **Emphasis on Time:** The poem's focus on the relentless passage of time and the future perfect continuous tense sets it apart from some other 20th-century poetry that might be more present-focused.

**Overall, the poem is a well-crafted piece that utilizes various techniques to explore themes of loss, despair, and the passage of time. It draws inspiration from 20th-century movements while maintaining its own distinctive voice.**


Tuesday 4 June 2024

I can always close my eyes

Opulent darkness so profound 
Won't you clothe me and surround
Hide me in silent persistent wail
For this living for me is another ail 

When the sun in it's grandiose leap
Rips apart my wish of endless sleep
Hide me in your unreleasing clasp
For this living has stung me a wasp

Love gentle, when it knocks at door 
Hiding it's true nature of being a sore
Hide me in your unfaltering embrace 
For this living has become a disgrace 

Though,  ever so often do let me out
Let me find the futility in souls about
Hide me agan as quickly as you should
For this living fails me everytime it could.


## Analysis of "i can always close my eyes"

This poem, titled "i can always close my eyes," delves deeper into the speaker's struggle with existence. Here's a breakdown with comparisons to English literature poets:

**Themes:**

* **Despair:** The central theme remains the yearning for escape from the pain of life. 
* **Mortality:** The title "i can always close my eyes" hints at the inevitability of death, a potential final escape. 
* **Cycles of Hope and Hopelessness:** The repetition of "hide me" and "let me out" suggests a recurring pattern of seeking refuge in darkness followed by glimpses of futility.

**Literary Devices:**

* **Metaphor:** Darkness continues to represent escape, but the title adds a layer of finality. 
* **Personification:** Darkness might be seen as a comforting presence offering temporary shelter. 
* **Simile:** The wasp sting remains, highlighting the speaker's perception of life's pain.
* **Juxtaposition:** "Love gentle" contrasted with "sore" emphasizes the speaker's cynicism about love as a source of solace.

**Structure:**

The simple four-line stanzas and ABCB rhyme scheme persist, creating a sense of familiarity amidst the emotional turmoil.

**Comparisons:**

* **Romanticism:** The poem still shares the Romantic interest in darkness, but here, it's a place of escape rather than beauty. 
* **Modernism:** The sense of disillusionment remains, aligning with T.S. Eliot's portrayal of a broken world. The cyclical nature connects to recurring motifs of despair and rebirth in modernist works.
* **Confessionalist Poetry:** Similar to Plath and Lowell, the poem offers a raw and unflinching portrayal of the speaker's emotional state.

**Key Differences:**

The title deepens the poem's thematic exploration of mortality and finality. However, it still lacks the specific stylistic features of the mentioned movements.

## Overall

"i can always close my eyes" strengthens the original poem. The title adds a layer of finality to the speaker's desire for escape, hinting at death as the ultimate refuge. While the poem shares themes with various movements, its focus on raw emotion and the cyclical nature of despair creates a distinct and powerful voice.