For me, “Jungle”
was a “last line poem;” its significance and weight are hinged upon the last
line, “A jungle has not heart. The core of it is to be more.” I found the
preceding lines a bit confusing in their syntax and spacing. I wasn’t sure how
it was supposed to be read or supposed to sound. Perhaps it was to convey the
chaotic environment of a jungle, but I think the image could have been simpler
or pertained more to the last line. The last line however really resonated with
me. It had a very distinct image and feeling about it, likening a jungle to a
sort of biological vacuum that consumes its surroundings in order to grow.
The explanation
accompanying The Cuban Doctor really helped my understanding of it making it
more insightful. I found the mixture and comparison of cultures interesting.
The title is ambiguous and the explanation at the bottom does little to
elucidate however I suspect the title is the key to understanding the poem. I
think the “Cuban doctor” is referring to shaman who induces a spiritual journey
resulting in the imagery and insight of the poem itself. The trip opens his
mind to the analysis of these concepts and comparison on a poetic platform
Naked girl with a
mirror
This poem was one of the most
beautiful ones so far. The descriptions in the first stanza grabbed me
immediately only to build upon my initial amazement. As it unraveled the
insight of the poem really spoke to me. For me, it referenced a few concepts
that I myself have been contemplating, such as the separation of or distinction
between the body and soul. The variation of emotions within the poem gave it an
almost musical quality, between joy and bewilderment, a retrospect on
simplicity and a prospect of sadness. The author truly expresses a facet of the
human condition
This poem felt pretty
anticlimactic. The list structure was a good build up, but there was no release
and perhaps it was intended through the wording of its conclusion, but it
failed to leave me with a lasting impression. The description of the hand in all
its parts was vivid and made me want to look at my own hands in a new way, but
which way? The poem failed to strike me with an insight or even entice me
towards one. Instead I would like to have seen this poem as pure image. A poem
about all the different ways to look at hands rather than the list of what a
hand is not leading up to nothing in particular.
I think it would’ve been
interesting to read “Edward Hopper and The House by The Railroad” without a
visual. I can’t imagine all the other people who happened to read this poem
having such a specific and immediate context for it. It’s a bit dampening to
the strength of the poem. The visual acts as competition and the poet’s words
become arguable. It is unfortunate because the narrative of the poem is quite
interesting. It depicts a colorful interpretation of not only the specific
elements of the painting, but the painting itself and its relationship to the
painter as well. Yet the poem seems lengthy next to the accompanying picture.
If all this text is about this picture, why would I want to read all that? Why
wouldn’t I just look at the picture and take from it what I will? But alas it
is the words I am responding to not the picture.
