'A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention' by Yehuda Amichai


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They amputated
Your thighs off my hips.
As far as I'm concerned
They are all surgeons. All of them.

They dismantled us
Each from the other.
As far as I'm concerned
They are all engineers. All of them.

A pity. We were such a good
And loving invention.
An aeroplane made from a man and wife.
Wings and everything.
We hovered a little above the earth.

We even flew a little.


Translated by Assia Gutmann


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention by Yehuda Amichai: A Masterpiece in the History of Poetry

Yehuda Amichai is one of the greatest poets of the contemporary world, known for his ability to weave together the personal and the political, the local and the universal, and the historical and the contemporary. In his poem "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention," Amichai explores the complexities of human relationships, the fragility of love, and the inevitability of change. This poem is a masterpiece in the history of poetry, and its themes and imagery are still relevant and compelling today.

The Themes of "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention"

At its core, "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is a poem about love and loss. Amichai explores the complexities of human relationships, the fragility of love, and the inevitability of change. The poem is full of metaphors and images that illustrate the various stages of love, from the initial euphoria to the eventual disappointment and heartbreak.

One of the main themes of the poem is the idea that love is fragile and fleeting. Amichai presents this idea through the metaphor of a "good invention" that has outlived its usefulness. The poem suggests that love, like an invention, can be useful and valuable for a time, but eventually becomes obsolete and outdated. This theme is reinforced through the use of imagery, such as the image of a "shattered cup" that represents the brokenness of love.

Another important theme of the poem is the idea that change is inevitable. Amichai suggests that even the strongest relationships can be torn apart by the forces of time and circumstance. This theme is illustrated through the metaphor of a "tree that has lost its leaves" and the image of a "silent street" that represents the emptiness and desolation of a relationship that has ended.

The Imagery of "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention"

Amichai's use of imagery in "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is both powerful and evocative. He uses metaphors, symbols, and allusions to create a vivid and emotional picture of the complexities of love and loss.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the metaphor of a "good invention" that has outlived its usefulness. This metaphor suggests that love, like an invention, can be useful and valuable for a time, but eventually becomes obsolete and outdated. This image is reinforced through the use of other metaphors, such as the image of a "shattered cup" that represents the brokenness of love, and the image of a "forgotten song" that represents the fading memory of a relationship.

Another powerful image in the poem is the metaphor of a "tree that has lost its leaves." This metaphor suggests that even the strongest relationships can be torn apart by the forces of time and circumstance. The image of a "silent street" that represents the emptiness and desolation of a relationship that has ended further reinforces this theme.

In addition to these metaphors, Amichai also uses symbols and allusions to create a rich and layered image of love and loss. For example, the allusion to the biblical story of Adam and Eve suggests that the pain of love and loss is a fundamental part of the human experience. The use of the symbol of a "book of grievances" suggests that love can be a source of conflict and pain, as well as joy and happiness.

The Tone of "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention"

The tone of "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is both sad and resigned. Amichai presents the pain and sadness of love and loss in a way that is both poignant and honest. The tone of the poem is one of regret and sadness, but also of acceptance and understanding.

Amichai's use of language and imagery creates a tone that is both emotional and intellectual. The language is simple and direct, but also rich and evocative. The imagery is both concrete and abstract, creating a sense of depth and complexity.

The Importance of "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention"

"A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is an important poem in the history of poetry. It is a powerful and moving exploration of the complexities of human relationships, and the fragility of love. The themes and imagery of the poem are still relevant and compelling today, and its message of acceptance and understanding in the face of change and loss is one that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

In conclusion, "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is a masterpiece in the history of poetry. Yehuda Amichai's ability to weave together the personal and the political, the local and the universal, and the historical and the contemporary is on full display in this poem. The themes and imagery of the poem are still relevant and compelling today, and its message of acceptance and understanding in the face of change and loss is one that resonates with readers of all ages and backgrounds.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention: A Masterpiece of Love and Loss

Yehuda Amichai's poem, "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention," is a masterpiece of love and loss. The poem is a reflection on the complexities of human relationships, the fragility of love, and the inevitability of separation. It is a poignant and powerful piece of literature that captures the essence of the human experience.

The poem begins with a simple statement: "A pity, we were such a good invention." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately establishes a sense of regret and sadness. The speaker is lamenting the fact that despite the fact that humans are capable of great love and connection, they are also prone to heartbreak and separation.

The next few lines of the poem describe the beauty of human connection. The speaker notes that humans were "a pair of parentheses," meant to enclose and protect one another. This image is both tender and powerful, as it suggests that humans were designed to be in each other's lives, to provide comfort and support.

However, the poem takes a darker turn as the speaker acknowledges the reality of human relationships. Despite the fact that humans were designed to be together, they are also prone to conflict and misunderstanding. The speaker notes that "we ruined it all with our foolishness," suggesting that humans are often their own worst enemies when it comes to love and connection.

The poem then takes a more personal turn, as the speaker reflects on a specific relationship. The speaker notes that "we wounded each other," suggesting that the relationship was not without its share of pain and hurt. However, the speaker also acknowledges that there was love between them, noting that "we had the best intentions." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that even when relationships fail, there is often a deep and genuine love that underlies the pain.

The final lines of the poem are perhaps the most poignant. The speaker notes that "we loved each other in silence," suggesting that there was a deep emotional connection between the two individuals, even if it was not always expressed in words. The poem ends with the heartbreaking line, "A pity, we were such a good and a noble invention." This line is particularly powerful, as it suggests that despite the pain and heartbreak of human relationships, there is still something noble and beautiful about the human capacity for love and connection.

Overall, "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the complexities of human relationships. The poem is a testament to the beauty and fragility of love, and a reminder that even when relationships fail, there is still something noble and beautiful about the human capacity for connection. Yehuda Amichai's poem is a masterpiece of literature, and a testament to the enduring power of love and loss.

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