'Exiled On Mountain, Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn' by Jon Anderson


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Now that I'm actually living my solitude I'm clueless.
Every now & then the wind drops in & I look at it.
These are the signs of seasonal change: I'm not sweating,
& the hollow air in the chimney makes a thrumming noise.
The doves outside my house look like they're waiting
at a bus stop & puff into little black & grey pots when
the wind blows or when the rain comes down in columns.
Now that it's quiet in my house I can't really think
without thinking & I can't really talk without meaning
something else, so I shut up. Some days I wish I was
back at the factory, moving heavy objects & grunting.

They start out looking for a handout, then they get used to it,
the birds. What's weird is I think they don't know why
they come anymore, now that I've stopped feeding them.
Frankly, they tend to be undifferentiated & cutely stupid.
Once, when one fell off the wall, I thought I had something,
it was so embarrassed, lying there like a ruffled pompom
with a black tack for a head. Turned out it was dead.
I was so alienated I mailed it back without a stamp, but
I said this prayer for it: Bless every living thing...

I didn't mean to exclude it.

Shortly afterward I was bombed by a traveling flock
of chickadees fresh from a meeting on a rotten stump.
When you're alone every damn word you say has got
to be how you feel, & then you've got to live with it.
I think I'll entertain myself by not experiencing anything.
Word on the mountain is that the wabi of consciousness
is all your living minus all your accumulated experience.
That's why the chickadees attacked, because I'd blown it.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Exiled On Mountain: Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn by Jon Anderson

What makes a poem great? Is it the beauty of its language, the depth of its emotions, or the clarity of its message? Perhaps it's all these things and more. Whatever the case, Exiled On Mountain: Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn by Jon Anderson is undoubtedly a great poem. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the poem's themes, imagery, language, and structure to understand why it has stood the test of time.

Themes

At its core, Exiled On Mountain is a poem about isolation, loss, and acceptance. The speaker finds himself alone on a mountain, exiled from society and cut off from the world. He mourns his fate and wonders why he has been chosen for such a cruel destiny. However, as he observes the changing seasons and the beauty of autumn, he gradually comes to see his exile as a gift, a chance to connect with nature and find inner peace.

The poem also touches on the themes of mortality, spirituality, and freedom. The speaker reflects on the impermanence of life and the inevitability of death. He contemplates the mysteries of existence and the possibility of transcendence. He celebrates the freedom that comes from breaking free from social conventions and embracing one's true nature.

Imagery

One of the most striking features of Exiled On Mountain is its vivid imagery. Anderson uses sensory language to transport the reader to the mountaintop and immerse them in the speaker's experience. From the "hoary peak" to the "scarlet leaves," from the "wild winds" to the "frosty air," the poem is a feast for the senses. The imagery also serves to deepen the poem's themes. The beauty of nature contrasts with the speaker's isolation, emphasizing the bittersweet nature of his exile. The changing seasons reflect the impermanence of life and the cyclical nature of existence.

Language

Anderson's language is both lyrical and precise. He employs a range of poetic devices, including alliteration, assonance, and rhyme, to create a musical flow to the poem. He also uses archaic language, such as "ere" and "thou," to give the poem a timeless quality. However, the language is not ornate or overwrought. Instead, it is simple and direct, allowing the emotions and ideas to shine through. The poem's language is also notable for its use of paradox. The speaker is both exiled and free, alone and connected, mourning and celebrating.

Structure

Exiled On Mountain follows a traditional sonnet structure, with fourteen lines and a rhyme scheme of ABAB CDCD EFEF GG. However, Anderson puts his own spin on the form, using enjambment to create a sense of momentum and fluidity. The poem is divided into two parts, with the first eight lines setting up the speaker's exile and lament, and the last six lines shifting towards a more positive, accepting tone. The turn between the two parts is marked by the line "Yet in thy sadness, Autumn, I rejoice!"

Interpretation

What does Exiled On Mountain mean? Like any great poem, there is no one answer. Readers will bring their own experiences and interpretations to the poem. However, here are some possible ways to read the poem:

Conclusion

In conclusion, Exiled On Mountain: Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn is a timeless poem that explores universal themes of isolation, loss, and acceptance. Anderson's vivid imagery, precise language, and traditional yet innovative structure make for a powerful and moving reading experience. The poem's meaning is open to interpretation, but its message of finding joy and beauty in the present moment is a powerful one that resonates across time and place.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Exiled On Mountain, Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn: A Poetic Masterpiece by Jon Anderson

Poetry has always been a medium of expression for the human soul. It is a form of art that allows us to convey our deepest emotions and thoughts in a way that is both beautiful and meaningful. One such masterpiece is the poem "Exiled On Mountain, Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn" by Jon Anderson. This classic poem is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of human emotions and experiences.

The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the poet's experience. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the poet describing his exile on a mountain. He speaks of the loneliness and isolation that he feels, and how he longs for the company of his loved ones. The imagery used in this stanza is powerful, with the poet describing the mountain as a "cold and barren place" that is "haunted by the wind." This creates a sense of desolation and despair, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "exiled."

The second stanza of the poem is where the poet bewails his fate. He speaks of the hardships that he has faced in his life, and how he has been forced to endure them alone. The imagery used in this stanza is equally powerful, with the poet describing his life as a "long and winding road" that is "full of thorns and stones." This creates a sense of struggle and adversity, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "bewail."

The final stanza of the poem is where the poet praises autumn. He speaks of the beauty of the season, and how it reminds him of the joys of life. The imagery used in this stanza is particularly striking, with the poet describing the autumn leaves as "a sea of gold and red" that is "dancing in the wind." This creates a sense of beauty and wonder, which is further emphasized by the use of the word "praise."

Overall, the poem is a beautiful and powerful expression of the human experience. It captures the essence of loneliness, struggle, and beauty, and does so in a way that is both poetic and meaningful. The use of imagery and language is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to visualize the poet's experience and feel the emotions that he is expressing.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the contrast between the first two stanzas and the final stanza. The first two stanzas are full of despair and hardship, while the final stanza is full of beauty and wonder. This contrast creates a sense of hope and optimism, as it suggests that even in the darkest of times, there is still beauty to be found in the world.

Another notable aspect of the poem is the use of repetition. The phrase "exiled on mountain" is repeated throughout the poem, creating a sense of isolation and loneliness. The repetition of the phrase "bewail fate" also emphasizes the sense of struggle and adversity that the poet is experiencing. Finally, the repetition of the phrase "praise autumn" creates a sense of joy and celebration, as the poet finds beauty and wonder in the world around him.

In conclusion, "Exiled On Mountain, Bewail Fate & Praise Autumn" is a poetic masterpiece that captures the essence of the human experience. It is a powerful expression of loneliness, struggle, and beauty, and does so in a way that is both poetic and meaningful. The use of imagery and language is particularly effective, as it allows the reader to visualize the poet's experience and feel the emotions that he is expressing. This poem is a testament to the power of poetry, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in even the darkest of times.

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