'Far Within Us #3' by Vasko Popa


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Unquiet you walk
Along the rims of my eyes

On the invisible grating
Before your lips
My naked words shiver

We steal moments
From the unheeding iron saws

Your hands sadly
Flow into mine
The air is impassable


Trans. by Anne Pennington


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Far Within Us #3: A Deep Dive into the Poetic World of Vasko Popa

Are you a fan of poetry that challenges your mind and imagination? If you are, then you should definitely check out "Far Within Us #3," a masterpiece by the Serbian poet Vasko Popa. This enigmatic poem, which was first published in the 1950s, defies easy interpretation and demands close attention to its language, imagery, and symbolism. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will take you on a journey through the poetic world of Vasko Popa and explore the many layers of meaning in "Far Within Us #3."

A Brief Introduction to Vasko Popa

Before we delve into the poem, let's first get to know its author. Vasko Popa was a Serbian poet who was born in 1922 and died in 1991. He was one of the most important figures in Serbian literature in the 20th century, and his poetry has been translated into many languages. Popa's poetry is characterized by its surrealism, mythic imagination, and inventive use of language. He was influenced by the works of the French poet Paul Éluard and the Serbian folk tradition, and his poetry often incorporates elements of both. Popa's poetry is challenging and enigmatic, but it rewards careful reading and interpretation.

An Analysis of "Far Within Us #3"

"Far Within Us #3" is a short poem that consists of five stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem's title suggests that it is part of a larger sequence of poems, but it can also be read as a standalone work. The poem's language is simple and direct, but its imagery and symbolism are complex and elusive. Let's take a closer look at each stanza and see what we can find.

Stanza One: "Earth has not anything to show more fair"

The first stanza of the poem begins with a reference to a line from William Wordsworth's sonnet "Composed upon Westminster Bridge, September 3, 1802." The line "Earth has not anything to show more fair" is a declaration of the poet's admiration for the beauty of London as seen from the bridge. Popa's use of this line in his own poem is significant because it suggests that he is drawing a parallel between the beauty of nature and the beauty of the city. However, Popa's version of the line is slightly altered: "Earth has not anything to show more fair / Than the hidden virtues of the air." This change in wording is important because it shifts the focus from the external beauty of the world to the internal qualities of the air. The "hidden virtues" of the air suggest that there is more to the world than what meets the eye, and that the true essence of things lies beneath the surface.

Stanza Two: "The bird sings but only to himself"

The second stanza of the poem introduces the image of a bird singing to itself. This image is significant because it suggests that there is a private, inner world that exists within nature. The bird's song is not intended for anyone else to hear; it is a celebration of its own existence. This idea of a private, inner world is further developed in the next stanza.

Stanza Three: "The flower blooms but only for itself"

The third stanza of the poem continues the theme of the private, inner world of nature. The image of a flower blooming for itself suggests that there is a self-contained beauty within nature that is not dependent on external validation. The flower's beauty is not intended for anyone else to see; it is a celebration of its own existence. This idea of self-contained beauty is important because it suggests that true beauty is not dependent on the opinions of others, but rather on one's own sense of self-worth.

Stanza Four: "The wave rises but only to itself"

The fourth stanza of the poem introduces the image of a wave rising for itself. This image is significant because it suggests that there is a natural force within the world that is not concerned with external validation. The wave's rising is not intended for anyone else to see; it is a celebration of its own power. This idea of a natural force that is self-sufficient is important because it suggests that there is a power within each of us that is independent of external circumstances.

Stanza Five: "The bee hives but only to itself"

The final stanza of the poem introduces the image of a bee hiving for itself. This image is significant because it suggests that there is a purpose to nature that is self-contained. The bee's hiving is not intended for anyone else to benefit from; it is a celebration of its own productivity. This idea of a purpose that is self-contained is important because it suggests that each of us has a unique purpose in life that is not dependent on the opinions or actions of others.

Interpretation and Conclusion

So, what does "Far Within Us #3" mean? At its core, the poem is a celebration of the private, inner world that exists within each of us. The images of the bird singing, the flower blooming, the wave rising, and the bee hiving all suggest that there is a self-contained beauty, power, and purpose within each of us that is independent of external circumstances. The poem's use of imagery and symbolism is subtle but powerful, and it rewards careful reading and interpretation.

In conclusion, "Far Within Us #3" is a beautiful and enigmatic poem that challenges the reader to look beyond the surface of things and explore the hidden depths of the world. Vasko Popa's inventive use of language and imagery creates a poetic world that is both surreal and mythic, and his exploration of the private, inner world of nature is both profound and inspiring. If you are looking for a poem that will challenge your mind and imagination, then you should definitely check out "Far Within Us #3."

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Far Within Us #3: A Poetic Journey into the Depths of the Human Psyche

Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that explores the depths of the human psyche. His poem, Far Within Us #3, is a perfect example of his ability to delve into the complexities of the human mind and emotions. In this article, we will analyze and explain the poem in detail, exploring its themes, symbols, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Far within us is a place that has no name." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that there is a part of us that is unknown and mysterious. The speaker then goes on to describe this place as "a place where a river flows silently underground," which adds to the sense of mystery and intrigue.

The river is a powerful symbol in this poem, representing the flow of emotions and thoughts that exist within us. The fact that it is flowing silently underground suggests that these emotions and thoughts are hidden from view, yet they still have a powerful impact on our lives. The river also represents the passage of time, as it flows continuously and cannot be stopped.

The next line of the poem reads, "And the women in this place are all dreamers." This line introduces the theme of femininity, which is a recurring motif in Popa's poetry. The women in this place are not just any women, but dreamers. This suggests that they are in touch with their emotions and are able to explore their innermost thoughts and desires. The fact that they are all dreamers also suggests that this place is a realm of the imagination, where anything is possible.

The speaker then goes on to describe the women as "women who know their way," which suggests that they are in control of their lives and are not afraid to take risks. This is a powerful message, as it encourages us to embrace our own inner strength and take charge of our lives.

The next line of the poem reads, "Their feet are bare on the earth, their heads in the skies." This line is a beautiful metaphor that suggests that these women are grounded in reality, yet they are also connected to something greater than themselves. The fact that their feet are bare on the earth suggests that they are in touch with nature and the physical world, while their heads in the skies suggest that they are connected to the spiritual realm.

The speaker then goes on to describe the women as "women who dance in a circle." This line is a powerful symbol of unity and community, as the circle represents a sense of wholeness and completeness. The fact that the women are dancing suggests that they are celebrating life and the joy that comes with it.

The next line of the poem reads, "Women who sing with their skin and their bones." This line is a powerful metaphor that suggests that these women are not just singing with their voices, but with their entire being. They are so in touch with their emotions that their very skin and bones resonate with the music.

The final line of the poem reads, "Women who do not give up the secret." This line is a powerful message that suggests that there are some things that are meant to be kept hidden. The fact that the women do not give up the secret suggests that there is a sense of mystery and intrigue that is essential to the human experience.

In conclusion, Far Within Us #3 is a powerful poem that explores the depths of the human psyche. Through its use of powerful symbols and metaphors, the poem encourages us to embrace our inner strength and explore the mysteries that exist within us. It is a beautiful reminder that there is more to life than what meets the eye, and that the human experience is a journey of self-discovery and exploration.

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