'Far Within Us #4' by Vasko Popa


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Green gloves rustle
On the avenue's branches

The evening carries us under its arm
By a path which leaves no trace

The rain falls on its knees
Before the fugitive windows

The yards come out of their gates
And stand looking after us


Trans. by Anne Pennington


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Far Within Us #4 by Vasko Popa: A Masterpiece of Surrealism

Far Within Us #4 is a surrealistic poem written by Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet, and literary critic. The poem was first published in 1963 as part of Popa's collection of poems, "Kora" and has since become one of his most famous works. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the themes, language, structure, and style of the poem to understand its meaning and significance.

Themes

At its core, Far Within Us #4 is a poem about the human condition. It explores the themes of identity, existence, and the search for meaning. Popa presents these themes through a series of surrealistic images, each one building on the last to create a dreamlike atmosphere. The poem draws on the idea of the unconscious mind, where thoughts and feelings are repressed and hidden from our conscious selves.

Language

One of the most striking aspects of Far Within Us #4 is its use of language. Popa's language is simple and direct, yet it is also highly evocative. He uses concrete and specific images to convey abstract ideas. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, he writes:

In the morning we put out Milk for him And we put out Bread

These lines are deceptively simple, yet they create a sense of mystery and intrigue. Who is the "him" referred to in the poem? What is the significance of the milk and bread? Popa's use of language draws the reader in and encourages them to explore the poem's deeper meanings.

Structure

Far Within Us #4 is a free-verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. Its structure is loose and fluid, allowing for the surrealistic images to flow freely. The poem is divided into three stanzas, with each stanza building on the last to create a sense of progression. The first stanza sets the scene and introduces the main themes, while the second and third stanzas delve deeper into these themes.

Style

Popa's style in Far Within Us #4 is highly symbolic and surrealistic. He uses concrete images to represent abstract ideas, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. The poem is full of paradoxes and contradictions, adding to its sense of mystery and intrigue. For example, in the second stanza, Popa writes:

The sun sleeps in the forest And the water sleeps in the lake The night creeps over the fields And all the birds sleep in the trees

These lines are full of contradictions – the sun and water are typically associated with wakefulness, while the night and birds are associated with sleep. This use of paradox adds to the poem's surrealistic tone, creating a sense of disorientation and confusion.

Interpretation

So, what does Far Within Us #4 mean? There is no one answer to this question, as the poem's meaning is highly subjective and open to interpretation. However, there are several key themes and images that can help us understand its deeper meanings.

At its core, Far Within Us #4 is a poem about the search for identity and meaning. The "him" referred to in the opening lines of the poem can be interpreted in several ways – as a god or a higher power, as a symbol for our own unconscious minds, or as a representation of the unknown and mysterious. The act of putting out milk and bread can be seen as a ritualistic offering, a way of connecting with the unknown and seeking guidance or answers.

The use of surrealistic imagery throughout the poem adds to its sense of mystery and intrigue. The sleeping sun and water, the creeping night, and the sleeping birds all create a sense of stillness and quiet. This stillness can be interpreted as a representation of the unconscious mind – a place where our thoughts and feelings are repressed and hidden from our conscious selves.

Overall, Far Within Us #4 is a masterpiece of surrealist poetry. Its use of language, structure, and style create a dreamlike atmosphere that draws the reader in and encourages them to explore its deeper meanings. While the poem's meaning is open to interpretation, its themes of identity, existence, and the search for meaning make it a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Far Within Us #4: A Poem of Profound Reflection and Introspection

Vasko Popa, a renowned Serbian poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that is deeply rooted in folklore and mythology. His poem, Far Within Us #4, is a masterpiece that delves into the human psyche and explores the complexities of the human mind.

The poem is a journey of self-discovery, where the speaker reflects on the various aspects of their personality and the emotions that lie within them. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the human psyche.

In the first stanza, the speaker reflects on the concept of time and how it affects our lives. The speaker says, "Time is a great wheel that rolls over us all." This line suggests that time is a force that is beyond our control and that we are all subject to its whims. The speaker then goes on to say, "We are its spokes, its cogs, its gears." This line suggests that we are all a part of the larger machinery of time and that we are all interconnected.

The second stanza explores the concept of memory and how it shapes our lives. The speaker says, "Memory is a great sea that washes over us all." This line suggests that memory is a force that is constantly present in our lives and that it shapes our experiences. The speaker then goes on to say, "We are its waves, its tides, its currents." This line suggests that we are all a part of the larger flow of memory and that we are all shaped by it.

The third stanza explores the concept of desire and how it drives us. The speaker says, "Desire is a great fire that burns within us all." This line suggests that desire is a force that is constantly present in our lives and that it drives us to pursue our goals. The speaker then goes on to say, "We are its flames, its sparks, its embers." This line suggests that we are all a part of the larger fire of desire and that we are all driven by it.

The final stanza explores the concept of death and how it affects us. The speaker says, "Death is a great darkness that awaits us all." This line suggests that death is a force that is beyond our control and that we are all subject to its inevitability. The speaker then goes on to say, "We are its shadows, its echoes, its whispers." This line suggests that we are all a part of the larger darkness of death and that we are all affected by it.

Overall, Far Within Us #4 is a profound reflection on the human psyche and the various forces that shape our lives. The poem is a journey of self-discovery, where the speaker reflects on the various aspects of their personality and the emotions that lie within them. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the depths of the human experience and to provide insight into the complexities of the human mind.

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