'Far Within Us #7' by Vasko Popa


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Toothed eyes fly
Over still waters

Around us purple lips
Flutter from branches

Screams hit the blue
And fall onto pillows

Our homes hide
Behind narrow backs

Hands clutch at
Flimsy clouds

Our veins roll turbid
Bed and tables

Of shattered bones
Noon has fallen into our hands

And turned all gloomy

An open grave on the face of the earth
On your face on my face


Trans. by Anne Pennington


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Far Within Us #7 by Vasko Popa: A Poetic Exploration of the Human Psyche

Far Within Us #7 by Vasko Popa is a hauntingly beautiful poem that delves deep into the human psyche, exploring our innermost thoughts, fears, and desires. Written in a deceptively simple language, the poem is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that challenges our understanding of the self, the other, and the world around us. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism of Far Within Us #7, and offer an insightful analysis of this complex and enigmatic poem.

A Brief Overview of Far Within Us #7

Far Within Us #7 is a short poem consisting of twelve lines, divided into three stanzas of four lines each. The poem is written in free verse, with no regular meter or rhyme scheme. The language is simple and direct, yet full of suggestive imagery and symbolism. The poem opens with the line "We are all alone in this world", which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker then goes on to describe a world that is both frightening and fascinating, full of strange creatures and hidden dangers. The final stanza of the poem offers a glimpse of hope, as the speaker suggests that we can find comfort in our own inner world, far away from the chaos and confusion of the outside world.

The Themes of Far Within Us #7

One of the central themes of Far Within Us #7 is the alienation and loneliness of the human condition. The poem suggests that we are all alone in this world, cut off from the rest of the universe by our own consciousness. The speaker describes a world that is full of strange and terrifying creatures, suggesting that the outside world is a hostile and dangerous place. This sense of isolation and fear is further reinforced by the image of the "empty space between the stars", which suggests a vast and indifferent universe that cares nothing for our existence.

However, the poem also offers a glimmer of hope, as the speaker suggests that we can find solace and comfort in our own inner world. By retreating into our own thoughts and feelings, we can create a sense of purpose and meaning that is not dependent on the outside world. This theme of inner exploration and self-discovery is a common one in modernist poetry, and it reflects the desire of many writers of the time to break free from traditional forms and explore new ways of expressing the human experience.

The Imagery of Far Within Us #7

One of the most striking features of Far Within Us #7 is its rich and evocative imagery. The poem is full of vivid and suggestive images, which create a sense of both wonder and fear. The opening line, "We are all alone in this world", is a powerful image that immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The line suggests a sense of isolation and loneliness that is both universal and deeply personal.

The poem also contains a number of images that are both fantastical and disturbing. The image of the "birds with human eyes" is particularly striking, as it suggests a blurring of the boundaries between the human and the animal worlds. Similarly, the image of the "tree with crooked arms" suggests a sense of malevolence and danger, as if the tree is reaching out to ensnare the unwary traveler.

The final stanza of the poem contains a number of images that are more positive and uplifting. The image of the "secret garden" suggests a sense of intimacy and privacy, as if the speaker is inviting us into a world that is hidden from the rest of the world. Similarly, the image of the "warm and gentle light" creates a sense of comfort and safety, suggesting that we can find refuge from the outside world by retreating into our own thoughts and feelings.

The Symbolism of Far Within Us #7

Like many modernist poems, Far Within Us #7 is full of symbolic imagery and suggestive themes. The poem's central image of isolation and loneliness is a powerful symbol of the human condition, suggesting that we are all cut off from the rest of the universe by our own consciousness. The image of the "birds with human eyes" is also a potent symbol, suggesting a blurring of the boundaries between the human and the animal worlds.

The final stanza of the poem contains a number of symbols that are more positive and uplifting. The image of the "secret garden" suggests a sense of hidden knowledge and self-discovery, as if the speaker is inviting us to explore our own inner world. Similarly, the image of the "warm and gentle light" is a powerful symbol of hope and comfort, suggesting that we can find solace and peace by retreating into our own thoughts and feelings.

Conclusion

Far Within Us #7 is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of isolation, fear, and self-discovery. Through its rich and suggestive imagery and symbolism, the poem invites us to explore our own inner world, and to find solace and comfort in our own thoughts and feelings. In the hands of a master like Vasko Popa, even the most ordinary language can be transformed into a work of art, and Far Within Us #7 is a shining example of modernist poetry at its best.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Far Within Us #7: A Poem of Profound Reflection and Metaphysical Exploration

Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that blends surrealism, mythology, and folklore. His poem "Far Within Us #7" is a perfect example of his style, as it takes the reader on a journey of profound reflection and metaphysical exploration.

The poem begins with the line "Far within us all is a great desert," which immediately sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The desert is a metaphor for the emptiness and loneliness that we all feel at times, despite being surrounded by people and things. The use of the word "great" emphasizes the magnitude of this feeling, suggesting that it is not just a passing emotion but a deep-seated part of our being.

The next line, "And a spring with a tree in blossom," offers a glimmer of hope amidst the barrenness of the desert. The spring represents the potential for growth and renewal, while the tree in blossom symbolizes the beauty and vitality of life. This contrast between the desert and the spring/tree creates a sense of tension and anticipation, as the reader wonders how these two opposing forces will interact.

As the poem continues, Popa introduces a series of images that further explore the theme of duality. For example, he writes, "And a bird that sings only when it rains," which suggests that even in the midst of sadness and despair, there can be moments of joy and beauty. Similarly, the line "And a door that opens onto a street of silence" implies that there can be both openness and isolation in our lives.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the line "And a whip that cracks in the heart." This image is jarring and unexpected, as it seems to contradict the hopeful tone of the previous lines. However, it also adds depth and complexity to the poem, as it suggests that even in moments of joy and beauty, there can be pain and suffering. The whip represents the harsh realities of life, which can sometimes intrude on our moments of happiness.

The final lines of the poem bring all of these images together in a powerful and thought-provoking way. Popa writes, "And a gold cage that someone left open." This line is rich with symbolism, as the cage represents the limitations and constraints that we place on ourselves, while the gold suggests that these limitations are often self-imposed and unnecessary. The fact that someone left the cage open implies that we have the power to break free from these limitations and explore the full potential of our lives.

Overall, "Far Within Us #7" is a poem that invites the reader to reflect on the complexities of the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery and metaphor, the poem explores themes of duality, hope, and the struggle to break free from self-imposed limitations. It is a powerful reminder that even in the midst of our darkest moments, there is always the potential for growth and renewal.

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