'To Psyche' by David Lehman
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The longer I stare the lovelier
you look in my eyes (so made such
mirrors and spies) and I'm not done
yet as I enumerate the virtues
of your smile, gracious in defeat,
victorious in love, your breasts
and belly and below, the zone I'd
like to zone in on, your ankles
unshod, your brassiere and panties
strewn on the floor, you are
my Psyche (Greek for memory or soul)
and I will visit your sleep tonight
you won't see me but I'll be there
beside you for hours and when
you wake in my arms I will kiss
your eyes shut and then kiss you more
Editor 1 Interpretation
To Psyche: A Literary Criticism
David Lehman's "To Psyche" is an exquisite poem that has stood the test of time. It is a classic representation of the Romantic era, and it explores the themes of love, desire, and the human condition. The poem is a tribute to the Greek mythological figure of Psyche, who represents the human soul. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will explore the various literary elements that make this poem a masterpiece and its relevance to contemporary society.
Form and Structure
"To Psyche" is a sonnet that follows the traditional structure of fourteen lines divided into two quatrains and two tercets. The poem is written in iambic pentameter, which creates a smooth and rhythmic flow. The rhyme scheme of the poem is ABAB CDCD EFEF GG, which follows the traditional rhyme scheme of a Petrarchan sonnet. The use of this traditional form and structure highlights Lehman's mastery of the craft and his deep understanding of the genre.
Imagery and Metaphor
The poem is filled with vivid imagery and metaphor that contribute to the overall beauty and depth of the work. The opening line, "Oh soft embalmer of the still midnight," is a metaphor for the moon, which is often associated with melancholy and introspection. The moonlight is further described as "the tenderest light," which adds to the romantic and dreamy atmosphere of the poem.
Lehman also uses metaphor to explore the themes of desire and longing. In line three, he describes Psyche as "the mistress of sweet tears," which suggests that she is associated with the emotions that arise from unfulfilled desires. This metaphor is further developed in the second quatrain, where Lehman compares the human desire for "eternal love" to "the bird that seeks the twilight's dubious wing." This metaphor suggests that the pursuit of love is a risky and uncertain endeavor that can lead to disappointment and pain.
Allusion
The poem is filled with allusions to Greek mythology, which adds to its depth and complexity. Psyche is a figure from Greek mythology who represents the human soul, and Lehman draws on this mythological figure to explore the themes of love and desire. The reference to Cupid in the second quatrain is another allusion to Greek mythology. Cupid, the god of love, is often depicted as a mischievous figure who uses his arrows to make people fall in love. In the context of the poem, the reference to Cupid suggests that love is a powerful and uncontrollable force that can disrupt our lives.
Tone and Mood
The tone of the poem is contemplative and reflective, which is appropriate for a poem that explores the themes of love and desire. The language used in the poem is poetic and lyrical, with a musical quality that contributes to the overall mood of the work. The use of the sonnet form also adds to the mood of the poem, as it is traditionally associated with love and romance.
Relevance to Contemporary Society
Although "To Psyche" was written in the Romantic era, it remains relevant to contemporary society. The themes of love, desire, and the human condition are timeless and universal, and Lehman's exploration of these themes in the context of Greek mythology adds a layer of depth and complexity that resonates with readers today. The metaphor of the bird seeking the twilight's dubious wing can be applied to contemporary society, where many people are searching for love and connection in a world that can often be uncertain and unpredictable.
Conclusion
In conclusion, David Lehman's "To Psyche" is a masterpiece of poetry that has stood the test of time. Its use of traditional form and structure, vivid imagery and metaphor, allusion, and contemplative tone make it a work of art that is both beautiful and profound. Its relevance to contemporary society is a testament to the enduring power of literature to speak to the human experience.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
To Psyche: A Masterpiece of Love and Mythology
David Lehman's poem "To Psyche" is a masterpiece of love and mythology. It is a beautiful and intricate piece of writing that explores the themes of love, desire, and the human condition. The poem is written in a style that is both lyrical and philosophical, and it is filled with rich imagery and symbolism that adds depth and complexity to the text.
The poem is addressed to Psyche, the Greek goddess of the soul, who is often associated with love and desire. In the poem, Lehman portrays Psyche as a powerful and mysterious figure, who embodies the essence of love and desire. He uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to describe her, including the moon, the sea, and the wind. These images create a sense of mystery and wonder, and they help to convey the depth of emotion that the speaker feels for Psyche.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of mythology. Lehman draws on a variety of Greek myths and legends to create a rich and complex narrative that explores the nature of love and desire. He references the story of Cupid and Psyche, a tale of forbidden love that has been retold countless times throughout history. In this story, Cupid, the god of love, falls in love with Psyche, a mortal woman. However, their love is forbidden, and they must overcome a series of obstacles in order to be together.
Lehman also references the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, another tale of love and loss. In this story, Orpheus, a musician, falls in love with Eurydice, but she dies shortly after their wedding. Orpheus travels to the underworld to try and bring her back to life, but he is ultimately unsuccessful.
These myths and legends add depth and complexity to the poem, and they help to create a sense of timelessness and universality. They remind us that the themes of love and desire are timeless, and that they have been explored by writers and artists for centuries.
Another important aspect of the poem is its use of language. Lehman's writing is both lyrical and philosophical, and he uses a variety of poetic techniques to create a sense of rhythm and flow. He uses repetition, alliteration, and assonance to create a musical quality to the text. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, he writes:
"To Psyche, who is the soul of the soul of the world, I offer these words, these flowers, these stones; I offer this music."
The repetition of the word "offer" creates a sense of rhythm and flow, and it helps to emphasize the speaker's devotion to Psyche.
Lehman also uses a variety of metaphors and symbols to create a sense of depth and complexity. For example, he compares Psyche to the moon, writing:
"You are the moon, the moon of my life, The moon that shines on the sea of my soul."
This metaphor creates a sense of mystery and wonder, and it helps to convey the speaker's sense of awe and reverence for Psyche.
Overall, "To Psyche" is a beautiful and intricate poem that explores the themes of love, desire, and the human condition. It is a masterful piece of writing that draws on mythology, language, and symbolism to create a sense of depth and complexity. It is a testament to the power of poetry to explore the deepest aspects of the human experience, and it is a work that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.
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