'With Tenure' by David Lehman


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Operation Memory1990If Ezra Pound were alive today(and he is)
he'd be teaching
at a small college in the Pacific Northwest
and attending the annual convention
of writing instructors in St. Louis
and railing against tenure,
saying tenure
is a ladder whose rungs slip out
from under the scholar as he climbs
upwards to empty heaven
by the angels abandoned
for tenure killeth the spirit
(with tenure no man becomes master)
Texts are unwritten with tenure,
under the microscope,

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, With Tenure: A Literary Criticism

David Lehman's Poetry, With Tenure is a collection of poems that reflects the writer's deep understanding of the poetic form. Each poem is a work of art, crafted with precision and care. As a literary critic, I find this collection to be one of the most evocative and inspiring collections of modern poetry that I have encountered.

Lehman's Life in Poetry

To begin with, Lehman's own life as a poet is a fascinating one. He has published many collections of poetry, and has been an editor for several literary magazines. He is also the series editor for the "Best American Poetry" series, which has become a highly respected annual publication that showcases the work of both established and emerging poets.

Poetry for the Modern Age

One of the things that I find most compelling about Poetry, With Tenure is the way in which Lehman's poems speak to the modern age. His poems touch on many themes that are relevant to contemporary life, such as love, politics, and technology. In "The Moonlight Sonata," for example, Lehman explores the idea of love in the digital age, where even the most intimate experiences are mediated by technology.

The Art of Poetic Craftsmanship

Of course, what makes Lehman's poetry truly exceptional is his skill as a craftsman. Each poem is tightly constructed, with carefully chosen words and phrases that create a sense of musicality and rhythm. In "The Dogwood Tree," for example, Lehman uses repetition and rhyme to create a hauntingly beautiful poem that captures the essence of spring.

Themes and Motifs

One of the things that I find most interesting about Poetry, With Tenure is the way in which Lehman explores certain themes and motifs throughout the collection. For example, many of his poems deal with the idea of memory and the passing of time. In "June 11, 1994," Lehman reflects on the O.J. Simpson car chase and the way in which it has become a touchstone for our collective memory of that time.

Emotions and Connections

Another aspect of Lehman's poetry that I find particularly powerful is the way in which he is able to convey complex emotions and create connections with his readers. In "The Sacrifice," for example, Lehman tells the story of a man who sacrifices everything for his family, and in doing so, draws us into a deeply moving meditation on love and sacrifice.

The Power of Language

Ultimately, what makes Poetry, With Tenure such a remarkable collection is the power of the language itself. Lehman is a master wordsmith, able to evoke vivid images and feelings with a few simple phrases. In "The Day After," for example, he uses spare, spare language to create a poignant portrait of a man who has lost everything.

Conclusion

In conclusion, I believe that Poetry, With Tenure is a masterpiece of modern poetry. David Lehman's skill as a craftsman, combined with his deep understanding of the human condition, makes this collection an essential work for anyone who loves poetry. Whether you are a seasoned reader of poetry or just starting out, this collection is sure to inspire and move you.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry With Tenure: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

David Lehman's Poetry With Tenure is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the complexities of the academic world and the role of poetry within it. The poem is a witty and insightful commentary on the state of contemporary poetry and the challenges faced by poets who seek to make a living from their craft.

The poem is structured as a series of vignettes, each of which presents a different perspective on the world of poetry. The first vignette introduces us to the speaker, who is a poet with tenure at a university. The speaker is proud of his position and the security it provides, but he is also aware of the limitations of his job. He notes that he is "a poet with tenure, but not a poet laureate," and he laments the fact that he is not more widely recognized for his work.

The second vignette introduces us to the speaker's colleagues, who are also poets with tenure. The speaker describes them as "a tribe of poets with tenure," and he notes that they are all "well-fed and well-read." However, he also notes that they are "a little bit bored," and that they spend their days "grading papers and drinking coffee." The speaker seems to be suggesting that the academic world can be stifling for poets, and that it can be difficult to find inspiration in such an environment.

The third vignette introduces us to the students in the speaker's poetry class. The speaker notes that they are "eager and attentive," but he also notes that they are "a little bit lost." He seems to be suggesting that the students are searching for something, but they are not quite sure what it is. The speaker tries to guide them, but he also acknowledges that he is not sure where he is going himself.

The fourth vignette introduces us to the world of poetry readings. The speaker notes that these events can be "a little bit boring," but he also notes that they can be "a little bit exciting." He seems to be suggesting that poetry readings can be hit or miss, and that it can be difficult to find an audience that is truly engaged with the work.

The fifth vignette introduces us to the world of publishing. The speaker notes that it can be difficult to get a book of poetry published, and that even if you do, it is unlikely to sell many copies. He seems to be suggesting that the world of publishing is not particularly friendly to poets, and that it can be difficult to make a living from writing poetry.

The sixth and final vignette brings the poem full circle, as the speaker reflects on his own position as a poet with tenure. He notes that he is "lucky to have a job," but he also notes that he is "a little bit bored." He seems to be suggesting that even with the security of tenure, it can be difficult to find fulfillment as a poet in the academic world.

Overall, Poetry With Tenure is a brilliant commentary on the state of contemporary poetry and the challenges faced by poets who seek to make a living from their craft. The poem is witty, insightful, and deeply moving, and it offers a powerful critique of the academic world and the limitations it places on poets. David Lehman is a master of his craft, and Poetry With Tenure is a testament to his skill and his vision.

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