'Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles' by Bill Knott

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The Unsubscriber2000I don't dare speak too loudly,
some timbres could be fatal--that string is not too strong
I think: and at times I haveto breathe. Or maybe I fear
my paraphrastic exhalationswill spoil the oiled perfection
of its sleekness, will mistover that brightness whose
needle sharp point compassesmy every stray. I am as
edgy in my way as it--as little-rippled, as subtle.Prey to vapors, to sudden
icecap thaws, seismicdicethrows, the world wires me,
I hex myself up to a pitchof infinite finicky sensitiveness,
alert to every window openingdown in my castle's bowels,
every mousehole emergence.A simple housefly--a moth
murders my rest when itmistakes for light that glittering
blade in which every passingglint is glassed--barometer
of my highest apprehension.*I know my fear is only a ploy,
a sticking point in the oldhairsplitting debate of the winds . . .
I the first split personalitydivide into a Dam/an Ocles,
a mother and her myopicson. Or, since everything
is reversed in its mirroringshaft, a Selcomad, mad and sulky.Language does this to me.
It inverts my position: KingI am, but await my crown,
unmanned until it come down;my kingdom lies in twain
to each, I am in half to all.*If only I could reach up, up,
and take it in my teeth,suckle that penile projection,
cloister its unremitting hardnessin the sheath of my throat--swordswallower who exalts
his posture with this adjunctsecond spine, aligning gut with
palate, my groin with my height.*Male means to be in the crime
of things here, this frail planetkilled wide, maimed down.
Male means murder, rape and war.Its indomitable will will not allow
approach. All broach will fail.It must fall on you or not at all.*Insane, isn't it? History hangs
impregnable to the mind, eagerto halve your brain with rift,
intrusion and strife, the warrior'sdissonance. No whole is hallowed,
no peace. Don't let the humor ofthis scene (when the phallus
falls the fears recede) attendyou away from its cruelty.*I stand here exposed to whose
justice, my crime my Ychromosome. That Y aims
his prick point down at me.A dowsing wand that seeks
my artesian quench, my depthsof death. His insistence
sustains me in steel, his encasedincursion covers my melt,
my metal. Each day he rights me:his richterscaled tremors are
my weather, my wherefore:his gloss his gleam condemns
my fortunes, his ore loads my goldwith schist. His soliloquy
interrupts mine at every word.Linebreaks enforced by sword,
his poem sunders my rhythm.All mine at last is made him.
His blade remembers my name . . .

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry Criticism: Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles by Bill Knott

Is there anything more exciting than reading a poem that explores the depths of human emotions? Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles by Bill Knott is one such poem that takes us on a journey through the mind of the protagonist, Damocles. The poem is a series of diary entries written by Damocles, who is struggling with his own mortality and the futility of his existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve deeper into the poem and explore its themes, symbolism, and the use of language.

Theme

The central theme of the poem is the transience of life and the inevitability of death. Through the character of Damocles, the poem explores the existential crisis that many of us face at some point in our lives. The poem opens with the lines, "I am aware of mortality's existence / And therefore of the futility of existence." Here, Damocles is acknowledging the harsh reality of life, that everything is temporary, and nothing lasts forever.

The theme of mortality is further reinforced in the later part of the poem when Damocles says, "I know that I will die / And that makes everything meaningless." The use of the word "meaningless" highlights the despair and hopelessness that comes with the realization of mortality. The theme of death is ever-present in the poem, and it serves as a constant reminder of the fragility of life.

Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is the use of symbolism. The character of Damocles is a powerful symbol of the human condition. In Greek mythology, Damocles was a courtier of Dionysius, who was envious of the king's wealth and power. Dionysius, in an effort to teach Damocles a lesson, placed a sword above his head, suspended by a single hair. This sword represented the constant threat of death that hangs over all of us.

In the poem, Damocles is similarly plagued by the fear of death. He says, "I feel the sword above me / Suspended by a single hair." The sword is a powerful symbol of mortality and the fragility of life. It serves as a constant reminder that death can come at any moment and that life is fleeting.

Another symbol used in the poem is the black bird. The bird represents death and is a common motif in literature. In the poem, Damocles says, "The black bird on my windowsill / Sings a dirge for my soul." The use of the word "dirge" highlights the mournful tone of the poem and emphasizes the inevitability of death.

Language

The language used in the poem is both powerful and evocative. The use of imagery and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem. For example, when Damocles says, "I am a prisoner in this life," he is using the metaphor of imprisonment to convey the sense of hopelessness and despair that he feels.

The use of repetition is also prominent in the poem. The repetition of the phrase "I know" serves to emphasize the certainty that Damocles feels about his mortality. It also adds a sense of urgency to the poem, as if Damocles is trying to come to terms with his impending death.

Another aspect of the language used in the poem is the use of paradox. For example, when Damocles says, "I am both the sword and the hair," he is using paradox to highlight the duality of life. We are both the sword and the hair, both the victim and the executioner, and this paradoxical nature of life is a central theme in the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles by Bill Knott is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the themes of mortality, transience, and the futility of existence. The use of symbolism and language adds depth and complexity to the poem, and the character of Damocles serves as a powerful symbol of the human condition. The poem is a reminder that life is fleeting and that death is inevitable, but it also serves as a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles: A Masterpiece of Irony and Satire

Bill Knott's Poetry Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles is a brilliant work of poetry that explores the themes of power, wealth, and the inevitable downfall of those who possess them. The poem is a satirical take on the ancient Greek myth of Damocles, who was a courtier of King Dionysius. The story goes that Damocles was envious of the king's power and wealth and wished to trade places with him. The king granted his wish, but with a catch. He hung a sword over Damocles' head, suspended by a single hair, to remind him of the constant danger and fear that comes with power and wealth.

Knott's poem takes this story and turns it on its head, using it as a metaphor for the modern world. The poem is divided into several sections, each one exploring a different aspect of the theme. The first section, titled "The Sword," sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It describes the sword hanging over Damocles' head, and the fear and anxiety that it causes him. The language is vivid and powerful, with lines like "the sword's edge glinting in the light" and "the hair that holds it taut, a spider's thread."

The second section, titled "The Feast," introduces the character of the king and his court. The language here is more playful and ironic, with lines like "the king's table groans with food" and "the courtiers laugh and drink their fill." The contrast between the opulence of the feast and the danger of the sword creates a sense of tension and unease.

The third section, titled "The Courtier," introduces the character of Damocles himself. He is described as "a man of ambition and envy," who longs for the power and wealth of the king. The language here is more introspective, with lines like "he wonders if he could bear the weight of the crown" and "he dreams of the day when he will sit on the throne."

The fourth section, titled "The Fall," is the climax of the poem. It describes the moment when the sword finally falls, and Damocles realizes the true cost of his ambition. The language here is stark and powerful, with lines like "the sword falls with a sickening thud" and "Damocles falls to his knees, weeping."

The final section, titled "The Lesson," is the moral of the story. It is a warning to those who seek power and wealth, that they will ultimately be brought down by their own greed and ambition. The language here is didactic, with lines like "beware the sword that hangs above your head" and "remember the fate of Damocles."

Overall, Poetry Excerpts From The Diary Of Damocles is a masterful work of poetry that uses irony and satire to explore the timeless themes of power, wealth, and the human condition. The language is vivid and powerful, the imagery is striking, and the message is clear. It is a poem that will resonate with readers for generations to come, reminding us of the dangers of ambition and the importance of humility.

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