'Instants' by Jorge Luis Borges


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If I could live again my life,
In the next - I'll try,
- to make more mistakes,
I won't try to be so perfect,
I'll be more relaxed,
I'll be more full - than I am now,
In fact, I'll take fewer things seriously,
I'll be less hygenic,
I'll take more risks,
I'll take more trips,
I'll watch more sunsets,
I'll climb more mountains,
I'll swim more rivers,
I'll go to more places - I've never been,
I'll eat more ice creams and less (lime) beans,
I'll have more real problems - and less imaginaryones,
I was one of those people who liveprudent and prolific lives -each minute of his life,
Offcourse that I had moments of joy- but,if I could go back I'll try to have only good moments,If you don't know - thats what life is made of,
Don't lose the now!I was one of those who never goes anywherewithout a thermometer,
without a hot-water bottle,and without an umberella and without a parachute,If I could live again - I will travel light,
If I could live again - I'll try to work bare feetat the beginning of spring tillthe end of autumn,
I'll ride more carts,
I'll watch more sunrises and play with more children,
If I have the life to live - but now I am 85,- and I know that I am dying ...

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry, Instants by Jorge Luis Borges

Have you ever read a poem that made you feel like you were living in the moment, experiencing every emotion and sensation described in vivid detail? That's exactly what Jorge Luis Borges accomplishes in his poem "Instants". With just a few words, Borges transports the reader to a world of nostalgia and longing, where time seems to stand still and memories are forever preserved.

Borges' Use of Language

One of the most striking aspects of "Instants" is Borges' use of language. He employs a variety of poetic techniques, including metaphors, similes, and alliteration, to create a rich and evocative tone. For example, in the opening lines of the poem, Borges uses the metaphor of a "mirror of air" to describe the way memories are preserved:

"If I could live again my life,
In the next - I'll try,

"The mirror of air" suggests that memories are fragile and fleeting, like reflections in a mirror. This metaphor sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is all about the impermanence of life and the way in which memories can help us hold onto the past.

Themes of Nostalgia and Longing

Another key aspect of "Instants" is its exploration of themes of nostalgia and longing. Borges writes about the way in which memories can transport us back to a time and place that no longer exists:

"Live in the most beautiful way and be the owner
of every instant,
That's what I learned from my bad times,
And so, tonight,
If the door of my house is violently knocked,
I'll smile at fate,
I'll take a deep breath and - opening wide
The door - I'll say to death:
'Come in!'"

These lines are particularly poignant, as they suggest that even death cannot take away our memories. No matter what happens in the present or the future, our memories are forever a part of us, and they can bring us comfort and joy even in the darkest of times.

The Importance of Living in the Moment

Finally, "Instants" speaks to the importance of living in the moment and cherishing every experience, no matter how small or insignificant it may seem. Borges writes:

"I want to live again,
I who have never lived,
I feel in the moments of anguish,
That I would give everything for another life,
But I know that I'm only
A shade,
A reflection in a mirror of air,
At most, a voice,
Far away,
That unites my life with others."

These lines are a powerful reminder that life is short and we should make the most of every opportunity. In a world where we are often consumed by our worries and our to-do lists, it is easy to forget the simple pleasures that make life worth living. "Instants" encourages us to slow down and appreciate the beauty of the world around us, to savor every moment and to make the most of every opportunity.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Instants" is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the universal themes of nostalgia, longing, and the importance of living in the moment. With his masterful use of language, Borges creates a world that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply moving. Whether you are looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life or seeking a deeper connection to your own memories and emotions, "Instants" is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Jorge Luis Borges is one of the most celebrated writers of the 20th century, known for his unique blend of philosophy, literature, and metaphysics. His works have been translated into numerous languages and have inspired generations of writers and thinkers. Among his most famous works is the collection of poems, Poetry Instants, which is a masterpiece of poetic expression and philosophical insight.

Poetry Instants is a collection of 24 poems, each of which is a meditation on the nature of time, memory, and the human condition. The poems are written in a concise and precise style, with each word carefully chosen to convey a particular meaning or emotion. Borges' use of language is both elegant and powerful, and his poems are filled with imagery and symbolism that evoke a sense of wonder and awe.

One of the most striking features of Poetry Instants is its exploration of the concept of time. Borges was fascinated by the idea of time as a fluid and ever-changing entity, and his poems reflect this fascination. In "The Art of Poetry," for example, he writes:

"Time is a river which carries me along, but I am the river; it is a tiger that devours me, but I am the tiger; it is a fire that consumes me, but I am the fire."

This metaphorical language is typical of Borges' style, and it serves to illustrate his belief that time is not a fixed and unchanging entity, but rather a subjective experience that is shaped by our own perceptions and experiences.

Another theme that runs throughout Poetry Instants is the idea of memory. Borges was interested in the way that memory shapes our understanding of the world around us, and his poems explore this idea in a variety of ways. In "Limits," for example, he writes:

"Memory is a mirror that scandalously lies; it is a wound that refuses to heal; it is a voice that suddenly falls silent."

This powerful imagery conveys the idea that memory is not a reliable source of truth, but rather a subjective experience that is shaped by our own biases and perceptions.

Borges' poems are also filled with references to literature, philosophy, and mythology. In "The Cyclical Night," for example, he references the Greek myth of Sisyphus, who was condemned to roll a boulder up a hill for eternity. Borges writes:

"Sisyphus, you are my symbol of heroism! You have taught me that all things are futile, but there is dignity in the struggle."

This reference to Sisyphus serves to illustrate Borges' belief that the struggle itself is what gives life meaning, even if the ultimate goal is unattainable.

Overall, Poetry Instants is a masterpiece of poetic expression and philosophical insight. Borges' use of language is both elegant and powerful, and his poems are filled with imagery and symbolism that evoke a sense of wonder and awe. His exploration of the concepts of time, memory, and the human condition is both profound and thought-provoking, and his poems continue to inspire and captivate readers to this day.

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