'Something For The Trade' by Hayden Carruth


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Please note well, all you writers, editors, directors
out there: when a phone call is terminated
by the other person you do not, NOT, hear
the buzz of a dial tone. You hear a faint click
and then silence, absolute silence, the Great
Silence, more eloquent than any electronic
buzz could ever be. In fact the dial tone
cannot be heard until you yourself hang up
and then lift the receiver again. Further
note this: you cannot tell from the click
if the other person has hung up reluctantly
or desperately, softly or violently. It is only
the sound of a disconnected circuit. I've read
this error in a thousand books, I've seen it
in a thousand movies, and how so many
of you can be so unobservant, you who
call yourselves artists, is beyond me.
Ah, my friends, you are becoming my
enemies, and I'm appalled by your irreverence
for the simple truth that should sustain us all.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Hayden Carruth's "Something For The Trade"

Hayden Carruth's "Something For The Trade" is a collection of poems that explores the daily struggles of working-class Americans. The poems are filled with vivid descriptions of blue-collar jobs, gritty urban landscapes, and the hardships of poverty. Carruth's writing is powerful and moving, and his poems offer a unique perspective on the American experience.

The Power of Carruth's Writing

One of the most striking things about Carruth's writing is its raw power. He doesn't shy away from difficult topics or uncomfortable truths, and his poems are often filled with harsh, gritty imagery. For example, in "The Junk Man's Song," he describes the lives of the homeless and destitute in vivid detail:

Out of a garbage pail He takes a bent cigarette Stubs it on the curbstone And lights it with the match He has just found In the gutter

This stark imagery is powerful and evocative, and it serves to highlight the desperation and hopelessness of the junk man's situation.

Carruth's writing is also notable for its musicality. Many of his poems have a rhythmic, almost song-like quality to them, which makes them memorable and enjoyable to read. In "The Making of a Poem," he describes the process of writing a poem in a way that is both poetic and insightful:

It is like your breath At rest in your body Moving in and out As if it were the wind And you were a tree Opening and closing Your leaves

This metaphor is both beautiful and accurate, and it captures the essence of what it means to write poetry.

A Unique Perspective on the American Experience

Another thing that sets Carruth's writing apart is his unique perspective on the American experience. He writes from the point of view of a working-class poet, and his poems offer a rare glimpse into the lives of ordinary people. In "The Sweeper," he describes a street sweeper going about his daily work:

Sweeping the street This morning The sweeper looks up At me And sees me looking And looks away

This simple, everyday scene is transformed into something meaningful and poignant through Carruth's evocative writing. He captures the humanity of the street sweeper, and reminds us that even the most mundane jobs can be filled with dignity and purpose.

Carruth also writes about poverty and inequality in a way that is both empathetic and honest. In "The Man on the Porch," he describes a poor man sitting on his porch and watching the world go by:

He is poor and He knows it But he doesn't mind He has his porch And he has the sky

This poem is a reminder that even in the midst of poverty and hardship, there is still beauty and joy to be found.

Conclusion

Hayden Carruth's "Something For The Trade" is a powerful collection of poems that offers a unique perspective on the American experience. Through his vivid writing and empathetic voice, Carruth shows us the beauty and dignity of working-class life, even in the face of poverty and inequality. This collection is a must-read for anyone interested in American poetry and the struggles of ordinary people.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Hayden Carruth's "Something For The Trade" is a classic poem that has stood the test of time. It is a poem that speaks to the heart of the working class, the people who toil day in and day out to make a living. The poem is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who make up the backbone of our society. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, structure, and language of this timeless poem.

The poem is structured in four stanzas, each with four lines. The first stanza sets the tone for the rest of the poem. It begins with the line, "All they will ask you is what you can do." This line sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as it speaks to the expectations that are placed on the working class. The second line, "And if you can't do it, they will ask you why," reinforces this idea. The third line, "And you had better have a good answer," speaks to the pressure that is placed on the working class to perform. The final line of the stanza, "Something for the trade," is the first mention of the title of the poem and sets up the theme of the poem.

The second stanza continues the theme of the first stanza. It begins with the line, "They will ask you what you know." This line speaks to the importance of knowledge in the working world. The second line, "And if you don't know it, they will ask you why," reinforces this idea. The third line, "And you had better have a good answer," again speaks to the pressure that is placed on the working class to perform. The final line of the stanza, "Something for the trade," reinforces the theme of the poem.

The third stanza takes a slightly different turn. It begins with the line, "They will ask you what you've done." This line speaks to the importance of experience in the working world. The second line, "And if you haven't done it, they will ask you why," reinforces this idea. The third line, "And you had better have a good answer," again speaks to the pressure that is placed on the working class to perform. The final line of the stanza, "Something for the trade," reinforces the theme of the poem.

The final stanza brings the poem to a close. It begins with the line, "They will ask you what you want." This line speaks to the idea that the working class has dreams and aspirations, just like everyone else. The second line, "And if you don't know, they will ask you why," reinforces this idea. The third line, "And you had better have a good answer," again speaks to the pressure that is placed on the working class to perform. The final line of the poem, "Something for the trade," brings the poem full circle and reinforces the theme of the poem.

The language of the poem is simple and straightforward. Carruth uses short, declarative sentences to convey his message. The repetition of the phrase "Something for the trade" reinforces the theme of the poem and gives it a sense of rhythm. The use of the second person point of view ("they will ask you") makes the poem feel personal and relatable.

The theme of the poem is the pressure that is placed on the working class to perform. The poem speaks to the expectations that are placed on the working class to be knowledgeable, experienced, and ambitious. The repetition of the phrase "Something for the trade" reinforces the idea that the working class is expected to contribute something of value to society.

Overall, "Something For The Trade" is a timeless poem that speaks to the heart of the working class. It is a tribute to the hardworking men and women who make up the backbone of our society. The poem's simple language and repetitive structure make it easy to understand and relatable. The theme of the poem is the pressure that is placed on the working class to perform, and it speaks to the expectations that are placed on the working class to be knowledgeable, experienced, and ambitious.

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