'Far Within Us #2' by Vasko Popa


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Look here's that uninvited
Alien presence look it's here

A shudder on the ocean of tea in the cup
Rust taking hold
On the edges of our laughter
A snake coiled in the depths of the mirror

Will I be able to hide you
From your face in mine

Look it's the third shadow
On our imagined walk
Unexpected abyss
Between our words
Hoofs clattering
Below the vaults of our palates

Will I be able
On this unrest-field
To raise you a tent of my hands


Trans. by Anne Pennington


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Far Within Us #2: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Vasko Popa's poem "Far Within Us #2" is a thought-provoking and complex work of literature that explores themes of identity, memory, and the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphorical language, the poem offers a unique perspective on the inner workings of the human mind and the struggle to understand oneself.

Analysis of the Poem

The poem consists of six stanzas, each containing four lines. The structure is compact and concise, with each line contributing to the overall message of the poem. The first line of each stanza begins with the phrase "Far within us," which creates a sense of distance and introspection. The use of this phrase throughout the poem emphasizes the idea that our true selves are often hidden from the outside world.

The poem begins with the line "Far within us all," which sets the tone for the rest of the work. The use of the word "all" suggests that the poem is addressing a universal experience, one that all humans share. The following lines describe a scene of a person looking into a mirror and seeing not their own reflection, but the reflection of someone else. This metaphorical image represents the idea that we are often unable to see ourselves clearly, and that our own identities can be obscured by external influences.

The second stanza continues this theme, with the speaker describing a "thick layer" that separates us from our true selves. This layer is described as being made up of "air, water, earth, and fire," which suggests that it is all-encompassing and impossible to escape. The use of the four elements also emphasizes the idea that our true selves are rooted in the natural world, and that our connection to nature is an essential part of our identity.

The third stanza introduces the idea of memory, with the speaker describing a "membrane of time" that separates us from our past selves. This image emphasizes the fluidity of time and the idea that our memories shape our identities. The use of the word "membrane" also suggests that our past selves are not entirely separate from our present selves, but rather exist in a state of constant interaction.

The fourth stanza continues this theme of memory, with the speaker describing a "blindfold" that prevents us from seeing our memories clearly. This image suggests that our own perceptions of our past selves can be distorted by our emotions and biases. The use of the word "blindfold" also implies a sense of helplessness, as if we are unable to control the way we remember our own experiences.

The fifth stanza introduces the idea of language, with the speaker describing a "veil of words" that separates us from our true selves. This image emphasizes the power of language to shape our identities and perceptions of the world. The use of the word "veil" suggests that language can be both a tool for revealing and concealing, depending on how it is used.

The final stanza brings the poem full circle, with the speaker returning to the image of the mirror. This time, however, the speaker suggests that we can see ourselves clearly if we look "with the eyes of a snake." This metaphorical image emphasizes the importance of perception and the idea that we can only understand ourselves if we are willing to see things from a different perspective.

Interpretation of the Poem

"Far Within Us #2" is a deeply introspective poem that explores the human experience in a unique and thought-provoking way. The poem suggests that our true selves are often hidden from the outside world, and that we must look within ourselves to understand who we really are.

One interpretation of the poem is that it is a reflection on the human condition. The repeated use of the phrase "Far within us" emphasizes the idea that our true selves are hidden deep within us, and that we must work to uncover them. The use of metaphorical language, such as the mirror and the layers that separate us from our true selves, suggests that this process of self-discovery is complex and multifaceted.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the power of perception. The final stanza suggests that we can see ourselves clearly if we look "with the eyes of a snake." This metaphor emphasizes the idea that our perceptions of the world are not fixed, but rather can be shaped by our own biases and experiences. The poem suggests that we must be willing to see things from a different perspective in order to understand ourselves and the world around us.

Overall, "Far Within Us #2" is a powerful and thought-provoking work of literature that offers a unique perspective on the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and metaphorical language, the poem encourages readers to look within themselves and to question their own perceptions of the world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Far Within Us #2: A Poetic Journey into the Depths of the Human Psyche

Vasko Popa, a Serbian poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that delves deep into the human psyche. His poem, Far Within Us #2, is a perfect example of his ability to explore the inner workings of the human mind through his words. In this analysis, we will take a closer look at the poem and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.

The poem begins with the line, "Far within us #2, a bird is singing." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it immediately creates a sense of mystery and intrigue. The use of the number "2" in the title suggests that this is not the first time the bird has sung within us, but rather a continuation of a previous experience. This creates a sense of familiarity and comfort, as if the bird's song is a constant presence within us.

As the poem progresses, the bird's song becomes more prominent, and we are told that it is "singing of what once was ours." This line suggests that the bird's song is a reminder of something that we have lost or forgotten. The use of the word "ours" creates a sense of collective ownership, as if whatever was lost was not just personal, but shared by all of us.

The next few lines of the poem describe the bird's song in more detail. We are told that it is "a song of love and wine," which creates a sense of joy and celebration. The use of the word "wine" suggests that the song is not just about love, but also about the pleasures of life. This creates a sense of hedonism, as if the bird's song is encouraging us to indulge in life's pleasures.

However, the poem takes a darker turn as we are told that the bird's song is also "a song of death." This line creates a sense of foreboding, as if the joy and celebration of the previous lines are about to be replaced by something more sinister. The use of the word "death" suggests that the bird's song is not just about the pleasures of life, but also about its inevitable end.

The next few lines of the poem describe the bird's song in even more detail. We are told that it is "a song of what is lost," which reinforces the idea that the bird's song is a reminder of something that we have lost or forgotten. The use of the word "lost" creates a sense of sadness and longing, as if whatever was lost was something that we cherished deeply.

The final lines of the poem bring everything together, as we are told that the bird's song is "a song of what is possible." This line suggests that the bird's song is not just a reminder of what we have lost, but also a call to action. The use of the word "possible" creates a sense of hope and optimism, as if the bird's song is encouraging us to strive for something better.

In terms of structure, the poem is divided into four stanzas, each with four lines. This creates a sense of symmetry and balance, as if the poem is a carefully crafted piece of art. The use of repetition, such as the repetition of the phrase "a song of," creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, as if the poem is itself a song.

In terms of literary devices, the poem is full of metaphors and symbolism. The bird's song is a metaphor for something deeper within us, something that we have lost or forgotten. The use of the number "2" in the title is a symbol for the idea that this is not the first time the bird has sung within us, but rather a continuation of a previous experience. The use of the word "wine" is a metaphor for the pleasures of life, while the use of the word "death" is a metaphor for its inevitable end.

In conclusion, Far Within Us #2 is a powerful poem that explores the depths of the human psyche. Through its use of metaphors, symbolism, and repetition, the poem creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, while also conveying a sense of hope and optimism. It is a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always something to strive for, something to hope for, and something to celebrate.

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