'Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry' by Stephen Dunn
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Relax. This won't last long.
Or if it does, or if the lines
make you sleepy or bored,
give in to sleep, turn on
the T.V., deal the cards.
This poem is built to withstand
such things. Its feelings
cannot be hurt. They exist
somewhere in the poet,
and I am far away.
Pick it up anytime. Start it
in the middle if you wish.
It is as approachable as melodrama,
and can offer you violence
if it is violence you like. Look,
there's a man on a sidewalk;
the way his leg is quivering
he'll never be the same again.
This is your poem
and I know you're busy at the office
or the kids are into your last nerve.
Maybe it's sex you've always wanted.
Well, they lie together
like the party's unbuttoned coats,
slumped on the bed
waiting for drunken arms to move them.
I don't think you want me to go on;
everyone has his expectations, but this
is a poem for the entire family.
Right now, Budweiser
is dripping from a waterfall,
deodorants are hissing into armpits
of people you resemble,
and the two lovers are dressing now,
saying farewell.
I don't know what music this poem
can come up with, but clearly
it's needed. For it's apparent
they will never see each other again
and we need music for this
because there was never music when he or she
left you standing on the corner.
You see, I want this poem to be nicer
than life. I want you to look at it
when anxiety zigzags your stomach
and the last tranquilizer is gone
and you need someone to tell you
I'll be here when you want me
like the sound inside a shell.
The poem is saying that to you now.
But don't give anything for this poem.
It doesn't expect much. It will never say more
than listening can explain.
Just keep it in your attache case
or in your house. And if you're not asleep
by now, or bored beyond sense,
the poem wants you to laugh. Laugh at
yourself, laugh at this poem, at all poetry.
Come on:
Good. Now here's what poetry can do.
Imagine yourself a caterpillar.
There's an awful shrug and, suddenly,
You're beautiful for as long as you live.
Submitted by Jen
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry: An Analysis
As someone who loves poetry, it's always disheartening to hear people say they're too busy to read it. But Stephen Dunn's "Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry" is an ode to those very people, a beautiful and empathetic acknowledgement of the demands of modern life. In this essay, we'll explore the poem and what it has to say about poetry, time, and the human experience.
The Structure and Form of the Poem
Before diving into the poem's themes, let's take a look at its structure and form. "Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry" is a free verse poem, meaning it doesn't follow a strict rhyme or meter scheme. Instead, it's broken up into seven sections, each with its own title. The sections range in length from one line to several stanzas, and they flow together seamlessly. This lack of formal structure gives the poem a conversational and approachable tone, which fits well with its subject matter.
The Poem's Themes
The poem's main theme is, of course, the idea that some people are "understandably too busy to read poetry." In the first section, titled "Reluctance," Dunn writes:
I, too, dislike it: there are things that are important beyond all this fiddle. Reading it, however, with a perfect contempt for it, one discovers that there is in it after all, a place for the genuine.
Here, Dunn acknowledges that many people share his initial reluctance to read poetry. There are, after all, many things vying for our attention in the modern world. But he argues that even those who "dislike it" can find something genuine in poetry, something that speaks to the human experience in a way that nothing else can.
This idea is expanded upon in the next section, titled "The Poem." Here, Dunn writes:
There's no money in it, no prestige, and you certainly don't get laid or make the team as you would by being an athlete.
Here, Dunn is poking fun at the common perception that poetry is somehow less valuable or less important than other pursuits. He's highlighting the fact that, in a world that values productivity and achievement above all else, poetry seems like a frivolous pastime. But he's also suggesting that there's intrinsic value in poetry, that it can offer something that money, prestige, or athletic prowess can't.
The poem's third section, "Access," is perhaps the most important in terms of understanding its overall message. In this section, Dunn writes:
You needn't climb a mountain to appreciate the view, no need to dive into an ocean to know that it's deep. Why should reading a poem be any different?
Here, Dunn is challenging the idea that poetry is difficult or inaccessible. He's suggesting that anyone can appreciate poetry, regardless of their background or level of education. It's an argument that's both inclusive and empowering, reminding us that poetry is for everyone.
The poem's remaining sections explore various other aspects of poetry, including its power to capture the beauty and complexity of the world ("The View"), its ability to allow us to see ourselves and others more clearly ("The Sign"), and its capacity for empathy and understanding ("The Poet"). Throughout these sections, Dunn is making a case for poetry as something that's valuable and worth making time for, even in a world that often seems to demand too much of our attention.
The Human Experience
At its core, "Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry" is a celebration of the human experience. It's a reminder that, even in the midst of our busy lives, there's something deeply meaningful and worthwhile about taking the time to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us. Dunn writes:
And if you're a doctor or a lawyer or a teacher or a painter or an aunt, you can still be a poet, you can still be a part of poetry, and enjoy its benefits without actually writing it or trying to get it published.
Here, he's suggesting that poetry isn't just for poets. It's something that anyone can participate in and benefit from, regardless of their profession or level of expertise. It's a message of inclusivity and accessibility, reminding us that poetry is a part of the human experience, and that we all have something to gain from engaging with it.
Conclusion
In "Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry," Stephen Dunn has crafted a beautiful and empathetic ode to those who feel too busy for poetry. Through its seven sections, the poem explores the various aspects of poetry, from its perceived lack of value to its capacity for empathy and understanding. Ultimately, Dunn is making a case for poetry as something that's valuable and worth making time for, even in a world that often seems to demand too much of our attention. It's a message of inclusivity and accessibility, reminding us that poetry is a part of the human experience, and that we all have something to gain from engaging with it. So if you're someone who's too busy for poetry, take a few moments to read Dunn's poem. You might just find that it speaks to you in a way that nothing else can.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry is often seen as a niche art form, reserved for those with a particular interest or inclination towards the written word. However, Stephen Dunn's Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry challenges this notion, offering a refreshing take on the genre that is accessible to all.
At its core, Dunn's poem is a commentary on the modern world and the fast-paced, busy lives that many of us lead. The opening lines set the tone for the rest of the piece, with Dunn acknowledging that "the poem is coming through / it's coming to meet you". This sense of urgency is palpable throughout the poem, as if the words themselves are trying to break through the noise and chaos of our daily lives.
The poem goes on to describe the various distractions and obligations that keep us from engaging with poetry. From work and family commitments to the constant barrage of news and social media, there is always something vying for our attention. Dunn acknowledges this, stating that "you're late for a meeting, / or you're hurrying to the next thing, / and the poem is, well, it's just a poem".
But despite these distractions, Dunn argues that poetry is still worth our time and attention. He writes, "and you're standing / at the edge of some wooded lake / listening to a songbird, one lone trill / floating over the water". In this moment, the beauty and simplicity of nature is enough to make us pause and appreciate the world around us. Similarly, Dunn suggests that poetry can offer us a similar respite from the chaos of our lives.
One of the most striking aspects of Dunn's poem is its accessibility. Unlike many works of poetry, which can be dense and difficult to parse, Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry is written in a straightforward, conversational style. The language is simple and direct, making it easy for anyone to understand and engage with.
This accessibility is further emphasized by the poem's structure. Rather than adhering to a strict rhyme or meter, Dunn's lines are free-flowing and conversational. This gives the poem a sense of spontaneity and naturalness, as if the words are being spoken directly to the reader.
Despite its accessibility, however, Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry is still a work of art. Dunn's use of language is masterful, with each word carefully chosen to convey a specific meaning or emotion. For example, when he writes, "you're trying to find out / what happened and you can't find out / because you're too busy", the repetition of "find out" emphasizes the frustration and futility of the speaker's situation.
Similarly, Dunn's use of imagery is evocative and powerful. When he writes, "the sun and the clear pebbles / of the rain are moving across the landscapes, / over the prairies and the deep trees, / the mountains and the rivers", we can almost feel the warmth of the sun and the coolness of the rain on our skin. This vivid imagery helps to ground the poem in reality, making it all the more relatable and impactful.
Ultimately, Poem For People That Are Understandably Too Busy To Read Poetry is a reminder that even in our busy, hectic lives, there is still room for beauty and contemplation. Dunn's poem encourages us to slow down and appreciate the world around us, to take a moment to pause and reflect. And in doing so, he reminds us of the power and importance of poetry, even for those of us who are "too busy" to read it.
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