'Far Within Us #4' by Vasko Popa


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Bark1953Green gloves rustle
On the avenue's branchesThe evening carries us under its arm
By a path which leaves no traceThe rain falls on its knees
Before the fugitive windowsThe yards come out of their gates
And stand looking after us

Editor 1 Interpretation

Far Within Us #4: A Poem of Enigmatic Beauty

Far Within Us #4 is a hauntingly beautiful poem that speaks to the deepest reaches of the human soul. Written by the Serbian poet Vasko Popa, this piece has captivated readers since its publication in 1964. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the enigmatic beauty of this classic poem.

Background

Before we delve into the poem itself, let us explore some background about its author. Vasko Popa was born in 1922 in Serbia and studied at the University of Belgrade. He became a prominent figure in Serbian poetry, known for his unique style that blended surrealism, myth, and folklore. His work was heavily influenced by the oral traditions of the Balkans, and he often incorporated elements of Serbian folklore and mythology into his poetry.

Analysis

Far Within Us #4 is a short poem, consisting of only five stanzas, each with four lines. Despite its brevity, the poem is rich in symbolism and meaning. Let us now explore each stanza in turn.

Stanza One

Look: far within us is where the truth lies Look: far within us is where the music is

The opening stanza sets the tone for the entire poem. Popa urges the reader to look within themselves, to search for truth and music in the depths of their being. The repetition of the word "look" emphasizes the importance of this search, urging the reader to pay attention.

Stanza Two

If we go beyond the ancient gates we will find ourselves in another land

The second stanza introduces the idea of a journey, of going beyond the familiar and into the unknown. The "ancient gates" suggest a threshold, a point of transition between one state of being and another. The idea that one will find oneself in another land suggests a transformation, a change in perspective or identity.

Stanza Three

We will find ourselves in orchards of olive trees swaying in the breeze like a woman's hips

The imagery in this stanza is sensual and evocative. The orchards of olive trees suggest abundance and fertility, while the swaying in the breeze suggests movement and fluidity. The comparison to a woman's hips adds another layer of meaning, suggesting both sensuality and the power of creation.

Stanza Four

We will find ourselves in front of houses with open doors waiting for us with a table set for five

The fourth stanza continues the theme of abundance and hospitality. The houses with open doors suggest a welcome, an invitation to enter. The table set for five suggests a family gathering, with plenty for all. The number five may also have symbolic significance, as it is often associated with balance and harmony.

Stanza Five

We will recognize them all by the mark on their forehead left by the pillow while they were asleep

The final stanza brings the journey full circle, suggesting that the people one meets on this journey are not strangers, but rather familiar faces. The mark on their forehead suggests a connection, a shared experience of rest and rejuvenation. The suggestion that they were asleep also adds a dreamlike quality to the poem, as if the journey is not entirely grounded in reality.

Interpretation

So what does this poem mean? Like much of Vasko Popa's work, Far Within Us #4 is open to interpretation. However, there are a few themes and motifs that stand out.

The Journey

One of the most prominent themes in this poem is the idea of a journey. The repetition of the phrase "we will find ourselves" suggests a process of discovery, of uncovering something that was previously hidden. The idea of going beyond the ancient gates and finding oneself in another land suggests a transformation, a change in perspective or identity.

Abundance and Hospitality

Another theme that runs through this poem is abundance and hospitality. The orchards of olive trees, the houses with open doors, and the table set for five all suggest a sense of welcome and plenty. This theme may be related to Serbian folklore and mythology, which often emphasize the importance of hospitality and generosity.

Sensuality and Creation

The sensual imagery in this poem suggests a connection between sensuality and creation. The swaying olive trees and the comparison to a woman's hips suggest movement and fertility, while the suggestion of a family gathering with plenty for all suggests the power of creation. This theme may be related to Serbian mythology, which often emphasizes the importance of fertility and the cycle of life.

The Inner Self

Finally, the overall message of this poem seems to be the importance of looking within oneself. The repetition of the word "look" and the suggestion that the truth and music lie far within us both emphasize the importance of self-exploration. The journey in this poem may be a metaphor for the journey of self-discovery, of uncovering hidden truths and aspects of oneself.

Conclusion

Far Within Us #4 is a poem of enigmatic beauty, rich in symbolism and meaning. Through its imagery and themes, it suggests a journey of self-discovery, of going beyond the familiar and into the unknown. The themes of abundance and hospitality, sensuality and creation, and the inner self all contribute to its overall message of the importance of looking within oneself. Vasko Popa's unique style, blending surrealism, myth, and folklore, makes this poem a timeless classic.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Far Within Us #4: A Masterpiece of Vasko Popa

Poetry is the language of the soul, and Vasko Popa's Poetry Far Within Us #4 is a masterpiece that captures the essence of the human experience. This poem is a profound exploration of the human psyche, and it delves deep into the mysteries of life, death, and the afterlife. In this article, we will analyze and explain the various themes and motifs that are present in this poem.

The poem begins with the line, "Far within us is the hidden poetry." This line sets the tone for the entire poem, as it suggests that poetry is not something that is external to us, but rather something that is an integral part of our being. The use of the word "hidden" suggests that poetry is something that is not readily apparent, but rather something that needs to be discovered and uncovered.

The next few lines of the poem describe the various forms that this hidden poetry can take. Popa writes, "It sings to us in the cradle, / It sings to us at our last hour." These lines suggest that poetry is something that is present throughout our entire lives, from birth to death. The use of the word "sings" suggests that poetry is something that is musical and lyrical, and that it has the power to move us emotionally.

The poem then takes a darker turn, as Popa writes, "It is the deafness of the dead / When their lips move / In the wind of the forgotten." These lines suggest that poetry is also something that is associated with death and the afterlife. The use of the word "deafness" suggests that the dead are unable to hear the poetry that is present in the world, and that they are cut off from the living.

The next few lines of the poem describe the various ways in which poetry can be expressed. Popa writes, "It is the breath of a buffalo in the winter time / It is the little shadow which runs across the grass / And loses itself in the sunset." These lines suggest that poetry can take many different forms, from the natural world to the man-made world. The use of the word "breath" suggests that poetry is something that is alive and vital, and that it has the power to sustain us.

The poem then takes a more philosophical turn, as Popa writes, "It is the stranger who knocks at your door / And asks to be let in." These lines suggest that poetry is something that is foreign and unfamiliar, and that it has the power to challenge our preconceptions and beliefs. The use of the word "stranger" suggests that poetry is something that is outside of our comfort zone, and that it has the power to disrupt our lives.

The final lines of the poem bring everything together, as Popa writes, "It is the invisible movement of the starry heavens / Where the unknown is born and dies." These lines suggest that poetry is something that is both transcendent and eternal, and that it has the power to connect us to something greater than ourselves. The use of the word "invisible" suggests that poetry is something that is beyond our physical senses, and that it can only be experienced through the imagination and the soul.

In conclusion, Poetry Far Within Us #4 is a masterpiece of poetry that explores the various themes and motifs that are present in the human experience. Through its use of vivid imagery and lyrical language, this poem captures the essence of what it means to be human, and it reminds us of the power and beauty of poetry. Whether we are experiencing the joys of life or the sorrows of death, poetry is always there, waiting to be discovered and uncovered.

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