Hey All,
I am going to address comments together since there’s a near consensus that this is not working. Allow me to at least paraphrase the poem. To me, each line makes sense although as a whole there’s a loss of cohesion. I’ve already said in response to Julie that my argument is faulty or non-existent. It is especially so if not read as insider ars poetica. Also, remember, it is my N speaking. I’ve said before on the sphere that I think the best modern poems are by free-versers. I’ve also said the best poetry ever was by formalists like Dickinson and Shakespeare. I do not think “red wheelbarrow” holds a candle to “outrageous fortune,” but that’s just opinion. Now on with the paraphrase:
When want of will and dearth of cause constrain
[When lack of desire and motivation affect]
to keep ideas and words outside the brain,
[your ability to form thoughts,]
a map of worry cannot sidestep strife
[worrying will not avoid your problems]
or set a course to fill the sails of life.
[or set your life straight.]
Don’t blame some lack of love from mortal kind,
[Don’t blame a lack of love]
or frame your formless thoughts in squares of mind,
[or try to follow rules to avoid confusion]
to make excuse for failure to perceive
[and claim you cannot understand]
when asking gods themselves to please believe.
[why the gods are not hearing your prayers.]
When, all your musing days, not once you’re brave,
[When, in a lifetime of chasing your muse you’ve been a coward]
when, soon must choose to burn or rot in grave,
[and when now so near to being cremated or buried]
now take the bolder path, the bolder traipse—
[it’s finally time for you to be bold]
this truth, above the rest, accept with faith…
[and accept this statement on faith]
that through the toughest tests and hardest times,
[that when push comes to shove]
those poets truly lit have writ in rhymes.
[the poets of most literary merit wrote in rhyme.]
Thanks for commenting, everyone.
|