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The Poem
In my country,
full of sun and jay hunting,
there are only (summer)
resorts in poetry.
Our lips ,
five feet above the yellowish floor of the symbols,
open outwards for two slices of cold.
Our autumnal lips,
I say, autumnal twelve months.
However, at the height of possible geography,
a tremor separates the seasons.
General Introduction:
Sebastião Alba, a Portuguese poet known for his reflective and evocative poetry, wrote "In my country" as part of his collection "The Rhythm of the Omen." Alba's work often explores themes of identity, nature, and the human condition, marked by a deep sensitivity to the environment and existential contemplation. His poetry, characterized by vivid imagery and a melancholic tone, often reflects his personal experiences and the socio-political context of Portugal during the late 20th century.
Title:
The title "In my country" suggests a personal and intimate exploration of the poet's homeland. It sets the tone for a reflective piece that delves into Alba's perception of his country, hinting at themes of belonging, identity, and perhaps disillusionment.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis
Stanza 1:
"In my country,
full of sun and jay hunting,
there are only (summer)
resorts in poetry."
This stanza introduces the poet's country as a place rich in natural beauty, symbolized by "sun and jay hunting." However, the phrase "there are only (summer) resorts in poetry" suggests a contrast between the idyllic portrayal and a possible lack of substance or reality, implying that the beauty is perhaps only skin-deep or temporary.
Stanza 2:
"Our lips,
five feet above the yellowish floor of the symbols,
open outwards for two slices of cold."
Here, Alba uses a surreal image of lips above a "yellowish floor of the symbols," which may represent a superficial layer of communication or expression. The "two slices of cold" could symbolize a harsh reality or a sense of disconnection and alienation.
Stanza 3:
"Our autumnal lips,
I say, autumnal twelve months.
However, at the height of possible geography,
a tremor separates the seasons."
This stanza reinforces the sense of perpetual autumn, suggesting a state of decline or melancholy that persists throughout the year. The "tremor" that "separates the seasons" introduces an element of instability or disruption, indicating that even the natural order is subject to sudden changes or upheavals.
Themes
1. Nature and Environment:
Alba frequently references natural elements like the sun, jays, and seasons to create a vivid backdrop for the poem. The opening line, "In my country, full of sun and jay hunting," immediately situates the reader in a vibrant, natural setting.
2. Disillusionment:
The poet juxtaposes the beauty of the landscape with a sense of disillusionment, particularly in the line "there are only (summer) resorts in poetry." This suggests that the idyllic portrayal may not reflect the reality.
3. Alienation:
The surreal imagery of "lips, five feet above the yellowish floor of the symbols" evokes a sense of alienation, as if genuine communication and connection are out of reach.
4. Melancholy and Decline:
The phrase "autumnal twelve months" conveys a prolonged state of melancholy and decline, implying that the poet's country is in a state of perpetual autumn, a metaphor for a lingering sadness or decay.
5. Instability:
The "tremor" separating the seasons introduces a theme of instability, suggesting that even the natural order in the poet's country is prone to sudden disruptions and uncertainty.
Structure and Form
The poem is written in free verse, lacking a fixed rhyme scheme or meter. This form allows for a more fluid and natural expression of the poet's thoughts and emotions. The stanza arrangement, with its short and varied lines, contributes to the poem's contemplative and fragmented tone.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
"Full of sun and jay hunting" creates a vivid image of a sunlit, vibrant landscape.
2. Metaphor:
"Autumnal twelve months" metaphorically suggests a state of perpetual decline.
3. Symbolism:
The "yellowish floor of the symbols" symbolizes a superficial layer of meaning or communication.
4. Personification:
"Our lips... open outwards for two slices of cold" personifies the lips, attributing them with human-like actions.
5. Enjambment:
The poem uses enjambment, as seen in "Our lips, / five feet above the yellowish floor of the symbols," creating a sense of continuity and fluidity.
6. Contrast:
The contrast between the beauty of the landscape and the harsh reality, as in "there are only (summer) resorts in poetry," highlights the poet's disillusionment.
Language and Diction
Alba's choice of words is both evocative and deliberate. The use of natural imagery ("sun," "jay hunting," "autumnal") contrasts with colder, more detached language ("slices of cold," "yellowish floor"), reflecting the duality of beauty and disillusionment in his country.
Mood and Tone:
The mood of the poem is melancholic and reflective, while the tone is contemplative and slightly disillusioned. Alba's choice of imagery and diction creates an emotional landscape that is both beautiful and tinged with sadness.
Context
Written during a period of significant socio-political changes in Portugal, the poem reflects the poet's response to his country's environment and cultural shifts. This context of transformation and uncertainty influences the themes of instability and disillusionment in the poem.
Speaker and Point of View
The speaker appears to be a reflective observer, likely a persona of the poet himself. This first-person perspective creates an intimate and personal tone, inviting the reader to share in the poet's contemplations about his country.
Imagery and Sensory Details
Alba employs strong visual imagery, such as "full of sun and jay hunting" and "yellowish floor of the symbols," which evoke vivid pictures in the reader's mind. The sensory details enhance the poem's emotional impact, making the reader feel the warmth of the sun and the chill of the "slices of cold."
Symbolism and Allegory
The poem uses symbols like "autumnal twelve months" to represent decline and "tremor" to signify instability. These symbols enrich the poem's exploration of the poet's complex feelings toward his country.
Sound and Rhythm
The free verse form and lack of a regular rhyme scheme give the poem a natural, conversational rhythm. This loose structure allows the poet's thoughts and emotions to flow freely, enhancing the reflective quality of the poem.
Syntax and Lineation
Alba uses enjambment effectively to create a sense of continuity and flow. The varied line lengths and breaks contribute to the poem's fragmented and contemplative tone, mirroring the poet's introspective state of mind.
Intertextuality
While the poem does not directly reference other literary works, its themes of disillusionment and instability resonate with broader existential and modernist literary traditions, adding depth to its meaning.
Conclusion
"In my country" by Sebastião Alba is a contemplative and evocative poem that uses rich imagery and symbolism to explore themes of nature, disillusionment, and instability. Through its free verse form and reflective tone, the poem captures the poet's complex emotions and nuanced perspective on his homeland.
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