General Introduction
Mike Alfred, a contemporary South African poet, is known for his evocative and poignant reflections on everyday life. His work often delves into the intricacies of human relationships and the passage of time. "Tea and cake" is a contemplative piece that encapsulates themes of aging, regret, and the simplicity found in late-life reflections. Written in a modern era where the hustle and bustle of business life often overshadow personal dreams and aspirations, the poem offers a glimpse into the lives of two friends who find solace in each other's company.
Tea and cake by Mike Alfred
Two fading business friends, meet
now and then, over coffee and cake.
They no longer talk business which
has lost all fascination. Their talk
involves reading and writing, a life
ignored. One day, they both confess
that they really wanted to be Ernest
Hemingway; one for the fame, one
for the lifestyle. Neither considered
the writing: the blocks, the blanks, the
black despair, the critics, merciless. But
then they acknowledge the shotgun, that
hopeless end, and return to tea and cake.
Title
The title, "Tea and cake," immediately sets a domestic and comforting tone, hinting at a routine or ritual shared between friends. It suggests a moment of pause and simplicity, juxtaposed against the complexities of life. The title also underscores the shift from a more active and perhaps stressful part of life to a quieter, reflective period.
Stanza Analysis
"Two fading business friends, meet
now and then, over coffee and cake."
This introduces the two main characters, old friends who were once deeply entrenched in the business world. The use of "fading" implies a decline, either in their personal vitality or in the relevance of their past business pursuits.
"They no longer talk business which
has lost all fascination."
Here, it is revealed that business no longer interests them. This indicates a significant shift in their priorities and interests.
"Their talk
involves reading and writing, a life
ignored."
The friends now focus on reading and writing, activities they previously neglected. This suggests a rekindling of passions and interests that were sidelined during their business careers.
"One day, they both confess
that they really wanted to be Ernest
Hemingway; one for the fame, one
for the lifestyle."
The friends reveal their shared aspiration to emulate Ernest Hemingway, albeit for different reasons—fame and lifestyle—highlighting their youthful dreams and differing motivations.
"Neither considered
the writing: the blocks, the blanks, the
black despair, the critics, merciless."
They acknowledge the challenges of Hemingway’s craft, such as writer's block and critical reception, which they never contemplated in their youthful fantasies.
"But
then they acknowledge the shotgun, that
hopeless end, and return to tea and cake."
The mention of Hemingway’s tragic suicide by shotgun serves as a sobering reminder of the harsh realities behind the romanticized image. Ultimately, they return to the simple comfort of their tea and cake, a symbol of their acceptance and peace with their current lives.
Themes
1. Aging and Reflection:
"Two fading business friends, meet now and then" highlights the passage of time and the reflections that come with aging.
2. Unfulfilled Aspirations:
"One day, they both confess that they really wanted to be Ernest Hemingway" speaks to the dreams and ambitions that were never realized.
3. The Mundanity of Business:
"They no longer talk business which has lost all fascination" underscores the loss of interest in what once dominated their lives.
4. Romanticized Notions vs. Reality:
"Neither considered the writing: the blocks, the blanks, the black despair, the critics, merciless" contrasts the glamorous image of a writer with the harsh reality.
5. Acceptance and Simplicity:
"But then they acknowledge the shotgun, that hopeless end, and return to tea and cake" signifies acceptance of their lives as they are, finding peace in simple pleasures.
Structure and Form
The poem is written in free verse, reflecting the fluid and conversational tone of the friends’ meeting. It lacks a strict rhyme scheme or meter, which mirrors the natural ebb and flow of their dialogue. The poem is composed of six stanzas, each contributing to the narrative's progression.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery:
"Tea and cake" evoke sensory images of a comforting, domestic scene.
2. Metaphor:
"Two fading business friends" uses "fading" to imply aging and decline.
3. Allusion:
The reference to Ernest Hemingway introduces broader cultural and literary contexts.
4. Irony:
The friends’ romanticized view of Hemingway's life is ironically contrasted with the grim reality of his struggles and tragic end.
5. Juxtaposition:
The simple act of having tea and cake is juxtaposed with the complex and often painful reality of pursuing artistic fame.
6. Symbolism:
"The shotgun" symbolizes despair and the harsh truths of life, contrasting the simplicity of "tea and cake."
Language and Diction
Alfred’s diction is straightforward yet evocative, with a conversational tone that mirrors the simplicity of the friends’ interactions. The language shifts subtly from the mundane to the profound, reflecting the friends’ inner journeys.
Mood and Tone
The mood is reflective and nostalgic, tinged with a sense of melancholy as the friends look back on their lives. The tone is contemplative and bittersweet, acknowledging both the simplicity of present pleasures and the complexity of past regrets.
Context
The poem reflects contemporary themes of disillusionment with the corporate world and the search for personal meaning. It resonates with modern readers who may feel similarly about the balance between career ambitions and personal fulfillment.
Speaker and Point of View
The poem is narrated in the third person, providing an objective viewpoint on the friends’ interactions. This perspective allows for a broader reflection on the themes of aging and unfulfilled dreams without being limited to a single character's viewpoint.
Imagery and Sensory Details
The poem employs visual imagery ("Two fading business friends," "tea and cake") to create a vivid picture of the scene. These sensory details enhance the reader’s connection to the simple yet profound moment shared by the friends.
Symbolism and Allegory
The shotgun symbolizes despair and the darker side of the romanticized image of Hemingway. The tea and cake symbolize simplicity and acceptance, representing a return to basic comforts after confronting life's harsh realities.
Sound and Rhythm
The free verse structure allows for a natural rhythm that mirrors conversation. The lack of a strict meter or rhyme scheme underscores the casual, reflective nature of the friends’ meeting.
Syntax and Lineation
Alfred uses enjambment to create a flowing, conversational tone. The syntax is straightforward, contributing to the poem’s accessible and relatable style.
Intertextuality
The allusion to Ernest Hemingway invites readers to consider the broader cultural and literary implications of the friends’ aspirations and disillusionments, adding depth to their reflections.
Conclusion
"Tea and cake" by Mike Alfred is a poignant reflection on aging, unfulfilled dreams, and the simple pleasures that bring comfort in later life. Through its evocative imagery, conversational tone, and profound themes, the poem invites readers to consider their own journeys and the balance between ambition and contentment.
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