Friday, January 25, 2013

I Wish I'd Written This

ARS POETICA? (City without Name)

By Czeslaw Milosz (1911 - 2004)

I have always aspired to a more spacious form
that would be free from the claims of poetry or prose
and would let us understand each other without exposing
the author or reader to sublime agonies.

In the very essence of poetry there is something indecent:
and stood in the light, lashing his tail.

though it's an exaggeration to maintain that he must be an angel.
It's hard to guess where that pride of poets comes from,

What reasonable man would like to be a city of demons,
and who, not satisfied with stealing his lips or hand,
work at changing his destiny for their convenience?

It's true that what is morbid is highly valued today,
and so you may think that I am only joking
or that I've devised just one more means
of praising Art with the help of irony.

There was a time when only wise books were read,
helping us to bear our pain and misery.
This, after all, is not quite the same
as leafing through a thousand works fresh from psychiatric clinics.

And yet the world is different from what it seems to be
People therefore preserve silent integrity,
thus earning the respect of their relatives and neighbors.

The purpose of poetry is to remind us
how difficult it is to remain just one person,
and invisible guests come in and out at will.

What I'm saying here is not, I agree, poetry,
as poems should be written rarely and reluctantly,
under unbearable duress and only with the hope

Czeslaw Milosz was born and grew up in Lithuania, lived many years in Poland, migrated to the United States in 1960 and became a US citizen in 1970. At the end of his life, he was able to spend time in Poland again, going back and forth from America. A prolific writer (as you can see in his Wikipedia entry if you scroll down to the end, to the list of his writings) he won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1980, when it was said of him: "who with uncompromising clear-sightedness voices man's exposed condition in a world of severe conflicts".

I hope it's self-evident why I could wish to have written this. The last three lines alone would be reason enough. Also I like the quirky tone, almost casual despite the wonderful language and imagery; and the way he begins by taking an anti-poetic position which leads us right around to its exact opposite.

You can find lots more of his poems at that ever-useful site, and at you can have the pleasure of hearing him read some of his own work, including the poem I've chosen for you. It's very interesting to listen to that one, as he uses a translation slightly different from the accepted version you see here. Perhaps it is his own translation.

There is a long list of his books, both poetry and prose, on Amazon.



  1. Seems like some old language speaking of old thoughts, since such thoughts are rarely talked about now. Great share! :)

    1. Well, he was over 90 when he died, so I guess he did represent an older way of thinking. Then again, he obviously had a formidable intellect, so maybe it is not an older way so much as an original way.

  2. Though I have seen his name, I do not think I have actually read a poem straight through of Milosz' before.

    "There was a time when only wise books were read,
    helping us to bear our pain and misery.
    This, after all, is not quite the same
    as leafing through a thousand works fresh from psychiatric clinics."

    His ideas are interesting, and I can't help he writes 'tongue in cheek.' He writes really free verse here, I think, as he shares his observations. I liked the idea that oftentimes a poet brings forth that which he didn't know he had within him/her. So very true!

    Thanks, Rosemary, for another interesting poet / poem.

    1. Yes, I suspect some tongue-in-cheek too, though with serous intent. :)

  3. One of the best shares I've read in a long time, Rosemary. You do find work that engages me as a poet and as an intellectual.

    When I reached the stanza "the purpose of poetry..." I sat forward in my chair and silently shouted "Yes! Yes!"

    Thank you for this. Thank you!

    1. Oh, I am so delighted to impart my own enjoyment to others!

  4. I am so in Kim's corner with her comments; One of the best shares i've read in a long time. Thank you Rosemary. I was not familiar with Czeslaw Milosz, specifically this piece, but am so greatful to have been introduced to it. It reflects so much of what I speak to in my blog except Mr. Milosz has encapsulated my intent in one 'piece of work'.


    1. You are very welcome! It makes my day that people enjoy what I find to share.

  5. An interesting man. I especially came to attention at the same stanza as Kim - "the purpose of poetry is to remind us how difficult it is to remain just one person." You always bring us interesting poets and poems. Thank you, kiddo, for your hard work.

  6. His way of seeing taught many. I loved his "End of the World" poem.

    1. Yes, it is very special. For those who would like to read it, it is here:

  7. I had to read this in two bites, and will probably read it again. A really tremendous write. Thank you very much for it.




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