Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Ezra Pound's Canto LXXXI: Kung walked" is a section of "The Cantos," a long and complex poem that Pound worked on for several decades. The canto was written in 1950, towards the end of Pound's career, and reflects his interest in Chinese philosophy and culture.

The canto begins with the speaker describing the ancient Chinese philosopher Kung (also known as Confucius) walking through the countryside, reflecting on the beauty and complexity of the natural world. The speaker notes how Kung's wisdom and insight allowed him to appreciate the smallest details of the world around him, from the "wind in the grass" to the "moon on the stream."

As the canto progresses, the speaker reflects on the importance of wisdom and contemplation in the modern world. He notes how our modern society is often characterized by haste and distraction, and suggests that we must learn to slow down and appreciate the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

The canto ends with a reference to the Chinese tradition of calligraphy, which involves using brush and ink to create works of art. The speaker suggests that calligraphy represents a kind of meditative practice, allowing the artist to slow down and appreciate the smallest details of the world around them.

Overall, "Ezra Pound's Canto LXXXI: Kung walked" is a powerful and complex work of modernist poetry that reflects Pound's interest in Chinese philosophy and culture. The canto explores the themes of wisdom, contemplation, and the beauty of the natural world, and encourages readers to slow down and appreciate the small details of life.

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