Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Metaphysic" is a poem by John Cowper Powys that explores the theme of philosophy and the human experience. The poem was first published in Powys's collection of poems, Wolf's Bane, in 1921.

The poem is written in free verse, without a strict rhyme or meter. This form creates a sense of fluidity and freedom that reflects the poem's focus on the complexities and abstractions of philosophy.

The content of the poem takes the form of a meditation on the nature of reality and the human experience. The speaker in the poem explores the ideas of time, space, and the nature of being, using abstract language to create a sense of intellectual depth and complexity.

The poem is characterized by its use of metaphysical and philosophical concepts, such as "eternal substance," "spaceless space," and "timeless time." The use of this language creates a sense of intellectual depth and complexity, reflecting the poem's focus on the abstract and metaphysical.

The poem also makes use of vivid and evocative imagery to convey its philosophical ideas. For example, the image of the "endless sea of Being" reflects the idea of the vast and infinite nature of reality, while the image of the "golden birds of eternity" represents the beauty and transcendence that can be found in the human experience.

The tone of the poem is one of intellectual curiosity and exploration. The speaker in the poem is not content with the surface-level understanding of reality but seeks to delve deeper into the complexities of the human experience.

Overall, "Metaphysic" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the complexities of philosophy and the human experience. The poem's use of free verse, metaphysical language, and vivid imagery creates a sense of intellectual depth and complexity that has resonated with readers for over a century. The poem's message of the importance of seeking deeper understanding and exploring the complexities of reality has a universal appeal that has made it a lasting testament to the enduring power of poetry to explore the human experience.

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