Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Poem Beginning The: Fifth Movement: Autobiography" is a poem by Louis Zukofsky, first published in 1960. It is a part of a larger work titled "A," which is a collection of 24 movements that took Zukofsky over 20 years to complete. The poem is a reflection on Zukofsky's own life and experiences, and it is known for its intricate use of language and formal experimentation.

Explanation:

The poem is divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of Zukofsky's life. The first section reflects on his childhood and early years, while the second section focuses on his relationships and struggles as an adult. The final section reflects on the broader political and social issues that shaped Zukofsky's life.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent meter or rhyme scheme. However, it is highly structured, with careful attention paid to the placement of words and lines on the page.
• Imagery: The poem is rich in sensory detail, with vivid descriptions of the natural world and the urban landscape.
• Allusion: The poem makes reference to a wide range of cultural and historical figures, from Shakespeare to Lenin.
• Repetition: The poem makes use of repetition, both for emphasis and to create a sense of unity and coherence.

Conclusion:

"Poem Beginning The: Fifth Movement: Autobiography" is a complex and multi-layered work that reflects the richness and diversity of Zukofsky's own life. It is known for its formal experimentation and its intricate use of language, and it remains an important work of American poetry.

Poem Snippet:

"Sand-grain scaled high on the cliff-bank

In the mountain-wall's morning shade,

Pleasure-shocked in the vein

Of the taught rock that started the split

From height to height along the mountain's edge,

Releasing the mountain's tale of ages past."