The Haunting Beauty of Stevie Smith's Poems about Death
Exploring the Depths of Mortality in Stevie Smith's Poetry
Stevie Smith, the renowned English poet and novelist, had a unique way of confronting the inevitability of death in her works. With a blend of wit, irony, and a touch of dark humor, she delves into the existential questions surrounding mortality. Smith's poems about death are hauntingly beautiful, inviting readers to explore the complexities of life's ultimate mystery.
The Poet's Playful Take on Death
Smith's poem "Not Waving but Drowning" is a prime example of her ability to craft thought-provoking verses about death. In this poem, she narrates the tragic story of a man who appears fine on the surface, but is actually struggling and ultimately drowns. The poem serves as a metaphor for how we often misunderstand others' pain and inner turmoil. Smith's use of repetition and ambiguity makes the reader question their own assumptions about life and death.
"Not Waving but Drowning"
Nobody heard him, the dead man,
But still he lay moaning:
I was much further out than you thought
And not waving but drowning.
Poor chap, he always loved larking
And now he's dead
It must have been too cold for him his heart gave way,
They said.
Oh, no no no, it was too cold always
(Still the dead one lay moaning)
I was much too far out all my life
And not waving but drowning.
Contemplating Death's Intricacies
In her poem "The Lovers of the Poor," Smith explores the connection between poverty and death. She highlights the stark reality of the impoverished, juxtaposing their struggle for survival with the indifference of wealthier individuals. Through her poignant words, Smith encourages readers to reflect on the societal inequalities that contribute to premature death and despair.
"The Lovers of the Poor"
They lie in their graves like the rich,
With their awful false marble stones,
I suppose they will always be with us,
Beneath the light of the street lamps.
It is said that those who cannot afford
Burial must be carried away by the wind.
But the wind has been taken away
And buried in graves, in the poor.
The lovers of the poor are those
Who love the poor who are always with us.
In the street they are with us always,
They have their wonderful poverty.
Confronting Mortality with a Touch of Humor
Smith's poem "Epigram" demonstrates her ability to tackle the weighty subject of death with a light-hearted twist. In this short verse, she humorously contemplates her own mortality, suggesting that when she dies, people should commemorate her by throwing a party instead of mourning. Through this playful approach, Smith encourages readers to embrace the fleeting nature of life and find joy in the face of death.
"Epigram"
When I die I don't care what happens to my body
Throw ashes in the air, scatter 'em in East River
Bury an urn in Elizabeth New Jersey, B'nai Israel Cemetery
But l'm telling you, I don't want my body cremated
Arrange for my burial till after three full days
Wait till I get through with them.
I want an open and shut case
And take my brain out and walk around with it
Broadcast it, put it in marzipan, embalm it
On the street corner, Coyote or try beryllium,
Bury it bury it bury it.
But while I'm still living
Am I troublesome? "Yes, it's terrible troublesome."
She tells me, "Put you in a home my son?
I'd rather put you in a tomb."
Stevie Smith's poems about death invite readers to confront the reality of mortality with both seriousness and levity. Through her unique blend of poetic techniques, she challenges our preconceptions and encourages us to embrace life to the fullest, even in the face of death's inevitability. Smith's hauntingly beautiful verses will continue to resonate with readers, reminding us of the fragility and significance of our existence.
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