E.e. cummings - Poems by the Famous Poet - All Poetry

Famous poet /

e.e. cummings

1894-1962  •  Ranked #8 in the top 500 poets

One of the most popular poets of the 20th century, his verses have inspired countless readers.  His total body of work includes nearly 3,000 poems.  He preferred his name abbreviated in all lowercase letters.

The son of Edward Cummings, a Unitarian minister of the South Congregational Church in Boston, and Rebecca Haswell Clarke. Cummings's mother encouraged him from an early age to write verse and to keep a journal. He was educated at the Cambridge Latin School and at Harvard College, where in 1915 he received his A.B., graduating magna cum laude in Greek and English; he received his M.A. from Harvard in 1916.
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i carry your heart with me

i carry your heart with me (i carry it in
my heart) i am never without it (anywhere
i go you go, my dear; and whatever is done
by only me is your doing, my darling)
                                  i fear
no fate (for you are my fate, my sweet) i want
no world (for beautiful you are my world, my true)
and it's you are whatever a moon has always meant
and whatever a sun will always sing is you

here is the deepest secret nobody knows
(here is the root of the root and the bud of the bud
and the sky of the sky of a tree called life; which grows
higher than soul can hope or mind can hide)
and this is the wonder that's keeping the stars apart

i carry your heart (i carry it in my heart)
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Analysis (ai): The speaker's love is all-encompassing, as their beloved's presence is carried within them. The beloved's influence extends to all aspects of the speaker's life, offering solace and purpose. The poem expresses a deep connection and reliance on the beloved, surpassing any fear or desire for an external world. This intense and intimate love is the ultimate mystery, transcending understanding and elevating the speaker's existence.

This poem differs from the author's other works in its straightforward and unadorned language, contrasting with the fragmented and experimental style common in cummings' poetry. However, it shares a theme of profound love and the transformative power of human connection. The poem captures the essence of romantic love in the early 20th century, a time of societal and cultural change, reflecting the search for authenticity and intimacy in the face of uncertainty.
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i like my body when it is with your

i like my body when it is with your
body.  It is so quite new a thing.
Muscles better and nerves more.
i like your body.  i like what it does,
i like its hows.  i like to feel the spine
of your body and its bones, and the trembling
-firm-smooth ness and which i will
again and again and again
kiss,  i like kissing this and that of you,
i like, slowly stroking the, shocking fuzz
of your electric fur, and what-is-it comes
over parting flesh… And eyes big love-crumbs,

and possibly i like the thrill

of under me you so quite new
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Analysis (ai): This poem extols the physicality and sensuality of a romantic relationship. It is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter, and is characterized by its playful and fragmented syntax, which reflects the speaker's fragmented and intense emotions. The poem's language is highly sensual, with a focus on the body and its sensations. The speaker explores the physical details of their lover's body, from their muscles and nerves to their bones and fur. The poem is both a celebration of the physicality of love and an exploration of the speaker's own desire and vulnerability.

Compared to the author's other works, this poem is more overtly sensual and erotic. It is also more fragmented and experimental in its form. The poem's focus on the physicality of love is characteristic of the modernist period, which saw a shift away from traditional romanticism towards a more realistic and sensual depiction of human relationships.
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may i feel said he

may i feel said he
(i'll squeal said she
just once said he)
it's fun said she
 
(may i touch said he
how much said she
a lot said he)
why not said she
 
(let's go said he
not too far said she
what's too far said he
where you are said she) 

may i stay said he
which way said she
like this said he
if you kiss said she

may i move said he
is it love said she)
if you're willing said he
(but you're killing said she

but it's life said he
but your wife said she
now said he)
ow said she

(tiptop said he
don't stop said she
oh no said he)
go slow said she
 
(cccome?said he
ummm said she)
you're divine!said he
(you are Mine said she)
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Analysis (ai): The poem, featuring a sensual and suggestive dialogue, explores themes of longing, desire, and the complexities of relationships. It is characterized by fragmented lines, parenthetical asides, and a playful and unconventional use of typography.

Compared to Cummings's other works, this poem is less experimental in form and more accessible in language, yet still retains his signature style. The fragmented lines and unconventional punctuation create a sense of immediacy and intimacy.

The poem reflects the societal norms and attitudes of the time period, particularly regarding gender roles and sexual dynamics. The male voice often initiates the action, while the female voice responds with hesitation or caution. This reflects the power imbalance and the traditional expectations placed on women to be demure and passive in sexual encounters.

Overall, the poem is a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of human desire and the complexities of relationships, capturing both the excitement and trepidation that accompany intimate encounters.
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