Original Poem：
The cursive crawl, the squared-off characters
these by themselves delight, even without
a meaning, in a foreign language, in
Chinese, for instance, or when skaters curve
all day across the lake, scoring their white
records in ice. Being intelligible,
these winding ways with their audacities
and delicate hesitations, they become
miraculous, so intimately, out there
at the pen’s point or brush’s tip, do world
and spirit wed. The small bones of the wrist
balance against great skeletons of stars
exactly; the blind bat surveys his way
by echo alone. Still, the point of style
is character. The universe induces
a different tremor in every hand, from the
check-forger’s to that of the Emperor
Hui Tsung, who called his own calligraphy
the ‘Slender Gold.’ A nervous man
writes nervously of a nervous world, and so on.
Miraculous. It is as though the world
were a great writing. Having said so much,
let us allow there is more to the world
than writing: continental faults are not
bare convoluted fissures in the brain.
Not only must the skaters soon go home;
also the hard inscription of their skates
is scored across the open water, which long
remembers nothing, neither wind nor wake.</p>
Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem
This poem beautifully explores the art of writing and its connection to the world around us, using vivid imagery and metaphor. The poet begins by describing the cursive and squared characters of a foreign language—specifically Chinese calligraphy—and how these shapes delight the eye even without understanding their meaning. This highlights the aesthetic beauty of written language as an art form beyond mere communication.
The poem then compares the flowing movements of calligraphy to skaters gliding over a frozen lake, leaving marks on the ice. This metaphor emphasizes the transient yet impactful nature of both writing and human actions. The “winding ways” of the pen or brush are described as miraculous because they unite the physical world and the spirit, showing how art can bridge the tangible and the intangible.
The poem also touches on the individuality of style, noting how each person's handwriting reflects their character and emotions. The reference to Emperor Hui Tsung’s calligraphy, called “Slender Gold,” illustrates the historical and cultural significance of calligraphy as a personal and artistic expression.
Finally, the poem reminds us that while writing can seem like the universe’s great script, there is more to reality than words alone. The skaters’ marks on the ice will soon disappear, symbolizing the ephemeral nature of life and memory.
Background and Author Introduction
This poem is by Mark Strand, a renowned American poet known for his contemplative and evocative style. Strand often explores themes of existence, perception, and the relationship between the physical and spiritual worlds. His work frequently blends vivid imagery with philosophical reflection, inviting readers to see ordinary things in extraordinary ways.
The poem likely draws inspiration from Strand’s fascination with language, art, and nature, combining his observations of calligraphy and skating to create a metaphor for human expression and impermanence.
Reflections and Insights
Reading this poem encourages us to appreciate the beauty of written language as an art form and to recognize how our personal styles and expressions are unique reflections of our inner selves. It also reminds us of the transient nature of life’s marks, whether on ice or in writing, urging mindfulness about the legacies we leave behind.
For students and children, this poem can inspire a deeper interest in calligraphy, poetry, and the arts, as well as an understanding that communication is not just about words but also about form, style, and emotion.
Learning Points and Practical Applications
- Artistic Expression: Students can learn how handwriting and calligraphy are forms of art that convey personality and emotion.
- Metaphor and Imagery: The poem is an excellent example of how metaphors (skaters on ice = writing) enrich poetry and deepen meaning.
- Cultural Appreciation: The reference to Chinese calligraphy introduces learners to different writing traditions and their cultural significance.
- Impermanence: The poem teaches a philosophical lesson about the fleeting nature of life and human creations.
- Mindfulness in Writing: Encourages careful attention to the style and character of one’s writing, reflecting inner thoughts and feelings.
In everyday life, these lessons can help students appreciate the importance of clear and expressive communication, whether in writing essays, creating art, or simply expressing themselves in daily conversations.
Reading Comprehension Exercises
- What does the poem compare the characters of a foreign language to?
- How does the poem describe the relationship between writing and the spirit?
- Who is Emperor Hui Tsung, and why is he mentioned in the poem?
- What does the poem suggest about the marks left by skaters on the ice?
- What lesson about life and writing can we learn from this poem?
Answers
- The poem compares the characters to the movements of skaters on ice, both creating beautiful, flowing marks.
- The poem describes writing as a miraculous union of the physical world and the spirit, where pen and brush connect these realms.
- Emperor Hui Tsung was a historical figure known for his calligraphy, called “Slender Gold,” illustrating the personal style and cultural importance of writing.
- The poem suggests that the marks on the ice are temporary and will soon disappear, symbolizing the fleeting nature of human actions.
- The poem teaches that while writing and marks are important, life is transient, and we should appreciate the beauty and impermanence of our expressions.
This poem offers a rich exploration of language, art, and existence, making it a valuable resource for students to develop both literary appreciation and philosophical insight.
