vy
As we pose the question,: is this even actually a poem, i would like to throw out a couple definitions for the word "poem".
- a work in meter or free verse employing figurative language
- a form of art in which language is used for its aesthetic or evocative qualities
- an arrangement of words in an artistic aim
- an organization of lines of text on a page
Four definitions there, all taking slightly different angles and vantage points. i believe that looking at the last definition, we would have to agree that station of the metro is indeed a poem. the third definition as well lends poem status to Pounds writing, as does the second in my assessment. The first definition begs for us to take a closer look at this writing. But Pounds work here is free verse and does employ figurative language thus, under four "poem telescopes" this -in a station of the Metro- IS indeed a poem.
the apparition of these faces in the crowd
petals on a wet, black bough
i like this poem. my interpretation of this poem involves including the title in the verse because it makes vastly more sense and fits perfectly almost like a haiku. although traditionally haiku is Japanese poetry composed of three unrhymed lines of five, seven, and five syllables. so in the formally meaning of what a haiku is, this would not fit. but when you read it, the flow is similar to that of a haiku.
As i analyze the imagery in this piece, i cant help but be drawn to the date of the poem. 1913.
in this time, especially in europe, the trench coat and top hat was extremely popular. Pound was originally from the USA but became disenchanted with america, calling it later in life a "lunatic insane asylum". Also metros were first established in europe. when i read this poem i see a multitude waiting at the metro on a wet rainy day, like black dark petals of winter death (in black top hat and trench coat). each person seemingly an apparition of the next; similar in someways externally, but diverse in destination and thought. But still that hard external giving off the similarity as all wait for the train. just like pedals from a bough are similar but at the same time different.
anyway, i am sure nobody else has ever thought that maybe Pound intended for his title to be the hidden first line to this work and he wanted us the reader, to figure that out.
I can just see the headline, "Pound Americanizes the Haiku Secretly".
