Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"One: 14. ITEM" by E.E. Cummings is a brief yet impactful poem that explores the disintegration of a romantic relationship, portraying the fatigue, disconnect, and lost intimacy between a man and a woman. Through his characteristic style of fragmented language and visual arrangement on the page, Cummings captures the tension and dissatisfaction that have replaced what was once love.

The poem begins with the phrase "this man is o so / Waiter," immediately introducing a sense of weariness and a desire for service or escape. The man's exasperation is palpable, as if he is barely holding onto his patience in the face of a situation that has grown intolerable. The abruptness of "Waiter" suggests that he is seeking a distraction or a way out, perhaps through the waiter or the meal itself.

The next line, "this ;woman is / please shut that," shifts the focus to the woman, whose presence seems to evoke irritation or a need for silence. The semicolon separating "this" and "woman" could signify a pause or a break in the relationship, highlighting the emotional distance between them. The request to "shut that" indicates a desire to close off or end something—whether it be conversation, emotion, or the relationship itself.

Cummings then introduces a mix of physical and emotional imagery: "the pout And affectionate leer / interminable pyramidal,napkins." The "pout" and "affectionate leer" might represent the contrasting and conflicting emotions that are still present between the couple, despite the evident strain. The "interminable pyramidal,napkins" evoke a sense of the mundane and repetitive aspects of their interactions, possibly hinting at the routine and superficial nature of their current relationship. The pyramid shape of the napkins could also suggest a false sense of order or formality in a situation that is emotionally chaotic.

The man's fatigue is reiterated in the line "this man is oh so tired of this," emphasizing his exhaustion and perhaps disillusionment with the relationship. The phrase "a door opens by itself" introduces a sense of inevitability or fate, as if something beyond their control is occurring, further separating the man and the woman. This could symbolize an opportunity for escape or the beginning of an end.

Cummings then presents the woman with a more explicit focus: "woman.) they so to speak were in / Love once?" The past tense of "were in Love" suggests that whatever love they once shared has faded or been lost over time. The question mark at the end of the line introduces doubt, as if the speaker is unsure if love ever truly existed between them or if it was just a fleeting illusion.

The poem's tone shifts to one of frustration and disconnection: "now / her mouth opens too far / and:she attacks her Lobster without / feet mingle under the / mercy." The woman's exaggerated action of opening her mouth "too far" and "attacking" her food conveys aggression and a lack of grace, contrasting sharply with any remaining affection or intimacy. The image of their "feet mingle under the / mercy" suggests a physical closeness that is now devoid of the tenderness or care that once defined their relationship.

Finally, Cummings ends the poem with the stage direction-like line "(exit the hors d'reuvres)," signaling the end of a course and perhaps metaphorically, the end of a stage in their relationship. The removal of the hors d'oeuvres, typically the light and appetizing start to a meal, might symbolize the end of the beginning phase of their love, leaving them to face the more difficult, unpalatable "main course" of their relationship's decline.

In "One: 14. ITEM," E.E. Cummings effectively portrays the unraveling of a romantic relationship, using a mix of visual cues, fragmented language, and striking imagery. The poem captures the transition from love to disillusionment, highlighting the tension and emotional distance that have come to define the couple's interactions. Through his unique style, Cummings reveals the complexities and challenges of maintaining love in the face of growing weariness and disconnect.

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