Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Cinos," Charles Olson crafts a portrait of a group, or archetype, that is ambiguous, elusive, and unconventional—figures he labels “Cinos.” Olson’s depiction of Cinos intertwines descriptions of their behavior and attributes with warnings about their nature, suggesting that these figures are both outsiders and transgressors who embody elements of freedom, creativity, and chaos. The Cinos are described with language that implies a rejection of traditional forms and values, hinting that they live beyond societal expectations, creating their own paths and meanings. Through metaphor and imagery, Olson paints the Cinos as symbols of a primal, almost anarchic spirit, appealing and perilous in equal measure.

The poem opens with a statement about the Cinos as "feeders," individuals who live off external experiences and embody a self-contained, self-driven energy. This characteristic positions them as seekers who look both inward and outward, drawing from their experiences to forge an identity that is singular and intense. Olson warns that they are only interested in image and sound rather than interpersonal connections, suggesting that their self-absorption or fixation on the sensory aspect of existence isolates them from deeper, meaningful bonds with others. This focus on “image more than person, more syllable than image” underscores the idea that Cinos are immersed in the aesthetic, the auditory, or the symbolic, rather than in the human relationships that typically ground individuals.

The second section adds layers to the Cinos’ enigmatic nature by describing them as "rogues and elephants," figures marked by strength and innocence, yet somehow simultaneously subversive. The description of them as "innocents of the impossible" evokes a paradoxical mix of naïveté and daring, as if their actions—though disruptive or unconventional—are pursued with a sense of purity or authenticity. Olson suggests that the Cinos "do double trouble as it is," introducing unpredictability to any situation, making "grounds you cannot stand on" by disrupting conventions or destabilizing certainties. Despite their disruptive potential, the Cinos "mean not so, not one jot what they seem," an ambiguity that emphasizes their complex relationship with both intention and perception. They move in ways that others cannot fully interpret, living according to their own distinct values and rhythms.

The poem then shifts to a tone of caution. Olson warns against expecting the Cinos to return or conform, even as the seasons change and society calls for unity or ritual. The Cinos, he suggests, are not tied to the same cycles, norms, or communal expectations. They "leave you with a line" or a parting song, as though their only trace is a temporary impression or a fleeting message, offering no enduring attachment or resolution. The allusion to Cinos as "more intimate animals" who are "players of queens with darts" portrays them as playful yet deliberate, taking risks that disrupt conventional hierarchies and gender roles.

Throughout the poem, Olson employs a structure that reflects the Cinos’ own fragmented and disjointed nature. Each section provides a new perspective, yet these perspectives remain open-ended and non-linear, reflecting the elusive and transient character of the Cinos themselves. The language oscillates between literal and abstract, grounding the Cinos in familiar images while allowing them to drift into ambiguity. This shifting portrayal mirrors the way the Cinos move through life: ungraspable, unpredictable, and bound to no single role or identity.

In its entirety, "Cinos" can be read as an exploration of the artist or outsider archetype—individuals who live outside the norm, defy expectations, and exist in a world shaped by aesthetics, symbols, and sensory experiences. These figures, Olson suggests, represent both the allure and the cost of freedom; they create beauty and disturbance, but do not settle or belong in the ways others might expect. By crafting Cinos as enigmas who disrupt norms without attachment or accountability, Olson invites the reader to question the value and meaning of individualism, art, and rebellion, ultimately presenting the Cinos as embodiments of a life lived with intensity, but also with inherent solitude and unpredictability.

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