PoemHunter.com   
The School Of Metaphysics by Charles Simic   
Search:     
Home Poets Poems Lyrics Quotations Music Forum Search Member Area Poetry E-Books Sites Mini Quiz
 
Charles Simic
Poems   Quotations   Comments   More Info   Stats  
 
<< prev. poem Poems by Charles Simic : 20 / 29 next poem >>
  
  The School Of Metaphysics

User Rating:

6.8 /10
(9 votes)



  Executioner happy to explain
How his wristwatch works
As he shadows me on the street.
I call him that because he is grim and officious
And wears black.

The clock on the church tower
Had stopped at five to eleven.
The morning newspapers had no date.
The gray building on the corner
Could've been a state pen,

And then he showed up with his watch,
Whose Gothic numerals
And the absence of hands
He wanted me to understand
Right then and there.

Charles Simic


Poem Share:


Read poems about / on: happy, school, work

 
  Comments about this poem (The School Of Metaphysics by Charles Simic )
Click here to write your comments about this poem (The School Of Metaphysics by Charles Simic )
 
  John Gorman  (4/2/2009 1:50:00 AM)

With the given background of Charles Simic, it is evident that he is writing about his dislike to killing and death. The use of imagery in this poem is like his others as he describes the setting and the people involved. This poem refers to the end of time and how the executioner is there to explain the reason. When he describes the executioner stalking him on the streets; he uses the word shadows. Right away shadow and darkness come together. Well he did this for a reason, for death is always followed by darkness. Being 'grim and officious' is not a good thing, yet Charles Simic calls this man a figure of the shadows; an outcast. However, in a short time he will become the stronger dominant human, for the world will end in short time. When time ends death will follow. This is a major theme in this poem. This poem follows the form of quintet for it has 5 lines in each stanza. To conclude, this blatant fact comes to mind; why did the executioner want us to know 'right then and there? ' This has many different theories, yet one sticks out is it because he wanted a friend when the world was dead?
  William Fiore  (5/3/2007 7:34:00 AM)

For about 30 years I have been reading Charles Simic & Mark Strand and there are so many of their poems that I enjoy.They are wonderful and cogent craftsmen of what Wallace Stevens called the clear enigma.

Read all 2 comments >>
 
  People who read Charles Simic

 
 
  Classic poets in PoemHunter.Com:

      The complete list >>

 
 
  Lyrics

      The complete list >>

 
 

 Search in the World Poetry Database => 

 Search:    tips
Hide the search box!
 
 
  E-MAIL THIS PAGE TO A FRIEND - Found this page interesting? Recommend it to your friend!
 
 Your E-mail:  
 Friend's Email:  
   
Your
Message:

 

  
  QuickPoll
How often do you visit our website?
 
Once a day
Once a week
Once a month
Once a year

 

(c) Poems are the property of their respective owners. All information has been reproduced here for educational and informational purposes to benefit site visitors, and is provided at no charge..  About Us | Copyright notice | Privacy statement | Help
7/5/2009 3:21:44 PM . You Are Here: The School Of Metaphysics by Charles Simic

#.1#

Home | Poets | Poems | Lyrics | Music | Quotations | Forum | Search | Random Poem | Free Poetry eBooks | Contests | Sites |
Submit a Poem | Manage Your Poems | Contact Us

Christmas Poems | Love Poems | Pablo Neruda | Death Poems | Sad Poems | Birthday Poems | Wedding Poems | Annabel Lee | Sorry Poems