is the title of this poem
resume - to begin again
or
resume - accent on the e, a brief account of one's work experience?
read it both ways.
it changes the tone of the poem dramatically
RESUME
Razors pain you;
Rivers are damp;
Acids stain you;
And drugs cause cramp.
Guns aren't lawful;
Nooses give;
Gas smells awful;
You might as well live.
The fact that this poem is written by Dorothy Parker of the famous Algonquin Table leaves me to wonder. I know she attempted to take her own life a few times. Did she mean, by this poem, that she hadn't had any luck or did she mean to list out her professional attempts at the job?
Members and associates of the Algonquin Round Table: (l-r) Art Samuels, Charles MacArthur, Harpo Marx, Dorothy Parker and Alexander Woollcott
That Dorothy Parker--can't wrap my head around her. She's so fascinating.
ReplyDeleteShe fascinates me. Know of any good biographies?
DeleteIntriguing. Must get her poetry off my wishlist and in my hands! :)
ReplyDeleteHer poetry was wildly successful.
DeleteOoo knowing that she tried to kill herself definitely makes me rethink the poem.
ReplyDeleteI know, right? Is this all the ways she tried or is this her giving up on the notion?
DeleteI read it and think it is the act of resuming that she meant.
ReplyDeleteI noticed you were looking forward to my Fielding review; did you see it:
http://boundtogetherforgood.blogspot.com/2012/02/olivia-joules-and-overactive.html
Hopping over right now Ang!
DeleteShe couldn't have tried very hard if she kept failing over and over. Pardon me, but I was never a real fan of the very disgruntled Miss Parker. Oh, I mean, she was clever all right - but cleverness may have been the thing which ticked her off. In others, I mean.
ReplyDeleteOh, I guess I'm the grumpy one today. :)
I want to read more about her. She intrigues me. I ordered that series you reviewed on your site and the first Richard Jury books. I'm so excited!
DeleteWhat a strange little poem... she writes the best stuff! And you're so right, it reads totally differently with the meanings of the two words.
ReplyDeleteMegan @ Storybook Love Affair
Hey - completely off-topic, this seems the easiest way to communicate - must read : Before I Go to Sleep by S.J. Watson. Very cool thriller, some language, some sex, but a great story. stayed up until midnight last night to finish it.
ReplyDelete