Paperback Castles

"I'd rather learn from one bird how to sing
than teach ten thousand stars how not to dance"

I have always been a little intimidated by E. E. Cummings' poetry. Just one look at one of his futuristic experiments with syntax and punctuation was more than enough to convince me that he was too difficult for me to read.
But as it turned out it was silly of me to give up on him. I just needed the right guidance to his authorship which this edition happily provided me with. Though I can't claim to understand all of his poems, I have attained a greater and deeper understanding of his writing and themes.

Of course some of the poems can only be defined as cryptic; almost equal to the riddles of the Sphinx, and therefore require a tremendous effort and several careful re-readings. But the thing is, when you finally do understand his use of words, parentheses and fragments, you will be completely overwhelmed by the shining, shimmering and bright magnificence of his writing.

"time is a tree (this life one leaf)
but love is the sky and i am for you
just so long and long enough"

I have been teary-eyed, breathless and left in a deep trance as I read through these pages. I have been frustrated and puzzled, but in the end I mostly felt grateful. Grateful that I made the effort and took the time to let the words speak for themselves. 'Cause they really do have a lot to say.
Cummings had a peculiar way with words and even punctuation. There is not one letter or even a single comma that doesn't have a significant meaning. Even the use of 'i' instead of 'I' holds a great purpose.

And also, I would like to add that E. E. Cummings probably wrote some of the most beautiful love poems of all-time. Soft and delicate with a sincere tone of wholeness. Just read 'somewhere i have never travelled, gladly beyond" and you'll see. I believe that poem is capable of melting any heart.