Vegetation (French Series)
- Book Review,
by Francis Ponge
Book Description
Asparagus, mimosas, magnolias, carnations are the subject of these poems. Lee Fahnestock has long been an admirer of Ponge, her translation of Ponge's The Making of the Pre was published by the University of Missouri Press in 1979. "The whole oeuvre of Ponge reflects the fervor of his loving struggle with language." L.F.
Excerpted from Vegetation by Francis Ponge. Copyright © 1987. Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved
Accept the challenge things offer to language. For instance these carnations defy language. I won't give up until I have put together a few words that will make anyone reading or hearing them say-- this has to do with something like a carnation. Is that poetry? I have no idea, and it scarcely matters. For me it is a need, a commitment, a rage, a matter of self-respect and that's all there is to it.... 2 Contrast it to calm, rounded flowers-- arum, lilies, camellias, tuberoses. Not that it is crazy, but it is violent (though well compacted, put together within reasonable limits) 3 At stem-tip, the luxurious marvels of its linen come unbuttoned from a toggle, unbudded from a supple node of leaves. Carnations, those marvelous rags. How clean they are. 4 Breathing them in, you feel a pleasure whose other side would be a sneeze. Seeing them, the pleasure you feel at the sight of the underpants, with fine cut lace, of a young girl who cares for her linens.
Buy from Amazon
Compare Prices
|
|
Home
