Literature/Discussion 14

Free Union REFLECTION

Let us agree that this is not the type of love poem that we would wish to receive or describe us. I take that back. If you would or think that almost any show of dedication is sought, then I understand.

In university, a graduate engineering student recited to me several lines from the Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock. I thought that was distressing. Here’s the beginning.

Let us go then, you and I,

When the evening is spread out against the sky

Like a patient etherized upon a table;

Let us go, through certain half-deserted streets,

The muttering retreats

Of restless nights in one-night cheap hotels

And sawdust restaurants with oyster-shells:

Streets that follow like a tedious argument

Of insidious intent

To lead you to an overwhelming question ...

Oh, do not ask, “What is it?”

Let us go and make our visit.

In the room the women come and go

Talking of Michelangelo….

The point is it was his effort and I was too young to appreciate it. He related the title and the fact that I was an English major. Give him points for effort.

Do you see? We use the tools at our disposal. We use what reveals our heart and mind. Free Union is the free association of images that describe and define “the” woman’s attributes. It is organic and sensual. It is the author’s voice that flows almost without frame. It is as Breton sees and what he wishes could be.