In this article, we will take a look at a poem which many poets hold dear in their heart, “Eating Poetry” by Mark Strand. We will first look at a synopsis of “Eating Poetry” and then move onto an analysis before going into its figurative language.
Summary
“Eating Poetry” begins by the author eating poetry books. The ink is still dripping from the author’s mouth. The librarian can’t believe her eyes. The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming towards her. She stamps her feet and cries. The author then gets on his knees and licks her hand and celebrates his new found self.
Analysis
This poem is quite obviously an extended metaphor. The dog is the author who can’t help but read more poetry and feel the extreme excitement. “The poems are gone” could possibly mean that the author did not replace the books on the bookshelf after he was finished reading. “The dogs” could refer to other patrons in the library, possibly other poetry lovers (from a poetry club?). She is upset and he tries to tell her how happy he is by getting “on [his] knees and lick[ing] her hand”. He continues to be happy with his newly consumed books.
Figurative Language
Dog – The author (or any poet, really)
“Eating poetry” – Reading poetry
Poem: “Eating Poetry” by Mark Strand
Ink runs from the corners of my mouth.
There is no happiness like mine.
I have been eating poetry.
The librarian does not believe what she sees.
Her eyes are sad
and she walks with her hands in her dress.
The poems are gone.
The light is dim.
The dogs are on the basement stairs and coming up.
Their eyeballs roll,
their blond legs burn like a brush.
The poor librarian begins to stamp her feet and weep.
She does not understand.
When I get on my knees and lick her hand,
she screams.
I am a new man.
I snarl at her and bark.
I romp with joy in the bookish dark.
