Sunday, February 2, 2020

Contradiction

Read "Contradiction" at The Eldritch Dark:

http://www.eldritchdark.com/writings/poetry/101/contradiction

This is one of those poems from Clark Ashton Smith (CAS) that rewards multiple readings, both to really immerse yourself in the language, and also to reflect upon the philosophical content.  Although there is always a danger in extrapolating too much of an author's own beliefs from their creative output, it seems to me justified in the case of "Contradiction".

The opening lines of each stanza, beginning with "I have calmed me with the thought of nothingness" do seem to emanate directly from CAS himself, demonstrating a mildly sardonic view of the complications of earthly life.  There is a chilly remoteness to this point of view, and yet personally I find it hard to argue with, and the realist orientation of "Contradiction" seems to speak with a voice of truth.

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