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O sweet spontaneous Poem by E. E. Cummings

O sweet spontaneous

earth how often have (1-2)

Mother Earth in its natural state

The poet considers the earth sweet and spontaneous. She's sweet because she doesn't hurt anyone. Earth is spontaneous because it is dynamic and natural. She goes on her way without stopping and slowing down. The poet may intend to say that those who live on earth should be sweet manner and spontaneous in their good deeds.


the
doting
 fingers of
prurient philosophers pinched
and
poked
thee (3-9)


War in the name of philosophy


The poet mentions that the emotional fingers of erotic philosophers pinch and poke mother earth. A philosopher is "an intellectual who has contributed to one or more branches of philosophy such as aesthetics, ethics, theology, logic, social theory, and political philosophy." Such has become selfish and infamous. They do not do what they say. Political leaders follow certain philosophies and live in the illusion that their philosophy is better than others. They fight against opponents to win over individuals or groups. People are divided into different sects of philosophy which results in war and destruction of lives, property, and the beauty of nature. They turn the motherland into a bombing site and drill holes to hide and attack. They smashed and pounded the ground ((jabbed and hurt)).

has the naughty thumb
of science prodded
thy
 beauty how (10-13)

Destruction of the purity and beauty of the earth.

  The naughty thumb (work) of science has scratched and damaged its pure beauty and pure purity in the name of progress.  A scientist is "someone who conducts scientific research to advance knowledge in a field of interest". Earth is the place for scientists to experiment. The establishment of factories, new plants, bomb blasting experiments, rocket experiments, etc. has destroyed the beauty of the earth and its surroundings. We are deprived of seeing the shining blue sky and the smiling moon, the twinkling stars, and the shining sun due to the pollution caused by factories, industries, planes, chimneys, etc.


often have religions taken
thee upon their scraggy knees
squeezing and
buffeting thee that thou mightest conceive
gods (14-18)


War in the name of religions

   Unfortunately, in the name of their religions, the religious leaders, in pursuit of their own selfish ends, repeatedly squeezed (pressed) and buffetting (pushed) her on their dirty and thin knees. They have forced the sons and daughters of Mother Earth to fight against each other, resulting in destruction, death, and bloodshed in her lap. Despite all the destructive nature of human beings, Mother Earth is so generous and so good that it can give birth to gods. Here "god" means "good son". Despite our notorious works, he is still optimistic and creative. 

(but
true
to the incomparable
couch of death thy
rhythmic
lover
 thou answerest
them only with
 spring) (19-27)

Spring

The earth gives spring to mankind which is its rhythm. The appointed spring is considered an unparalleled coach (seat) of death. It is an excellent set of death because death is reborn and from there one enjoys new life. Mother Earth is so creative and so powerful that it responds to human beings only from the spring which is the season of novelty, hope, creativity, fertility, peace, and beauty in spite of the evil and destructive deeds of mankind.


Content Source:

https://www.academia.edu/43947082/Analysis_of_E_E_Cummingss_Poem_O_sweet_spontaneous_from_an_Ecocritical_Perspective

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