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when serpents bargain for the right to squirm and the sun…

“when serpents bargain for the right to squirm and the sun strikes to gain a living wage - when thorns regard their roses with alarm and rainbows are insured against old age when every thrush may sing no new moon in if all screech-owls have not okayed his voice - and any wave signs on the dotted…” quote by E. E. Cummings
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““when serpents bargain for the right to squirm and the sun strikes to gain a living wage - when thorns regard their roses with alarm and rainbows are insured against old age when every thrush may sing no new moon in if all screech-owls have not okayed his voice - and any wave signs on the dotted line or else an ocean is compelled to close when the oak begs permission of the birch to make an acorn - valleys accuse their mountains of having altitude - and march denounces april as a saboteur then we’ll believe in that incredible unanimal mankind (and not until)””

E. E. Cummings

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The poem juxtaposes chaotic natural images to critique human constructs and celebrate wild, unfiltered existence.

In simple terms: Chaotic nature versus human order.

Key Takeaway

Embrace natural chaos over rigid systems.

Themes

nature chaos humanity creativity rebellion

Mood

thoughtful enigmatic

Type

poetry philosophical

When to use this quote

  • artistic creation
  • environmental activism
  • personal growth

Key Concepts

surrealism environmentalism existentialism

Questions to Reflect On

  • What does the oak asking permission symbolize?
  • How does chaos inspire creativity?
A Different Perspective

Complex imagery may obscure clear meaning.

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