Damn Everything but the Circus by e.e. cummings

Tags: Poetry
Email this Topic • Print this Page

Read Discussion
Reply to All

Dear Experts, I have been trying to find a copy of this poem on the internet, but have been unsuccessful. I've even tried the local library, and browsed three different collections of cummings' poetry. If anyone can give me a link to the poem, or a copy of the poem, or even where to find the poem in a book, I would be forever grateful.
Thank you, Steve Wimer

Topic Stats
Top Replies
Link/Embed

Type: Discussion • Score: 1 • Views: 3,170 • Replies: 3

Damn everything but the circus!

...damn everything that is grim, dull,
motionless, unrisking, inward turning,
damn everything that won't get into the
circle, that won't enjoy, that won't throw
its heart into the tension, surprise, fear
and delight of the circus, the round
world, the full existence...

e.e. cummings

link

0 Replies

@stevewimer,

It is not a poem but a part of a series of lectures titles "i Six Nonlectures" Comprising a series of lectures Cummmings gave back in the 30's. The one called "i & now & him" nonlecture #5 bgins a short play with the words "Damn everything but the circus."

Al Bartucci abartucci@aol.com

0 Replies

@stevewimer,

Here's what I found:

Quote:

Damn everything but the circus!

...damn everything that is grim, dull,
motionless, unrisking, inward turning,
damn everything that won't get into the
circle, that won't enjoy, that won't throw
its heart into the tension, surprise, fear
and delight of the circus, the round
world, the full existence...

http://everything2.com/node/1126101

Not sure if it is accurate!!!

Ha! And another source:

Quote:

Damn everything but the circus!
. . . damn everything that is grim, dull,
motionless, unrisking, inward turning,
damn everything that won't get into the
circle, that won't enjoy, that won't throw
its heart into the tension, surprise, fear
and delight of the circus, the round
world, the full existence . . .

Sounding more accurate:

http://collisionwork.livejournal.com/125149.html

0 Replies

Read Discussion
Reply to All

Damn Everything but the Circus by e.e. cummings

Related Topics