Poetry: Touch and Go Stevie Smith

 Touch and Go By Stevie Smith 

Stevie Smith was an English poet and novelist known for combining simple language, unusual imagery, humour and serious reflections on human life. Her poetry often explores human vulnerability, suffering, uncertainty and the difficulties people face.

The poem Touch and Go presents a symbolic struggle in which a man tries to emerge from the mountains but is hindered by his tail. The man can be interpreted as representing humanity struggling to move beyond primitive instincts and towards progress. 

Summary of the poem

The poem describes a man attempting to come out of the mountains. However, his tail is caught, making his progress difficult. The speaker observes his struggle with sympathy and concern, while other figures appear unwilling to help him.

Despite his difficulties, the man eventually begins to move. The speaker remains uncertain about whether he will succeed.

The poem explores the challenges of human progress, the struggle to overcome limitations, suffering, uncertainty and the possibility of hope. 

Man is coming out of the mountains

But his tail is caught in the pass.

Why does he not free himself

Is he not an ass?

Do not be impatient with him

He is bowed with passion and fret

He is not out of the mountains

He is not half out yet.

Look at his sorrowful eyes

His torn cheeks, his brow

He lies with his head in the dust.

Is there no one to help him now?

No, there is no one to help him

Let him get on with it

Cry the ancient enemies of man

As they cough and spit.

The enemies of man are like trees

They stand with the sun in the branches

Is there no one to help my creature

Where he languishes?

Ah, the delicate creature

He lies with his head in the rubble

Pray that the moment pass

And the trouble.

Look, he moves, that is more than a prayer,

But he is so slow

Will he come out of the mountains?

It is touch and go.