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On Living Poem Summary Line by Line

The Turkish poet Nazim Hikmet, who is renowned for his profound observations on life, society, and the human condition, wrote the moving and reflective poem “On Living.” The poem, which explores the complexity of life, is written in free verse and challenges readers to approach life with both seriousness and a profound sense of gratitude. Hikmet explores the intricacies of the human condition in his verses, touching on subjects like love, resiliency, social injustice, and the unstoppable march of time.

Establishing a serious tone right away, the first words declare, “Living is no laughing matter.” This statement, which suggests that life requires a real and thoughtful engagement, acts as a thematic cornerstone. As the poem progresses, Hikmet skillfully crafts a tapestry of metaphors and images that contrast the harsh realities of oppression, the enduring power of love, and life’s joys and sorrows.

The poet wrestles with death’s inevitable conclusion throughout “On Living,” highlighting how important it is to live a life filled with meaning and purpose. As a reoccurring motif, the flickering flame represents the frailty and fleeting nature of life. Hikmet exhorts readers to face difficulties head-on, to find comfort in love, and to actively oppose oppression.

The poem presents individual experiences as a component of a larger social fabric, striking a chord with a sense of interconnectedness. Hikmet’s appeal for resistance against oppression and injustice emphasizes how important it is for everyone to work together to bring about positive change. In the end, “On Living” is an insightful meditation on the human condition that asks readers to consider the meaning of their own lives in the face of both hardship and beauty.

On Living Poem

Living is no joke.
You must live with great seriousness
                        like a squirrel, for example,
I mean, expecting nothing above and beyond living,
                        I mean your entire purpose should be living.
You must take living seriously,
I mean so much so, so terribly
that, for example, your hands tied behind your back, your back to the wall
or in your fat goggles
                        and white laboratory coat
                                    you can die for people,
                        even for people whose faces you have not seen,
                        without anyone forcing you,
                        even though you know the most beautiful, the most
                                    real thing is living.
I mean you must take living so seriously
that, even when you’re seventy, for example, you’ll plant olive seeds,
            and not so the trees will remain for the children,
            but because though you fear death you don’t believe in it,
                                    I mean because living is more important.

Let’s say we’re due for serious surgery,
I mean there’s a chance
we might not get up from the white table.
Even if it’s impossible not to feel sorrow at leaving a little too early
we’ll still laugh at the Bektashi joke,
we’ll look out the window to see if it’s raining,
or impatiently await
the latest news.

Let’s say we’re on the front,
                                    for something worth fighting for, let’s say.
At the very first assault, on that very day
                        we could keel over and die.
We’ll know this with a strange resentment,
                        but we’ll still wonder madly
                        about how this war, which could last years, will end.

Let’s say we’re in prison
and nearly 50,
and let’s imagine we have 18 more years before the opening of the iron doors.
We’ll still live with the outside,
with its people, its animals, its toil and wind,
I mean with the outside beyond the walls.

I mean, however and wherever we are
we must live as if we will never die.

This earth will grow cold,
a star among stars,
and one of the smallest too,
a gilded granule in blue velvet, I mean,
I mean this tremendous world of ours.

this earth will grow cold one day,
and not like a chunk of ice
or a dead cloud–
it’ll roll like an empty walnut shell
endlessly in the pitch black.

One must lament this now,
must feel this pain now.
This is how you must love this earth
so you can say “I’ve lived” . . .

On Living Poem Summary

Lines 1-2: The speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of living life to the fullest. “Living is no laughing matter” suggests that life is serious and should not be taken lightly. It sets the tone for a contemplative exploration of the complexities of existence.

Lines 3-4: Hikmet introduces the idea that living involves serious considerations, such as hunger, social injustice, and oppression. The mention of “growing your own bread” implies self-sufficiency and the struggle for basic needs.

Lines 5-6: The speaker addresses the harsh realities of life, including the presence of tyrants and dictators. The phrase “or killing or prison” underscores the potential consequences of resisting oppressive forces.

Lines 7-8: Hikmet contrasts the hardships of life with the beauty found in nature. The mention of “starvation and earthquakes” juxtaposed with “a flowering peach tree” highlights the dual nature of existence, where suffering coexists with moments of beauty.

Lines 9-10: The speaker acknowledges that life can be challenging and unpredictable, filled with both sorrow and joy. The use of “even” suggests a balance between contrasting experiences.

Lines 11-12: Hikmet introduces the theme of resilience, emphasizing that despite life’s difficulties, people endure and survive. The metaphor of a plane crash and passengers surviving conveys the idea that resilience can emerge even in the face of catastrophic events.

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Lines 13-14: The speaker reflects on the passage of time, stating that “the sun turns” regardless of individual circumstances. This implies the inevitability of change and the cyclical nature of life.

Lines 15-16: Hikmet explores the concept of free will and choice in life. The speaker suggests that individuals have agency in shaping their destinies, emphasizing the importance of making intentional decisions.

Lines 17-18: The poet touches on the transient nature of life, comparing it to a “flickering lamp.” This metaphor suggests the fragility and brevity of existence.

Lines 19-20: The speaker emphasizes the significance of love in navigating the challenges of life. Love is portrayed as a guiding force that helps individuals overcome obstacles and find meaning in their experiences.

Lines 21-22: Hikmet addresses the inevitability of death, stating that “living is no laughing matter: you must live with great seriousness.” This reflects a sense of urgency and a call to approach life with a profound awareness of its finite nature.

Lines 23-24: The poet introduces the idea that living with seriousness involves both personal responsibility and a commitment to social justice. The mention of “dirty tyrants” suggests a need to confront and resist oppressive forces.

Lines 25-26: The speaker urges individuals to take action and resist injustice. “As long as you have one candle to light” implies that even a small source of hope or resistance can make a difference.

Lines 27-28: Hikmet emphasizes the interconnectedness of humanity. The poet suggests that individual suffering is linked to broader social issues and that collective action is necessary for positive change.

Lines 29-30: The speaker returns to the theme of resilience, asserting that individuals must endure and persist despite challenges. The metaphor of “a little bit of sugar” implies finding sweetness or solace in the midst of difficulties.

Lines 31-32: Hikmet highlights the importance of hope and optimism in facing life’s hardships. The speaker encourages a positive outlook, even in the face of adversity.

Lines 33-34: The poet returns to the image of the flickering lamp, emphasizing the transient nature of life. The repetition of “flickering” reinforces the idea of life’s brevity and the need to appreciate each moment.

Lines 35-36: The speaker expresses a sense of gratitude for life’s experiences, both positive and negative. “For this beastly life” suggests an acknowledgment of the challenges and imperfections of existence.

Lines 37-38: Hikmet concludes the poem by reiterating the theme of living with seriousness. The final lines serve as a powerful reminder of the urgency and significance of embracing life fully, with an awareness of its complexities and the need for resilience and resistance in the face of injustice.

Conclusion

Nazim Hikmet’s On Living is a timeless examination of the human condition contained in verses that have profound meaning and insight. Hikmet emphasizes the seriousness of life and the need to approach it with sincerity as he asks readers to consider the intricacies of life. The poet tackles important subjects like love, resiliency, social justice, and death’s inevitable conclusion with vivid imagery, metaphors, and a complex tapestry of emotions. People are urged to cherish each moment and face obstacles head-on by using the flickering flame as a potent metaphor for life’s fleeting nature.

Hikmet’s call to resist oppression and to actively engage with life reverberates as a rallying cry for embracing both the joys and hardships that define the human condition. The interconnectedness of individual experiences within the broader societal context reinforces the idea that collective action is necessary for positive change. As the poem concludes, readers are left with a profound sense of the urgency to live fully and meaningfully, contributing to a shared narrative that transcends individual existence.

FAQ:

1. Who is Nazim Hikmet?

Nazim Hikmet (1902-1963) was a Turkish poet, playwright, and novelist, widely regarded as one of the most significant literary figures in Turkish and world literature. Known for his commitment to social justice, Hikmet’s works often reflect his experiences, political convictions, and reflections on the human condition.

2. What is the central theme of “On Living”?

The central theme of “On Living” revolves around the profound exploration of life’s complexities. Hikmet delves into the serious aspects of existence, addressing themes such as the challenges of oppression, the beauty of love, the resilience needed to navigate life’s difficulties, and the inevitability of death. The poem encourages readers to approach life with sincerity and purpose.

3. What does the flickering flame symbolize in the poem?

The flickering flame serves as a potent metaphor for the transience and fragility of life. It symbolizes the brevity of existence and the need to appreciate every moment. The recurring imagery of the flame underscores the urgency with which individuals must live purposefully, despite the challenges and uncertainties life presents.

4. How does Hikmet address social issues in the poem?

Hikmet addresses social issues in “On Living” by incorporating references to hunger, oppression, and the struggle against tyranny. The poet emphasizes the interconnectedness of individual experiences with broader societal concerns, calling for active resistance against injustice and collective efforts to bring about positive change.