E. E. Cummings

Will You Teach

Will You Teach - meaning Summary

Begging for Human Connection

The poem is a compact plea about how people ask others to explain or legitimize love and desire. The speaker begs someone to teach a "wretch" to live properly, then directs repeated, insistent questions at two figures—one fragile and self-conscious, the other simple and joyous—who respond in small, intimate images. It contrasts awkwardness and innocence, portraying vulnerability and the human need for reassurance in emotional encounters.

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(will you teach a wretch to live straighter than a needle) ask her ask when (ask and ask and ask again and)ask a brittle little person fiddling in the rain (did you kiss a girl with nipples like pink thimbles) ask him ask who (ask and ask and ask ago and)ask a simple crazy thing singing in the snow

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