Poem Analysis - And We Shall Not Get Excited

Introduction: A Meditation on Transmission and Loss

Yehuda Amichai's "And We Shall Not Get Excited" is a contemplative poem that explores themes of translation, inheritance, and the inevitable loss inherent in the process of passing things on. The poem adopts a tone of restrained melancholy, urging a suppression of emotion in the face of these unavoidable realities. There is a somber recognition of what is lost in translation, both literally and metaphorically, as well as a resigned acceptance of the gaps and silences that remain. The mood remains consistent throughout, marked by a quiet sense of resignation.

The Burden of Translation: From Language to Legacy

The poem begins by directly addressing the act of translation, both linguistic and generational. The translator, like the father, is merely a "mediator," passing on something received, yet fundamentally altered in the process. The image of the father passing on "the features of his dead father's face" powerfully illustrates this idea. The current father is neither identical to his father nor his son, highlighting the inevitable distortion and dilution that occurs with each transmission. This applies to the translation of languages as well: words are passed "from one tongue / To others' lips," yet their original meaning may be subtly, or even drastically, altered. The imperative "And we shall not get excited" underscores the necessity of detachment in this process, lest personal emotion further corrupt the original message.

The Inevitability of Loss: Slips and Silences

Another central theme is the acknowledgment of loss and the things that slip away despite our best efforts to hold onto them. The lines "We shall remember the things we held in our hands / That slipped out" speak to the fragility of memory, relationships, and even tangible possessions. This fleeting nature is compounded by the line "What I have in my possessions and what I do not have in my possession," which raises questions about what we truly own and control. Furthermore, the poem considers the loss of voices and stories, as evidenced by "Calls and their callers drowned." The poem suggests that much is lost in the transmission of information and experience, and that these losses are an integral part of life. Silence, then, becomes "admission"—an acknowledgment of the gaps and absences that inevitably punctuate our narratives.

The Weight of Untold Stories: A Symbolic Interpretation

The image of the "few words" given by the beloved "before she left, / To bring up for her" stands out as a particularly poignant symbol. These words represent a burden of responsibility, a fragment of a relationship left behind, and the potential for further distortion or misunderstanding. They may represent the weight of unspoken emotions, the challenge of carrying another person's experiences, or the risk of interpreting them wrongly. The instruction "And no more shall we tell what we were told / To other tellers" further reinforces the idea of guarding the integrity of these fragmented memories. Is it better to protect those memories in silence, or to risk corrupting them by passing them on? It is ultimately left unanswered.

Conclusion: Resignation and Remembrance

In conclusion, "And We Shall Not Get Excited" is a powerful meditation on translation, inheritance, and the enduring reality of loss. Through its restrained tone, evocative imagery, and careful use of symbolism, Amichai creates a sense of quiet resignation in the face of these inevitable aspects of the human condition. The poem suggests that while we strive to pass on knowledge, love, and legacy, we must also acknowledge the distortions and absences that inevitably arise. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the importance of remembering what we have lost, even as we navigate the challenges of translation and transmission. The poem suggests a sort of melancholy hope: while much is lost, something still remains, even if it is only the echo of a voice or the faint impression of a face.