Poem Analysis - A Pity We Were Such A Good Invention

Introduction: A Lament for Lost Union

Yehuda Amichai's "A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is a poignant elegy for a dissolved relationship. The poem's tone is one of regret and resignation, tinged with a bitter understanding of the forces that led to the separation. It begins with an image of brutal severing and progresses to a lament for what was once a beautiful, functional whole, suggesting the speaker's profound sense of loss and the inherent tragedy of the relationship's demise. The poem's brief, fragmented lines mirror the brokenness it describes, emphasizing the irreparable damage done.

Contextual Underpinnings: The Fragility of Connection

While the poem stands effectively on its own, understanding Yehuda Amichai's background as an Israeli poet who often explored themes of war, displacement, and the complexities of human relationships adds depth to the reading. His work frequently blends the personal and the political, suggesting that even intimate connections are vulnerable to larger, external forces. This lens invites us to consider the "they" in the poem not merely as individuals but as societal pressures or systemic issues that contribute to the breakdown of relationships.

Dissection and Deconstruction: The Theme of Loss

One of the poem's central themes is the profound loss experienced when a close relationship ends. This is immediately apparent in the violent imagery of "amputated / Your thighs off my hips." This stark metaphor suggests a forced separation, ripping apart a once-intimate bond. The subsequent description of being "dismantle[d] / Each from the other" reinforces this idea of a gradual, yet ultimately destructive, process of separation. The repetition of "As far as I'm concerned" emphasizes the speaker's subjective experience of this loss, highlighting their personal devastation and powerlessness in the face of the separation.

The Engineers of Division: External Forces and Societal Pressures

The poem also explores the theme of external interference in intimate relationships. The repeated accusation that "They are all surgeons. All of them," and "They are all engineers. All of them," points to an external force actively working to sever and dismantle the couple. This "they" could represent family pressures, societal expectations, or even internal insecurities projected outwards. The use of "surgeons" suggests a painful, invasive intervention, while "engineers" implies a calculated, systematic dismantling. This theme raises questions about the extent to which relationships are shaped by forces beyond the individuals involved.

A Broken Wing: The Loss of Shared Identity

The final theme is the dissolution of a shared identity. The metaphor of the couple as "an aeroplane made from a man and wife" is central to understanding this theme. This image suggests that the couple, when together, were capable of achieving great things, symbolized by their ability to "hover a little above the earth" and even "fly a little." The loss of this shared identity is particularly poignant because it highlights the potential that has been extinguished. The image of the broken aeroplane serves as a powerful symbol of what was once a functioning, harmonious whole now reduced to fragmented parts.

Symbolism of Flight: A Metaphor for Love and Potential

The central image of the "aeroplane" is loaded with symbolism. Flight often represents freedom, aspiration, and transcendence. In this context, it symbolizes the potential for love to elevate and transform individuals. The fact that the "aeroplane" was "made from a man and wife" emphasizes the collaborative nature of a successful relationship. The lines "We hovered a little above the earth" and "We even flew a little" suggest a degree of success and happiness, however fleeting. The ultimate failure of the "aeroplane" to sustain flight represents the broken promise of the relationship and the lost potential for shared growth and happiness.

Conclusion: A Lasting Echo of What Could Have Been

"A Pity, We Were Such A Good Invention" is a moving lament for a relationship torn apart. Through vivid imagery and powerful metaphors, Amichai explores the themes of loss, external interference, and the dissolution of a shared identity. The poem's brevity and fragmented structure mirror the brokenness it describes, leaving the reader with a lasting sense of regret and a poignant understanding of the fragility of human connection. Ultimately, the poem serves as a reminder of the potential for beauty and flight within relationships, and the deep sorrow that accompanies their demise.