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Rate this poem:4.0 / 82 votes

Ezra Pound 1885 (Hailey) – 1972 (Venice)

Free Verse
When I carefully consider the curious habits of dogs
I am compelled to conclude
That man is the superior animal.

When I consider the curious habits of man
I confess, my friend, I am puzzled.

About this poem

"Meditatio" by Ezra Pound is a concise poem that humorously contrasts the behaviors of dogs and humans, concluding that man is the superior animal. The poem reflects Pound's engagement with classical literature and his imagist principles, emphasizing precision and clarity. The use of Latin adds a classical touch, while the ironic tone invites readers to question human superiority. Pound's ability to convey complex ideas succinctly is evident in this work.

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Written on 1952

Modified by acronimous on August 07, 2024

11 sec read
340,483 Views

Ezra Pound

Ezra Weston Loomis Pound was an American expatriate poet and critic of the early modernist movement. more…

All Ezra Pound poems | Ezra Pound Books

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Discuss the poem Meditatio with the community...

33 Comments
  • karlcfolkes
    karlcfolkes
    Herewith the end of it all: Is a man’s thick skin after all much better than a dog’s rough bark?
    LikeReply13 days ago
  • mayukhsarkar2022
    mayukhsarkar2022
    What a great literary piece
    LikeReply 116 days ago
  • Pruett1023
    Pruett1023
    Awesome! I enjoyed reading your post. Keep up the good work.
    LikeReply24 days ago
  • kazbrekker
    kazbrekker
    Unexpected but preety cool
    LikeReply25 days ago
  • Shocam
    Shocam
    Wow. Less words, big meaning
    LikeReply 126 days ago
  • Ayamdapo
    Ayamdapo
    Beautiful
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • alvinl.62833
    alvinl.62833
    This poem tries to explore human nature with an insight, written in simple English but in profundity. Piquant!
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • ezrayoungboy
    ezrayoungboy
    I loved reading about the historical context of Ezra Pound, an interesting story regarding uplifting other poets and elevating them.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • beg_d
    beg_d
    The poem was short, yet interesting...
    Pointed out that man was the superior animal, but his actions and ways of living proved otherwise....
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • qanitaamer5
    qanitaamer5
    Wow
    LikeReply1 month ago
  • Emile
    Emile
    Puzzled indeed.
    LikeReply 11 month ago
  • devparth9784
    devparth9784
    great
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • aliciam.47728
    aliciam.47728
    Nice!
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • Dianejean57
    Dianejean57
    Beautiful.
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • MaliMis1986
    MaliMis1986
    All I can say is you have incredible writing skills... Keep up the amazing work!
    LikeReply2 months ago
  • LatinX
    LatinX
    Great poem!
    LikeReply4 months ago
  • stephenson_p
    stephenson_p
    I totally resonate with your feelings. I must admit that man indeed is a very complex being. Sometimes I wonder how we manage to keep it all together even while spinning in a million rings of complexity. But then, this is the life we were given. None of us choose it so yes! Like you, I am puzzled as well. 
    LikeReply4 months ago
  • vandhana_k
    vandhana_k
    Good feel.
    LikeReply4 months ago
  • Davismatt926
    Davismatt926
    Beautiful
    LikeReply4 months ago
  • daddymagic
    daddymagic
    Drivel is what that is. Sorry but there is an easier way to say humans confuse me but they're better than dogs. Why should anyone care. sorry just an opinion
    LikeReply 25 months ago
  • alanswansea18
    alanswansea18
    I love it good job.
    LikeReply5 months ago
  • stevekritselis_1
    stevekritselis_1
    You know what I am just gonna say it. I think tha
    LikeReply 15 months ago
    • stevekritselis_1
      stevekritselis_1
      it didn't let me finish. I think that poem is just stupid. Sorry. This guy is a great poet???
      LikeReply 15 months ago
  • stevekritselis_1
    stevekritselis_1
    Ok I'm dumbfounded. How is that a poem? It seems that I have no idea how to make a poem
    LikeReply5 months ago
  • pkmason1954
    pkmason1954
    Trite.
    LikeReply5 months ago
  • Dianejean57
    Dianejean57
    You got that right.
    LikeReply7 months ago
  • keith_k
    keith_k
    To read this poem in reverse is to discover a confession from a puzzled man who considers the habiting making man the supreme animal compelling this conclusion when considering the habits of any a dog (or other animal), which suggests man always already inherently comes to inhabit this attitude. 
    LikeReply 18 months ago
  • ravi_panamanna
    ravi_panamanna
    Pound is generally coined as Poet, Lover, and Lunatic. However, this poem is a fine observation of man. A man displays a curious and diverse nature, often unpredictable. The human mind is like a drunken monkey which is already a lunatic, bitten by a snake and a scorpion! Just think of the state. 
    LikeReply 29 months ago
  • keith_k
    keith_k
    Interestingly, Pound does not "carefully" consider the habits of men, which, on the one hand is the reason he becomes puzzled, and, on the other hand, he tends to arrogantly make this consideration without any regard. 
    LikeReply9 months ago
  • konpreah
    konpreah
    The idea being human intelligence is no match for canine fidelity. At least, where such qualities can be observed in the animal, these should serve as a simile for what so much of humanity lacks.
    LikeReply 210 months ago
  • vandhana_k
    vandhana_k
    See the thunder light.
    LikeReply1 year ago
  • jerrywlawrence2666
    jerrywlawrence2666
    lol Consider All My Meditations Happily Enhanced By Such A Stellar Piece.
    LikeReply 21 year ago
  • luisestable1
    luisestable1
    What a contract is seen in this. When I see dogs... But when I see man...
    This is a good poem of which much can be said. The language is simple but speaks much.
    LikeReply 21 year ago
  • VandhukK33
    VandhukK33
    My dear Ezar pound.
    LikeReply 11 year ago

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