Touch and Go

“No, there is no one to help him

Let him get on with it

Cry the ancient enemies of man

As they cough and spit.

The enemies of man are like trees

They stand with the sun in their branches

Is there no one to help my creature?

Where he languishes?

Ah, the delicate creature

He lies with his head in the rubble

Pray that the moment pass

And the trouble.

Look he moves, that is more than a prayer,

But he is so slow

Will he come out of the mountains?

It is touch and go.”

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Poet’s Background

Born Florence Margaret Smith in Hull, Yorkshire in 1902, Stevie Smith moved with her family to
the North London suburbs when she was three, then lived in the same house the rest of her life.
She graduated from the North London Collegiate School and went on to work as a secretary.

She published several collections of short prose and letters as well as nearly a dozen volumes
of verse. Although the nursery-rhyme-like cadences of her poems and the whimsical drawings
with which she illustrated them suggest a child’s innocence, Stevie Smith was a sophisticated
poet, whose work was much concerned with suffering and mortality. Her macabre sense of
humor can shock, as in her most famous poem, “Not Waving But Drowning.”

Calling Smith’s Not Waving but Drowning “the best collection of new poems to appear in
1957,” Poetry contributor David Wright observed that “as one of the most original women poets
now writing. [Stevie Smith] seems to have missed most of the public accolades bestowed by
critics and anthologists. One reason may be that not only does she belong to no ‘school’—
whether real or invented as they usually are—but her work is so completely different from
anyone else’s that it is all but impossible to discuss her poems in relation to those of her
contemporaries.

” Smith’s “seemingly light verse,” wrote Linda Hallett in the Dictionary of Literary Biography,
contains a “sometimes disconcerting mixture of wit and seriousness …, making her at once one
of the most consistent and most elusive of poets.” Smith’s writings frequently demonstrated a
fascination with death and explored “the mysterious, rather sinister reality which lurks behind
appealing or innocent appearances,” wrote Hallett.

Smith was awarded the Cholmondeley Award for Poets in 1966 and the Queen’s Gold Medal for
Poetry in 1969. She died of a brain tumor in 1971.

Meanings of “Touch and Go”

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The phrase “touch and go” means a risky or precarious situation. It especially refers to a
delicate happening, or circumstance where the slightest change can bring
disastrous conclusions such as death.

Commentary

This is a poem about how mankind, represented by the "Man" of the poem, tries to free himself
from a wasteful, unfulfilling life, a life led in pursuit of money, and a life characterized by conflicts
and bigotry. Stevie Smith, of course, lived through both world wars and so would
understandably have become disillusioned with the plight of mankind. Stevie Smith herself
indicated that this was what the poem was about in one of her novels, The Holiday, which you
can read a little bit about in the article linked below.

This unfulfilling, wasteful life from which "Man" tries to escape is represented by the mountains
in the poem, perhaps because mountains symbolize the barriers mankind has, metaphorically,
built for itself.

The speaker in the poem has a sympathetic attitude toward "Man," almost as if the speaker is
God: "Is there no one to help my creature / Where he languishes?" The possessive pronoun
here ("my") implies that the speaker feels also a sense of responsibility toward "Man."

The last two stanzas suggest how difficult it will be for mankind to free itself from the old way of
living and move into another. The "Man" in the poem stumbles and falls and "lies with his head
in the rubble." And the speaker concludes with the question, "Will he come out of the
mountains?" and the answer, "It's touch and go." The phrase "touch and go" means that it is
uncertain and that the chances change from moment to moment. The poem finishes with this
uncertainty, but Smith's sympathetic portrayal of "Man" encourages us, as readers, to hope that
"Man" does indeed manage to free himself from the mountains and from a life which has made
him "bowed by sorrow and fret."

In these stanzas, the speaker narrates how man tries to liberate himself from the clutches of an
unfulfilling life. This unfulfilling life is compared with a mountain in the poem – a mountain that is
the barrier man himself created. Now, despite the hard struggle, he seems unable to cross the
limits he has set for himself. The poet also says that these limits are the man’s enemies that
never allow him to understand life’s purpose. He seems sympathetic toward the man who
cannot free himself from the old ways of living and get into another. He concludes this piece
with a sensitive question about man’s chance of coming out of this dilemma. However, the
answer to the issue shows that it is hard because it is uncertain for a man to bring change to
life. The phrase has been used in its literal sense.

This is a poem about how mankind, represented by the "Man" of the poem, tries to free himself
from a wasteful, unfulfilling life, a life led in pursuit of money, and a life characterized by conflicts
and bigotry. Stevie Smith, of course, lived through both world wars and so would understandably
have become disillusioned with the plight of mankind. Stevie Smith herself indicated that this
was what the poem was about in one of her novels, The Holiday, which you can read a little bit
about in the article linked below.

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This unfulfilling, wasteful life from which "Man" tries to escape is represented by the mountains
in the poem, perhaps because mountains symbolize the barriers mankind has, metaphorically,
built for itself.

The speaker in the poem has a sympathetic attitude toward "Man," almost as if the speaker is
God: "Is there no one to help my creature / Where he languishes?" The possessive pronoun
here ("my") implies that the speaker feels also a sense of responsibility toward "Man."

The last two stanzas suggest how difficult it will be for mankind to free itself from the old way of
living and move into another. The "Man" in the poem stumbles and falls and "lies with his head
in the rubble." And the speaker concludes with the question, "Will he come out of the
mountains?" and the answer, "It's touch and go." The phrase "touch and go" means that it is
uncertain and that the chances change from moment to moment. The poem finishes with this
uncertainty, but Smith's sympathetic portrayal of "Man" encourages us, as readers, to hope that
"Man" does indeed manage to free himself from the mountains and from a life which has made
him "bowed by sorrow and fret."

Explanation of Stanzas:

The poem you've provided is evocative and rich with imagery that can be interpreted in various
ways. Let's break it down.
Stanza 1:
"No, there is no one to help him
Let him get on with it
Cry the ancient enemies of man
As they cough and spit."

Here, the speaker sets the tone of the poem, suggesting a sense of abandonment or neglect.
There's a feeling of resignation as the "ancient enemies of man" appear indifferent to the plight
of someone in need. The imagery of coughing and spitting evokes a sense of disdain or
contempt.

Stanza 2:
"The enemies of man are like trees
They stand with the sun in their branches
Is there no one to help my creature?
Where he languishes?"

Comparing the enemies of man to trees suggests their rootedness, their unwavering stance in
the face of human suffering. The question posed about helping "my creature" implies a sense of
ownership or responsibility, perhaps from a higher power or a compassionate observer.

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Stanza 3:
"Ah, the delicate creature
He lies with his head in the rubble
Pray that the moment pass
And the trouble."

This stanza conveys a sense of vulnerability and fragility. The "delicate creature" is portrayed as
being amidst destruction ("head in the rubble"). The speaker expresses a hope that the moment
of distress will pass and that the trouble will be resolved.

Stanza 4:
"Look he moves, that is more than a prayer,
But he is so slow
Will he come out of the mountains?
It is touch and go."

The movement of the creature is seen as a sign of hope or progress, transcending mere
prayers. However, there's still a sense of doubt or uncertainty about whether the creature will
overcome the obstacles ("Will he come out of the mountains?"). The phrase "touch and go"
suggests a precarious situation, where success or failure hangs in the balance.

Interpretation:
Overall, the poem seems to depict a struggle or crisis faced by an individual (the "delicate
creature") in the face of indifference or opposition from others ("the ancient enemies of man").
Despite the challenges and the lack of assistance, there's a flicker of hope as the creature
shows signs of movement. The poem captures themes of vulnerability, resilience, and the
uncertainty of human existence. It leaves room for interpretation regarding the nature of the
creature's struggle and the identity of the "ancient enemies," inviting readers to reflect on
broader existential themes.

Let's delve into the imagery and sound devices employed in this poem:

Imagery:

Ancient Enemies of Man: These enemies are depicted as coughing and spitting, suggesting
their disdain and disregard for human suffering. The imagery evokes a sense of hostility and
indifference towards human plight. This imagery evokes a sense of timeless antagonism towards
humanity. The use of "ancient" suggests that these enemies have existed since time immemorial,
reinforcing the idea of an enduring struggle faced by humanity. The imagery of them coughing
and spitting adds a visceral and repulsive quality, depicting their contempt and disdain for human
suffering.

Trees with the Sun in their Branches: This imagery symbolizes the steadfast and unmoving
nature of these enemies, likening them to natural elements that are indifferent to human
suffering. Baxter employs a striking visual image here, likening the enemies of man to trees
basking in sunlight. This image suggests their rootedness and immovability, as well as their

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dominance over the natural world. The juxtaposition of the serene image of trees with the hostile
context implies a sense of irony and contradiction.

Head in the Rubble: This image suggests the helplessness and vulnerability of the human
creature, lying amidst destruction and despair. This image conveys a powerful sense of
desolation and despair. The creature's head buried in rubble symbolizes the overwhelming
weight of adversity and hardship. It evokes images of destruction and ruin, emphasizing the dire
circumstances faced by the protagonist.

Mountains: The mention of mountains implies a formidable obstacle or challenge that the
creature must overcome. It adds to the sense of struggle and difficulty faced by the protagonist.
Mountains are often used metaphorically to represent challenges or obstacles that seem
insurmountable. In this context, the mention of mountains highlights the daunting nature of the
creature's struggle. It suggests a formidable barrier that must be overcome, adding to the sense
of tension and uncertainty in the poem.

Cough and Spit: The imagery of the enemies of man coughing and spitting is not only visceral
but also symbolic. It suggests a sense of disgust and contempt directed towards humanity. The
act of coughing and spitting can be seen as a rejection or expulsion, highlighting the hostility and
indifference of these enemies towards the plight of the creature.

Sun in their Branches: The image of trees with the sun in their branches carries multiple layers
of meaning. On one level, it evokes a sense of natural beauty and tranquility, contrasting sharply
with the chaos and suffering experienced by the creature. However, it also symbolizes the
indifference of nature to human suffering. The sun continues to shine, oblivious to the struggles
of the individual, emphasizing the insignificance of human existence in the grand scheme of
things.

Delicate Creature: The description of the creature as delicate emphasizes its vulnerability and
fragility. This image invites empathy from the reader, evoking a sense of sympathy for the
creature's plight. It also serves to heighten the contrast between the harshness of its
surroundings and its own delicate nature, highlighting the injustice and cruelty of its predicament.

Movement in the Rubble: The imagery of the creature moving amidst the rubble is fraught with
significance. It suggests a glimmer of hope amidst despair, as the creature demonstrates
resilience and determination in the face of adversity. However, the slow and laborious movement
also underscores the difficulty of its journey, emphasizing the arduousness of the struggle it
faces.

Metaphor: "The enemies of man are like trees" compares the adversaries to an unyielding and
powerful force.

Personification: The sun is depicted as having "branches," implying a sense of dominance.

Rhetorical Question: "Is there no one to help my creature?" emphasizes the urgency of the
situation.

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Visual: The poem paints a picture of a struggling "creature" amidst destruction. Words like
"rubble," "mountains," and "sun in their branches" create a desolate scene.

Tactile: "Head in the rubble" evokes a sense of physical hardship.

Sound Devices:

Repetition: The repeated refrain of "No, there is no one to help him" emphasizes the lack of
assistance and serves as a powerful rhetorical device, emphasizing the creature's isolation and
abandonment. The insistent repetition creates a sense of bleakness and despair, underscoring
the futility of seeking assistance in a hostile world.

Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, such as in "creature," "languishes," and "trouble,"
adds a lyrical quality to the poem. It creates a sense of harmony and cohesion within the text,
enhancing its emotional resonance. The use of assonance also contributes to the overall tone of
melancholy and introspection, reinforcing the poem's themes of struggle and despair. The long
"a" sound in "man," "stand," "branches," and "languishes" creates a feeling of vastness and
isolation.

Onomatopoeia: While not explicitly used in the poem, the imagery of coughing and spitting
evokes a sense of onomatopoeia, where the sound of the words ("cough" and "spit") mimics the
action itself. This adds a visceral quality to the poem, immersing the reader in the harsh reality
of the creature's surroundings.

Rhyme: Though the poem is not structured with a consistent rhyme scheme, occasional
rhyming couplets can be found ("rubble" and "trouble"). These instances of rhyme contribute to
the musicality of the poem, enhancing its lyrical quality and reinforcing key ideas or themes.

Consonance: Harsh sounds like "cr," "t," and "sp" in lines 2 and 3 ("cry," "ancient," "enemies")
convey a sense of hostility.

This poem is a brief yet poignant exploration of human struggle and the indifference or
helplessness often encountered in facing challenges. Through the use of vivid imagery and
sound devices, the poet presents a scene where the "ancient enemies of man" observe a
solitary figure in distress, seemingly incapable of offering assistance.

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The poem is a poignant exploration of human suffering and the indifference of the world
to it. Let's break it down stanza by stanza:

1. "No, there is no one to help him Let him get on with it Cry the ancient enemies of man As
they cough and spit."

In these lines, the speaker introduces the idea that there is no one to aid the suffering individual.
The phrase "ancient enemies of man" could symbolize various forces or entities that oppose
humanity, such as nature's indifference, societal structures, or even existential threats. The
imagery of coughing and spitting adds a sense of disdain or disregard for the plight of the
individual.

2. "The enemies of man are like trees They stand with the sun in their branches Is there no one
to help my creature? Where he languishes?"

Here, the poem compares the enemies of humanity to trees, which are often seen as symbols
of strength, stability, and longevity. The juxtaposition of these powerful entities with the helpless
"creature" emphasizes the individual's vulnerability and isolation. The speaker questions
whether anyone will come to aid this suffering individual.

3. "Ah, the delicate creature He lies with his head in the rubble Pray that the moment pass And
the trouble."

This stanza highlights the fragility of the suffering individual, referred to as a "delicate creature."
The imagery of lying with the head in the rubble suggests a sense of defeat or despair. The
speaker expresses a hope that the current moment of suffering will pass, indicating a desire for
relief from the trouble.

4. "Look he moves, that is more than a prayer, But he is so slow Will he come out of the
mountains? It is touch and go."

In these final lines, there's a glimmer of hope as the suffering individual shows signs of
movement, suggesting resilience or determination. However, the speaker acknowledges the
slow progress and uncertainty of the individual's fate. The metaphorical reference to "coming
out of the mountains" implies overcoming obstacles or challenges, but the outcome remains
uncertain ("it is touch and go").

Overall, the poem captures the theme of human suffering, the indifference of the world to it, and
the struggle for survival and resilience in the face of adversity. The imagery and metaphors
used evoke a sense of isolation, vulnerability, and the precariousness of human existence.

Theme:

The poem explores the concept of abandonment and struggle in the face of adversity.

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Structure:

 The poem is divided into three stanzas with varying lengths, reflecting the speaker's shifting
emotions.
 The short first stanza emphasizes the harsh reality of the situation.
 The second stanza introduces a contrasting image of the "enemies" and their seemingly
privileged position.
 The final stanza focuses on the creature's struggle and a glimmer of hope.

Additional Notes:

 The poem doesn't explicitly identify the "creature" or the nature of its struggle. This ambiguity
allows for broader interpretation, potentially reflecting a personal struggle, a societal issue,
or a more metaphorical representation of human vulnerability.
 The final line, "It is touch and go," leaves the outcome uncertain, highlighting the precarious
situation and the delicate nature of survival.

"Touch and Go" by Stevie Smith deals with themes of mortality, uncertainty, and the
fleeting nature of life. Other poems that explore similar themes include:

"Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night" by Dylan Thomas - This poem emphasizes the
importance of fighting against death and the inevitability of mortality.

"Because I Could Not Stop for Death" by Emily Dickinson - Dickinson personifies death as a
gentle carriage driver, leading the speaker on a journey towards eternity, highlighting death's
inevitability and its peaceful acceptance.