Euclidian Poems

Euclid is credited as being one of the founders of geometry, having influenced and proved many theorems that have set the basis for what is commonly referred to as Euclidean Geometry! In Euclid's Elements, rigorous mathematical proofs are used to lay the foundation for geometry. 

The poem written by Edna St. Vincent Millay is particularly interesting in the sense that it seemed like an ode to Euclid, praising that he "alone has looked on Beauty bare". What's interesting is the capitalization the word Beauty, almost personifying it and giving the word meaning. I believe what the author is trying to say is that by working rigorously through mathematical proof, Euclid has seen beauty in an existential form and perceives the world differently than 'most people'. She is putting Euclid on a pedestal and saying he is an intellectual far beyond anyone else as he "alone" has seen Beauty. She then reiterates this at the end of the poem by saying "fortunate they who, though once only and then but far away, have heard her massive sandal set on stone" she is referring to people who have come close have only seen 'her' (referring to Beauty) 'massive sandal set on stone' once again personifying and giving life to the term; but also showing the distance between Euclid and others. While he has witnessed Beauty bare, others have only heard the sandal set on stone, and that is as close as they've gotten. I believe that this poem is made to make Euclid seem like an intellectual like no other; no one comes close to his levels of intellect, and it seems like no one ever will.

The second poem by David Kramer however seems more like a direct opposition to the ideals of the first poem. From the first line "Euclid alone has looked on Beauty bare?" the mere idea that Euclid is better than all is put into question immediately. I believe the poem is criticizing those who put Euclid on a pedestal in the lines "As you sang praise, Orpheus, of Eurydice, Your mouth became the orifice of your idiocy!". The story of Orpheus and Eurydice is a tragic one. To summarize: Orpheus lost his wife and visited the underworld to convince Hades to let her return; he said he would grant this wish, but Orpheus would have to walk back from the underworld and trust that Hades had let her follow behind him. Orpheus was thus instructed not to turn around and trust Hades that she will be following him. Orpheus almost made it to the end, but his anxiety got the best of him, thinking the Gods had tricked him, so he turned around only to see his wife Eurydice's shadow wisp away. I think the poem really targets on the turning around aspect and to continue looking forward. Yes, it is great to praise artists and scientists for their works, but to idolize and say they are the most intellectual people to ever exist is a disservice to other greats. "Has no one else of her seen hide or hair? Nor heard her massive sandal set on stone? Nor spoken with her on the telephone?" I believe this line is expressing that other people have come just as close to Euclid on seeing true Beauty and should be respected for that reason.