Stanzas in Meditation: Stanza LXXXIII By Gertrude Stein

Stanzas in Meditation: Stanza LXXXIII By Gertrude Stein
Why am I if I am uncertain reasons may inclose.
Remain remain propose repose chose.
I call carelessly that the door is open
Which if they may refuse to open
No one can rush to close.
Let them be mine therefor.
Everybody knows that I chose.
Therefor if therefore before I close.
I will therefore offer therefore I offer this.
Which if I refuse to miss may be miss is mine.
I will be well welcome when I come.
Because I am coming.
Certainly I come having come.
These stanzas are done.


Gertrude Stein, Stanza LXXXIII from Stanzas in Meditation and Other Poems (Los
Angeles: Sun and Moon Press, 1994). Copyright © 1956 by Alice B. Toklas. Copyright
© 1980 by Calman A. Levin, Executor of the Estate of Gertrude Stein. Reprinted with the
permission of the Estate of Gertrude Stein.

Source: Stanzas in Meditation and Other Poems (Sun & Moon Press, 1994)

I like the poem because of the poet Gertrude Stein. In the following poem, she uses certain words repetitively. The words close, chose, come, and open are used twice. Some of the things she says do not seem to make sense. There are several questions that I have regarding the poem. For example, what does the poet mean with the title, “Stanzas in Meditation: Stanza LXXXIII. The poet continues to say open, close, open, close. I get a negative feeling when I read this. The words of I must do something to get this.