Before beginning my research into Leonard Cohen, i had some sort of idea that he was a well known artist, known hugely for his single "Hallelujah", which has been remade by some of my favourite artists and in some of my favourite TV shows/movies. First of all, I had no idea he was Canadian, and second of all, I had no idea that he had made such a huge impact on Canadian music to this day. To think that he has been writing and performing for over 55 years and still continues to do so to this day , is so impressive and i am amazed that he continues to find words and feelings that are so deep, meaningful and easy to connect with.
Although i have had a much different life than Cohen, in my background, bringing up, and era, he is still discussing things in his poetry and music that are important to me. Love, relationships, politics, sex, isolationism. This all applies to the young life I live today.
Now specifically in relation to the two specific works... At first i was unsure about both poems, as i didnt know the full meaning behind them. "Suzanne" is so personal that i think i would struggle to not like it, as it is something that obviously means so much to him as a poet. The other poem "You have the Lovers", is something entirely different, and different from most things ive ever read. I personally loved it, especially when i heard it being recited by Leonard Cohen himself. I could almost picture the characters in the poem, although the speaker was in fact the man in the account, at least thats how i took it, and there was so much deep, emotional love portrayed through the softness of the touch and sensuality of the characters.
Just studying this one author has dramatically increased my respect and interest in Canadian Literature as a whole.
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