Komrij's patentwekker
Encyclopedia
Komrij's Patentwekker is a "deliciously filthy" book of poetry
by Dutch
author Gerrit Komrij
, first published in 1974. The book contains four poems which outline a fictional invention—an alarm clock that consists of a burning candle inserted in the sleeper's anus
, containing markings for each hour to be spent sleeping. The deeper the candle is inserted, the earlier the sleeper rises; the inventor acquires a patent on his idea. The four poems are formalist
, like the rest of Komrij's poetry. They have three quatrains each, rhyming
a b a b in pentametric
lines.
The poems are inspired by a suggestion in Non Olet by Collofino
(ps. of Josef Feinhals, 1867–1947). They were first published (apparently without the author's permission) in a series called Amsterdamse Cahiers by Amsterdam printer and publisher C.J. Aarts, supposedly on the occasion of the 1974 edition of Poetry International
, an annual Dutch poetry festival. He later republished the poems (with the author's permission) in 1982. They were included in Komrij's anthology Alle gedichten tot gisteren ("All the poems until yesterday"). In 2007, the poems were again republished separately, with 12 black and white illustration
s by Dick Matena
.
Komrij's patentwekker is an audience favorite; in 1996, 22 years after its first publication, Komrij's reading of it in Tilburg
in 1996 had the audience of the annual Night of the Book festival in stitches. The poem fits in a tradition of scatological and rectal poems, many of which were collected by Komrij in his Komrij's Cacaphonia: An Encyclopedia of Shit (2006). The poem is often associated with Komrij, and it is one of the most popular "light" Dutch poems.
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
by Dutch
Dutch people
The Dutch people are an ethnic group native to the Netherlands. They share a common culture and speak the Dutch language. Dutch people and their descendants are found in migrant communities worldwide, notably in Suriname, Chile, Brazil, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and the United...
author Gerrit Komrij
Gerrit Komrij
Gerrit Jan Komrij is a Dutch poet, novelist, translator, critic, polemic journalist and playwright. From 2000 to 2004 he was the Dutch Dichter des Vaderlands .-Biography:...
, first published in 1974. The book contains four poems which outline a fictional invention—an alarm clock that consists of a burning candle inserted in the sleeper's anus
Anus
The anus is an opening at the opposite end of an animal's digestive tract from the mouth. Its function is to control the expulsion of feces, unwanted semi-solid matter produced during digestion, which, depending on the type of animal, may be one or more of: matter which the animal cannot digest,...
, containing markings for each hour to be spent sleeping. The deeper the candle is inserted, the earlier the sleeper rises; the inventor acquires a patent on his idea. The four poems are formalist
Formalism (literature)
Formalism is a school of literary criticism and literary theory having mainly to do with structural purposes of a particular text.In literary theory, formalism refers to critical approaches that analyze, interpret, or evaluate the inherent features of a text. These features include not only grammar...
, like the rest of Komrij's poetry. They have three quatrains each, rhyming
Rhyme scheme
A rhyme scheme is the pattern of rhyme between lines of a poem or song. It is usually referred to by using letters to indicate which lines rhyme. In other words, it is the pattern of end rhymes or lines...
a b a b in pentametric
Pentameter
Pentameter may refer to:*the iambic pentameter of the modern period*the dactylic pentameter of antiquity...
lines.
The poems are inspired by a suggestion in Non Olet by Collofino
Collofino
Josef Feinhals , aka Collofino, was a German cigar and cigarette maker, patron of the arts, and writer from Cologne. Under his pseudonym, he wrote Non Olet , an 1100-page scatological collection . He was a good friend of Herman Hesse's and assisted Hesse in some of his projects...
(ps. of Josef Feinhals, 1867–1947). They were first published (apparently without the author's permission) in a series called Amsterdamse Cahiers by Amsterdam printer and publisher C.J. Aarts, supposedly on the occasion of the 1974 edition of Poetry International
Poetry International
Poetry International is a literary journal published annually by San Diego State University Press that was established in 1997. The journal has since its 4th issue included a section focusing on poetry in translation from one nation. Poetry International is supported by a grant from the Edwin...
, an annual Dutch poetry festival. He later republished the poems (with the author's permission) in 1982. They were included in Komrij's anthology Alle gedichten tot gisteren ("All the poems until yesterday"). In 2007, the poems were again republished separately, with 12 black and white illustration
Illustration
An illustration is a displayed visualization form presented as a drawing, painting, photograph or other work of art that is created to elucidate or dictate sensual information by providing a visual representation graphically.- Early history :The earliest forms of illustration were prehistoric...
s by Dick Matena
Dick Matena
Dick Matena is a Dutch comics writer and cartoonist. He has also publishing under the pseudonyms A. den Dooier, John Kelly and Dick Richards.-Toonder studio's:...
.
Komrij's patentwekker is an audience favorite; in 1996, 22 years after its first publication, Komrij's reading of it in Tilburg
Tilburg
Tilburg is a landlocked municipality and a city in the Netherlands, located in the southern province of Noord-Brabant.Tilburg municipality also includes the villages of Berkel-Enschot and Udenhout....
in 1996 had the audience of the annual Night of the Book festival in stitches. The poem fits in a tradition of scatological and rectal poems, many of which were collected by Komrij in his Komrij's Cacaphonia: An Encyclopedia of Shit (2006). The poem is often associated with Komrij, and it is one of the most popular "light" Dutch poems.