Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's poem "Interesting Times" is a vivid exploration of the dynamic and often tumultuous nature of life, capturing moments of tension, transition, and the inevitability of change. Through a series of richly detailed vignettes and philosophical musings, Jarman invites readers to reflect on the complexity and unpredictability of existence.

The poem opens with a statement that sets the stage for its exploration of life's inherent drama: "Everything’s happening on the cusp of tragedy, the tip of comedy, the pivot of event." This line immediately establishes a sense of constant flux, where every moment teeters on the brink of something significant. The speaker suggests that those seeking a peaceful, uneventful life must look elsewhere: "You want a placid life, find another planet." This metaphor emphasizes the impossibility of escaping life's inherent chaos on Earth, implying that such tranquility can only be found in the desolate calm of space.

Jarman continues this theme with references to other celestial bodies: "This one is occupied with the story’s arc: / About to happen, on the verge, horizontal. You want another planet, try the moon. / Try any of the eight, try Planet X. It’s out there somewhere, black with serenity." The mention of "Planet X" and the serene, black expanse of space contrasts sharply with the busy, unpredictable nature of life on Earth. This cosmic perspective underscores the idea that human existence is perpetually in motion, filled with events that are always unfolding.

The poem then shifts to a specific, tangible scene: "A crow with something dangling from its beak flaps onto a telephone pole top, daintily, / And croaks its victory to other crows and tries to keep its morsel to itself." This image of a crow, an opportunistic and intelligent bird, reflects the struggle and competition inherent in nature. The crow's "morsel" and its attempt to protect its prize highlight the survival instincts present in all creatures, including humans.

Jarman provides a more detailed observation of the crow: "A limp shape, leggy, stunned, drops from the black beak’s scissors like a rag. / We drive past, commenting, and looking upward. A sunny morning, too cold to be nesting, / Unless that is a nest the crow has seized, against the coming spring." The juxtaposition of the crow's violent act with the cold, sunny morning creates a stark contrast, emphasizing the harsh realities that exist even in seemingly peaceful moments. The mention of spring hints at renewal and the cyclical nature of life.

Reflecting on historical patterns, Jarman writes: "We’ve been at this historical site before, but not in any history we remember. / The present has been cloaked in cloud before, and not on any holy mountaintop." This suggests a recurring cycle of events and challenges, where the present mirrors past uncertainties and obscurities. The notion that the future "flies in one direction—toward us" underscores the inevitability of facing what lies ahead, no matter how uncertain or daunting it may be.

The poem's focus then shifts to a human interaction: "So, look. That woman’s got a child by the hand. She’s dragging him across the street. / He’s crying and she’s shouting, but we see only dumbshow. Their breath is smoke." This scene of a mother and child captures a moment of tension and emotional conflict, framed by the coldness that turns their breath into visible smoke. The question of whether she will comfort him or he will concede remains unanswered, emphasizing the transient and unresolved nature of many human experiences.

Jarman concludes with a reflection on the fleeting nature of moments and interactions: "Their words are smoke. In a minute they’ll be somewhere else entirely. / Everyone in a minute will be somewhere else entirely. As the crow flies." The repetition of "somewhere else entirely" reinforces the idea of constant change and movement, both physically and metaphorically. The phrase "as the crow flies" implies directness and inevitability, suggesting that no matter how much we may try to avoid or delay it, change is an inherent part of life.

In "Interesting Times," Mark Jarman masterfully captures the essence of living in a world filled with unpredictability and perpetual motion. Through detailed observations and philosophical reflections, he invites readers to contemplate the dynamic and often challenging nature of existence, emphasizing the inevitability of change and the importance of embracing the present moment. The poem serves as a reminder that life, with all its complexities and uncertainties, is an ongoing narrative that we must navigate with awareness and resilience.

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