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ON THE LOSS OF ENERGY (AND OTHER THINGS), by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

June Jordan's "On the Loss of Energy (and Other Things)" is a raw, impassioned commentary on social and economic decline, blending personal and communal despair with biting satire and political criticism. The poem employs a conversational tone, drawing readers into a world where basic necessities are scarce, and the future seems increasingly uncertain.

The poem begins with a nod to the classic paradox of the chicken and the egg, but swiftly transitions into a depiction of both fading from availability in modern consumer society. This metaphor sets the stage for the exploration of broader societal issues, as both essential and non-essential items become scarce, symbolizing a deeper systemic failure.

Jordan's use of dialect and colloquial language brings authenticity and urgency to the poem. Phrases like "supersafeway/a&p/giant circus" and "uh-huh / the pilgrim cornucopia / it ain’ a pot to pee in / much / (these days)" evoke a sense of the everyday struggles faced by ordinary people. The juxtaposition of everyday language with the absurdity of modern scarcity underscores the poem's central theme: the failure of a profit-driven society to meet the basic needs of its citizens.

The poem's structure is rhythmic and musical, with a call-and-response quality reminiscent of a preacher or a rally speaker. Jordan's repetition of "I said" and the use of direct address ("can you hear me brother?") create a sense of communal engagement, as if she is speaking directly to her audience, urging them to wake up and recognize the severity of the situation.

Jordan critiques the political and economic systems that have led to this crisis. Lines like "the affluent society / starvin high / on the hog as pigs can get" and "this profit-makin mess the worst / mess we been force to handle" highlight the disparity between the wealthy and the poor. The affluent live in excess, while the rest struggle to survive, and the metaphor of pigs emphasizes the gluttony and selfishness of those in power.

The poem's urgency peaks in the latter half, as Jordan calls for action and change. She questions the legitimacy of the so-called emergency, seeing it as a "faker/phony / ripoff," and demands a real and prominent leader to stand up and address the inequities. This call to action is punctuated by the repeated question, "where is the dynamite?"—a metaphor for the explosive change needed to dismantle the corrupt system.

Jordan's portrayal of scarcity extends beyond physical goods to encompass societal values and relationships. The scarcity of "halfway honest politicians" and the erosion of community and support systems reflect a deeper, moral decay. The poem laments the loss of solidarity and the increasing isolation of individuals in a society driven by profit.

In "On the Loss of Energy (and Other Things)," June Jordan captures the frustration and hopelessness of those left behind by a failing system. Her use of vivid imagery, rhythmic language, and direct address creates a powerful, evocative poem that calls for awareness, solidarity, and action. The poem's blend of satire and sincerity underscores the dire need for change and the potential for collective action to challenge and overcome systemic injustices.


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