Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alice Fulton's "The Fractal Lanes" is a meditation on the relationship between the vastness of the universe and the minuscule, ordered structures of human existence. The poem explores themes of scale, perception, and the limitations of human understanding when faced with the infinite complexity of the natural world.

The opening lines set the stage for this exploration, contrasting the "vastnesses" that strike through our "fastened nerves" with the "ordered smallnesses" of our daily lives. Fulton suggests that our menial existence makes it difficult for us to comprehend the "whole spill, squeeze, and boiling" of the universe without losing our sense of self. This evokes a feeling of awe and perhaps fear at the enormity of existence, which can be both overwhelming and humbling.

The poem moves into a contemplation of how our comfort might be derived from our ignorance or "dumbness." This ignorance allows us to live without being constantly overwhelmed by the infinite complexities around us. Fulton posits that there are "infinite / Exponents within the arrays we've made," suggesting that the structures and patterns we create are just a small part of a much larger, more complex reality.

Fulton introduces the idea of "equity" as something currently hidden or "scarved in subterfuge." This could imply a deeper, more equitable understanding of the universe that remains obscured, awaiting discovery. The poet calls for this understanding to be "Opened and made cogent," suggesting a potential for greater insight and fairness in our perception of the world.

The concept of "practice makes / Pattern" highlights the human tendency to find comfort in repetition and order. Repeating actions and thoughts can shape our perception of reality, sculpting "presence" and providing a sense of stability amidst the chaos. Fulton acknowledges the power and mystery within each cell, describing it as "variously / Hushed" and beyond our sensory perception. This latent energy is compared to a "latent prism," containing the potential for diverse and vibrant experiences within a seemingly uniform existence.

The poem's imagery shifts to the stars and the earth, contrasting the distant and incomprehensible with the immediate and tangible. Fulton notes that while we base our understanding of the stars on the light they emit, the proximity of the earth blurs our measures and makes it difficult to grasp its true nature. The earth, with its hidden depths and unseen oxygen reserves, holds more complexity than we often acknowledge.

Fulton concludes with a reflection on the limitations of human existence and the unrecognized breadth of the world. The ground we "glide on then / Reside in" contains more oxygen than the air we breathe, emphasizing the hidden richness of the earth. This makes our understanding of life and death seem "meager" and "too evident for credit," pointing to the vast, unreckoned reality that lies beyond our immediate perception.

"The Fractal Lanes" invites readers to ponder the vast, intricate patterns of the universe and our place within it. Through her rich and evocative language, Alice Fulton challenges us to look beyond the surface of our ordered lives and consider the deeper, more complex truths that remain hidden from view. The poem celebrates the beauty and mystery of existence, urging a greater appreciation for the infinite possibilities that lie within and beyond the fractal lanes of our daily experience.

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