Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Galvin’s poem “Avatar” is a contemplative reflection on perception, morality, and the subtle transitions between the imperceptible and the tangible. Through a series of vivid, seemingly disjointed images and philosophical musings, Galvin explores how small, often unnoticed details can coalesce into moments of clarity and meaning.

The poem begins with the line, “The imperceptible / Becomes something / Like geese flying,” immediately drawing attention to the transition from the unseen or unnoticed to the manifest. The imagery of geese flying is both simple and evocative, symbolizing movement, change, and the emergence of patterns from seemingly random events. The mention of hearing “a girl's name” underscores how fleeting and seemingly insignificant perceptions can leave a lasting impact.

Galvin then delves into abstract thought with the lines, “In many syllogisms / Which begin with words / Like if morality, / Narcissism and possibly / Wheelchairs are dignified.” Here, the poem shifts to a more philosophical tone, contemplating the constructs of morality and dignity. The inclusion of “wheelchairs” adds a layer of social commentary, challenging the reader to consider the intersection of physicality and dignity within ethical frameworks.

The poem’s narrative voice shifts to an anecdotal tone with the observation: “According to a man / Who writes near urinals / In Arcata, California, / The meek don't want it.” This vivid, almost absurd detail grounds the abstract musings in a specific, everyday setting, while the message itself—scribbled near a urinal—carries a raw, unfiltered truth. The meek, traditionally seen as inheriting the earth, are here portrayed as rejecting that inheritance, suggesting a critique of societal values and expectations.

Galvin continues with another juxtaposition of settings and messages: “And across the street / In another bar, / In the same delirious / Hand and green / Felt-tipped pen, / Thelma, do what thou wilt.” The shift from the urinal to a bar, and the consistent use of a green felt-tipped pen, ties these fragments together. The message “do what thou wilt,” reminiscent of Aleister Crowley’s maxim, injects a note of existential freedom and personal agency into the poem, contrasting with the earlier themes of meekness and societal expectations.

The poem then moves toward its central thesis: “Emptiness makes / The world occur more, / Causing love and problems.” This line suggests that the void or absence within existence amplifies experiences, emotions, and conflicts. Emptiness is portrayed as a catalyst for both the beauty and complexity of life, underscoring the idea that it is the spaces between that give shape to our perceptions and experiences.

Returning to the opening theme, Galvin repeats, “The imperceptible / Becomes something,” reinforcing the idea that what is initially unnoticed can become significant. The final line, “And there you are,” brings the poem to a personal and immediate conclusion. It suggests that amidst these philosophical reflections and fragmented perceptions, the individual emerges, grounded in the tangible realities shaped by the imperceptible forces around them.

“Avatar” is a rich and layered poem that invites readers to reflect on the intersections between perception, morality, and existence. Through its blend of abstract thought and vivid, specific imagery, Galvin explores how small, often unnoticed details coalesce into moments of profound clarity and personal significance. The poem’s philosophical musings and everyday observations combine to create a tapestry of meaning, capturing the elusive nature of understanding and the continuous emergence of self within the world.

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