Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Forrest Gander's "The Ceremony of Opening the Mouth and the Eyes" is a richly textured poem that explores themes of presence, communication, and the intricate dance of interaction between individuals. The poem begins with a vivid setting in the aftermath of a storm, described as an "after-storm sheen." This imagery sets the stage for an intimate moment, where one person begins a sentence, leaning in and taking a deep breath. The "merely allowed seeing" captures the delicate balance of being present and the awareness of the fleeting nature of such moments.

The scene shifts to a natural setting, where horses drink water, the air is filled with the scent of sweat and the buzz of mosquitoes, and the conversation between the two people becomes almost palpable. Gander's use of "rapt of you" and "impregnate with your conversation" conveys a deep absorption and the transformative power of dialogue. This connection, though rooted in the ordinary ("exquisite and common / HERE"), transcends into a realm of profound understanding and emotional resonance.

The poem's structure mirrors the fluidity of thought and conversation, moving seamlessly between physical descriptions and abstract reflections. Gander's imagery is both precise and surreal, such as the "anguilliform movements" that liken the flow of words and thoughts to the sinuous movement of eels. This metaphor of eels swimming "palindromically" suggests a back-and-forth motion, emphasizing the dynamic and cyclical nature of their interaction.

The reference to a schizophrenic's voice saying, "he is conscious of life," introduces a layer of complexity, questioning the nature of awareness and perception. This line blurs the boundaries between reality and the imagined, hinting at the multiple layers of consciousness that coexist within a conversation. The "soul, multilingual in the same tongue" reflects the multiplicity of meanings and interpretations inherent in human communication.

As the poem progresses, the imagery becomes more intricate and symbolic. The "dead rose in a vase cloying with leeches" evokes a sense of decay and the parasitic nature of certain interactions. The act of opening a finger on a thorn and hearing "black tongues crawling my forearm" called by the other's voice creates a visceral and unsettling image, emphasizing the physical and emotional intensity of their connection.

Gander's exploration of cognition as a contrast—superimposing different musical chords to create a new understanding—illustrates the interplay between distinct elements that shape perception. This idea of being "unlocated until the later event requires me" speaks to the fluidity of identity and presence, suggesting that our sense of self is continually reshaped by our experiences and interactions.

The poem's conclusion brings together the themes of presence and transformation. The image of a mourning cloak butterfly laying an egg on a bittercress leaf next to the other person's finger symbolizes the beginning of new life and potential. This act of creation and renewal is juxtaposed with the "waterfall of your word," highlighting the power of language to shape reality and evoke profound emotional responses.

"The Ceremony of Opening the Mouth and the Eyes" is a meditation on the complexity of human interaction and the profound impact of communication. Through its vivid imagery and fluid structure, the poem captures the intricate dance of presence, perception, and the transformative power of dialogue. Gander's use of metaphor and symbolism invites the reader to delve into the layers of meaning and explore the depths of human connection.

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