Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "The Times" presents a cynical yet incisive critique of contemporary society, emphasizing the repetitive and often disheartening nature of daily events. Through sharp imagery and pointed observations, Matthews captures the monotony and absurdity of modern life, revealing a deep-seated dissatisfaction with the relentless cycle of news and societal norms.

The poem begins with a stark, almost casual, dismissal of the news: "The news? I crumpled all of it that fit under a ziggurat of logs and scree of kindling, and lit it." This act of setting the news ablaze is both literal and metaphorical, suggesting a desire to destroy the constant barrage of information that often feels overwhelming and trivial. The use of "ziggurat" and "scree of kindling" conjures images of an ancient, towering structure and the detritus that surrounds it, implying that the news has become an imposing yet ultimately disposable part of life.

As the fire burns, "Smoke rose and ashes fell like dandruff." This simile paints a picture of the aftermath, where the remnants of the news scatter like an irritating yet insignificant nuisance. The image of dandruff, often associated with discomfort and embarrassment, further emphasizes the trivial and bothersome nature of the news. This line sets the tone for the poem's critique of societal issues and the often pointless nature of the information we consume.

Matthews then shifts focus to the societal elite: "The children of the rich are marrying each other." This observation underscores the insularity and self-perpetuating nature of wealth and privilege. By highlighting the predictable patterns of the affluent, Matthews suggests a world where significant changes are rare, and the status quo remains firmly in place.

The poem continues with a commentary on the predictability of daily events: "On any given day the winning team has won." This tautological statement mocks the redundancy of sports news and, by extension, other forms of media that report on the obvious or inevitable. It underscores the idea that much of what we consider newsworthy is merely a repetition of the same outcomes.

Matthews then turns his attention to politics, noting the protracted and costly nature of presidential campaigns: "It takes three years to run the first time for president and then four more to pry him out, the parasite, and every day we pay to read about it." This critique highlights the absurdity and corruption inherent in the political process, likening politicians to parasites who cling to power. The reference to the financial cost of staying informed further underscores the exploitation and futility felt by the public.

The poem's critique of the news media continues with the line, "You know that gray film that ink and newsprint slur on your hands? It’s smoke." Here, Matthews draws a direct connection between the physical residue of reading newspapers and the metaphorical smoke from the earlier burning of the news. This comparison suggests that consuming the news leaves a tangible, dirty mark on us, reinforcing the idea that the news is both pervasive and contaminating.

In the final lines, Matthews delivers a poignant conclusion: "Read the obituaries: read ‘em and weep." This directive to read the obituaries serves as a stark reminder of mortality and the ultimate consequence of life. It implies that the most truthful and impactful news is found in the acknowledgment of death, contrasting sharply with the triviality of other news.

"The Times" is a powerful and biting commentary on the state of modern society, emphasizing the repetitive, superficial, and often disheartening nature of the news and daily events. Matthews' use of vivid imagery and pointed observations creates a compelling narrative that critiques the status quo and challenges readers to reconsider the value and impact of the information they consume. Through his eloquent and incisive language, Matthews captures the frustration and disillusionment that many feel in the face of a relentless and often meaningless news cycle.

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