Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Ars Poetica #100: I Believe" by Elizabeth Alexander is a compelling and insightful poem that reflects on the nature and essence of poetry. The poem serves as an "ars poetica," a term used for a poem that explores the art of poetry writing itself. Alexander uses this piece to convey her beliefs about what poetry is and what it should represent, emphasizing its personal, idiosyncratic nature and its capacity to capture the human experience.

Poetry as Personal and Idiosyncratic:

The poem begins with the assertion that poetry is an individualistic and unique form of expression: "Poetry, I tell my students, / is idiosyncratic." This statement sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing that poetry is deeply personal and reflective of the individual's voice and experience.

The “Dramatic I” in Poetry:

Alexander references Sterling Brown’s idea that “Every ‘I’ is a dramatic ‘I’,” suggesting that the poet’s voice in poetry, while personal, is also performative or crafted. This notion speaks to the complexity of the poetic voice, which can be both an authentic expression of the self and a constructed persona.

Finding Poetry in the Mundane:

The poem suggests that poetry can be found in the most mundane or overlooked places – "in the dirt in the corner," or something overheard on a bus. This imagery indicates that poetry exists in everyday life's small details and moments, capturing the essence of the human experience.

Challenging Conventional Themes:

Alexander challenges the stereotypical themes often associated with poetry, particularly the overemphasis on love and loss: "is not all love, love, love, / and I’m sorry the dog died." By doing so, she advocates for a broader scope for poetry, one that encompasses a wider range of human emotions and experiences.

Poetry as the Human Voice:

The poem crescendos with the declaration that "Poetry (here I hear myself loudest) / is the human voice," underscoring the belief that poetry is fundamentally about human connection and communication. The rhetorical question "and are we not of interest to each other?" reinforces this idea, suggesting that poetry's value lies in its ability to capture and convey the intricacies of human relationships and interactions.

In summary, "Ars Poetica #100: I Believe" by Elizabeth Alexander is a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of poetry. Alexander portrays poetry as an inherently personal, yet universally relatable, form of expression that captures the nuances of human life. She emphasizes the importance of finding poetry in everyday experiences and moments, challenging conventional themes, and celebrating the human voice in all its complexity. The poem itself serves as a testament to the power and relevance of poetry in understanding and connecting with each other.

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