Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Definitely" by Mary Jo Bang is a profound meditation on the nature of desire, the workings of the mind, and the ultimate consequences of pursuing pleasure without heed to danger. Through precise and evocative imagery, Bang explores the human condition, characterized by an insatiable longing and the rationalizations that lead one toward self-destruction.

The poem begins with a philosophical inquiry into desire, framing it as "the hardwire argument given / To the mind’s unstoppable mouth." This metaphor suggests that desire is an intrinsic, perhaps inevitable, force within the human psyche, driving the "mind's unstoppable mouth" towards fulfillment. Desire fills "every blank," illustrating the human tendency to seek something more, something beyond the present moment or circumstance.

The "plastic snake" symbolizes the allure of temptation, offering pleasure that is artificial and potentially harmful. The reassurance that "It will all be fine in some future soon" speaks to the human capacity for denial and self-deception, the belief that consequences can be indefinitely postponed or that one is immune to them.

Bang's invocation of a conjured body "in the chair before me" introduces the theme of memory and identity. The speaker's command to "Be yourself" juxtaposed with the description of memory as making one "Unchangeable" reflects on the paradox of selfhood: the way individuals are shaped and fixed by their pasts, even as they might strive to change or escape it.

The reference to "That tragic beautiful mind" and "That mind's ravenous mouth" underscores the destructive aspects of desire and intellect, suggesting that the pursuit of what one wants can lead to one's downfall. The mind is portrayed as consuming poison—misguided by its own desires, believing them to be necessary sustenance rather than recognizing their toxic nature.

The poem concludes with a stark and chilling image: "The heart stops." This final line serves as a culmination of the themes of desire, self-deception, and the fatal consequences of succumbing to temptation. It starkly portrays the end result of following the mind's "unstoppable mouth" towards what it mistakenly believes it needs, highlighting the ultimate silence and stillness that follows the ceaseless clamor of desire.

"Definitely" is a powerful exploration of the complexities of human desire, the illusions of the mind, and the thin line between pleasure and poison. Through her skillful use of language and metaphor, Mary Jo Bang invites readers to reflect on the depths of their own desires and the choices they make in their pursuit, reminding us of the fragile balance between life and death, fulfillment and emptiness.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/51460/definitely#:~:text=What%20is%20desire,Want%20that%20fills%20every%20blank.

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