Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Concordance [Working Backward in Sleep]" by Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge is a meditative and intricately layered poem that explores the interplay between consciousness, dreams, and the mysterious connections that bind the internal world of thoughts and feelings with the external world of nature and human relationships. Through evocative imagery and philosophical inquiry, Berssenbrugge delves into the nature of understanding, connection, and the poetic imagination.

The poem begins with the intriguing premise of working backward in sleep, suggesting a journey into the subconscious where the last numbed perceptions upon falling asleep become the catalysts for awakening. This reversal of the waking process introduces the idea of uncovering deeper layers of awareness through dreams, where the unconscious mind communicates in symbols and sensations.

Berssenbrugge then introduces the concept of Eros as words, inviting the reader to consider the transformative power of language as a form of love that can bridge the gap between individuals. The question of what it would be like to truly contemplate another's words and to feel understood or felt by them in return is a profound exploration of empathy and connection through communication.

The imagery of animals—an owl and a frog—opening their eyes, and the formation of a mirror on the ground, suggests a moment of revelation or insight that connects the natural world with the reflective capacity of the human mind. This mirror not only reflects the physical environment but also signifies the possibility of internal reflection and self-awareness sparked by the natural world.

The mention of insight arriving in a dream, followed by events that illuminate it the next day, introduces the concept of "streaming consciousness" and synchronicity. Berssenbrugge hints at a deeper order and interconnectedness in the universe, where the lines of individual experiences and external occurrences converge in meaningful ways, akin to the asymptotic lines in mathematics that approach each other infinitely without ever touching.

The repetition of the owl opening its eyes in the deep woods serves as a leitmotif, emphasizing the themes of awakening, insight, and the penetrating gaze that sees beyond the surface. The declaration "For the first time, I write and you don't know me" speaks to the act of creation as an offering to an unknown reader, a leap of faith in the power of words to reach across the void of anonymity and touch another's consciousness.

The final image of milkweed floating upon being touched is both delicate and ephemeral, symbolizing the lightness and transience of connections made through language and dreams. It suggests the potential for beauty and understanding in the brief moments of contact between beings, ideas, and the natural world.

"Concordance [Working Backward in Sleep]" is a contemplative and beautifully crafted poem that invites readers to reflect on the layers of meaning and connection that exist within and beyond the boundaries of the self. Through its exploration of dreams, language, and the natural world, the poem offers a rich tapestry of imagery and ideas that celebrate the complexity and mystery of human consciousness and the universe it inhabits.

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