Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Safety" by Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge is a profound and introspective poem that delves into the complexities of witnessing, compassion, and the interconnectedness of individual and collective experiences, particularly in the context of urban life and the aftermath of trauma. Written in December 2001 in Tribeca, a neighborhood that, like much of New York City, was deeply affected by the events of September 11th of the same year, Berssenbrugge's work reflects on the role of artists, the nature of witnessing, and the process of healing and forgiveness.

In the first section, Berssenbrugge grapples with the concept of forgiveness and its manifestation in our lives, suggesting that it operates both overtly and subtly, like "slow combustion." She explores the idea that the spaces we inhabit and the structures we build—both physically and metaphorically—are containers for our experiences, memories, and the images that we hold onto. The collapse of a building, with its interior remaining as such even in destruction, serves as a powerful metaphor for the resilience of the inner self amidst external calamity. Furthermore, Berssenbrugge introduces the notion that witnessing an event not only brings us physically closer to it but also enlarges our capacity for empathy and understanding, effectively expanding our "size" in a metaphysical sense.

The second section shifts focus to the urban environment, describing it as a realm of "partial views" where the vastness of the cityscape can induce both wonder and disorientation. The transition from the macro to the micro—from buildings to individuals—mirrors the poem's contemplation of the collective and the personal. Berssenbrugge touches upon the instinctual drive for self-preservation and how it can be transmuted into a fear of losing one's physical integrity or beauty. The imagery of a child protected by a woman, the transient beauty of "flowers in ice," and the inevitability of separation all contribute to a meditation on vulnerability, the passage of time, and the latent connections that exist between individuals.

Berssenbrugge's use of mud as a metaphor for the muddiness of life's challenges and the clarity that can come from compassionate acts is particularly striking. The act of witnessing another's fall and the subsequent cleansing rain evokes themes of renewal and the potential for transformation through empathy. The poem concludes with an exploration of the paradox of intimacy and distance in human relationships—the desire to be both open and guarded, and the existence of secrets that persist despite our efforts to connect.

"Safety" is not only a reflection on the aftermath of a specific historical moment but also a timeless inquiry into the human condition, the search for meaning and connection in the face of adversity, and the role of art in navigating and narrating our shared reality. Berssenbrugge's language is both precise and evocative, weaving together the physical and the philosophical to create a tapestry of thought that invites readers to contemplate their own experiences of witnessing, being, and relating to others in a world fraught with both beauty and tragedy.

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