Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Seed" by William Everson delves into the depths of the human psyche, exploring the emergence of a primitive, instinctual force within the self. Through vivid imagery and a tone of introspection and apprehension, Everson captures the universal experience of confronting inner drives and desires that are both feared and yearned for. The poem navigates the tension between the civilized veneer of "man's Patent assurances" and the raw, unnameable impulses that lie beneath the surface of consciousness.

The poem begins with the awakening of "Some seed in me, Some troublous birth," suggesting an internal stirring that is both unsettling and inexorable. This "awkward awakening" is described as "Terrible and instinctive," emphasizing its primal nature and the visceral response it provokes in the speaker. The use of the word "guts" reinforces the physicality of this experience, grounding the abstract concept of inner turmoil in the body's tangible reactions.

Everson's admission of fear and resistance towards this inner force reveals the conflict inherent in facing aspects of oneself that defy rational understanding or control. The speaker's attempt to "Crouch down on my norms" signifies a retreat into conventional behaviors and beliefs as a defense against the unsettling emergence of the latent self.

The poem skillfully employs the metaphor of subterranean growth to illustrate the process of internal discovery and transformation. The "long-avoided latency" that lies "Just underground" evokes the image of something potent and fundamental to the self that has been suppressed or ignored, yet remains an integral part of one's identity. The comparison to mushrooms in the oakwood, which emerge following the "faint rains of November," further underscores the idea that certain conditions can trigger the awakening of dormant elements within us.

The description of the emerging force as "Gross, thick and compelling" captures its undeniable power and the mixed feelings of repulsion and attraction it inspires. The speaker acknowledges this force as something both feared and desired, recognizing its potential to disrupt the familiar order of his life while also being drawn to its profound and transformative energy.

"Seed" is a contemplative and evocative poem that invites readers to reflect on their own inner landscapes and the complex interplay of fear, desire, and the quest for self-understanding. Through its exploration of the dark, fertile ground of the psyche, the poem illuminates the mysterious processes of growth and change that define the human condition.

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