Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Hold the Wire," by Kenneth Fearing, is a frenetic poem that explores themes of paranoia, confusion, and uncertainty in a rapidly changing world. The poem captures the frantic thought process of an unnamed narrator who is overwhelmed by fear and suspicion. Fearing uses repetition, fragmented structure, and shifting perspectives to convey the narrator's anxiety and the chaotic atmosphere of the modern world.

The poem opens with the narrator contemplating the ringing doorbell: "IF THE doorbell rings and we think we were followed here; if the bell should ring but we are not sure, / how can we decide." The repetition of "if" and the lack of certainty in "but we are not sure" immediately establish a sense of unease and indecision. The narrator's inability to distinguish between real and imagined threats reflects a heightened state of paranoia.

The next lines introduce a series of hypothetical scenarios: "IF IT'S ONLY THE GAS MAN it may be all right, / IF HE'S AN AUTHORIZED PERSON IN A DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT we'd better get it over, / IF HE'S JUST A NOBODY it may be good news, / or it might mean death IF THE SAMPLES ARE FREE." Here, Fearing explores the contradictory nature of fear and suspicion. The "gas man" might pose no threat, while an "authorized person" could be a danger. The idea that "a nobody" might bring "good news" or "death" emphasizes the unpredictability of the modern world.

The narrator's frantic thought process continues with the question, "HOW DO WE KNOW YOU'RE THE PERSON / THAT YOU SAY," highlighting the difficulty of trusting anyone. The repeated imperative "Decide, decide" underscores the urgency and anxiety of making a decision in a world where appearances are deceptive.

The narrator's paranoia extends to broader fears, such as war and societal collapse: "BUT NOT IF IT'S WAR, / not until we've counted the squares on the wallpaper over and added up the circles and the circles match the squares." The meticulous counting of wallpaper patterns reflects a desire for control and order amid the chaos. The narrator then contemplates various escape plans: "shall we move to the Ritz if rails go up, / if they sign for peace we return to the city, if they burn and bomb the city we will go to the moun-tains." This passage reflects the unpredictability of global politics and the inability to find a safe and secure place.

The poem shifts to a dialogue-like format as the narrator questions the identity of the person on the other end of the phone: "Who are you, who are you, you have the right number but / the connection's very poor, / we can hear you plain enough but we don't like what / you're saying." The narrator's suspicion is palpable, as they are unable to trust the person despite "the right number."

The confusion deepens as the narrator struggles to make sense of the conversation: "ARE YOU THE INVENTOR WHO WANTS TO SELL US AN INVISIBLE MAN? / ARE YOU SOME ONE VERY FAMOUS FROM THE MISSING PERSONS BUREAU BUT YOU CAN'T RECALL THE NAME?" The absurdity of an "invisible man" and the "Missing Persons Bureau" reflects the irrationality of the narrator's thoughts. The inclusion of "a very famous" person who cannot remember their own name highlights the breakdown of logic and reason.

The narrator dismisses potential threats but remains wary: "IF IT'S ANOTHER BILL COLLECTOR THERE IS / NO ONE HERE AT ALL, / IF IT'S ADOLPH HITLER, IF IT'S THE SUBWAY LOVER, IF IT'S JACK THE RIPPER." The invocation of historical and fictional villains like Hitler and Jack the Ripper reveals the depth of the narrator's paranoia.

In the final lines, the narrator welcomes the threat: "SEND / HIM IN, SEND HIM IN, IF IT'S JOLLY JACK THE RIPPER IN A DOUBLE-BREASTED SUIT AND THE SAMPLES ARE FREE." The repetition of "SEND HIM IN" suggests a resignation to the inevitable while maintaining a dark sense of humor. The incongruity of "Jolly Jack the Ripper" in a "double-breasted suit" and the promise of "free samples" underscores the absurdity and unpredictability of the narrator's fears.

Structurally, "Hold the Wire" is written in free verse, with varying line lengths and frequent use of capital letters for emphasis. The fragmented structure mirrors the narrator's disordered thoughts, while the repetition of phrases like "IF" and "SEND HIM IN" creates a rhythmic cadence that conveys urgency and anxiety.

In "Hold the Wire," Kenneth Fearing masterfully captures the paranoia and confusion of the modern world. By blending fragmented imagery, repetition, and dark humor, Fearing reveals the irrationality and unpredictability of fear, ultimately highlighting the fragile nature of sanity in a chaotic society. The poem serves as a powerful critique of the culture of suspicion and uncertainty that permeates contemporary life.

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