Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alice Fulton's poem "About Music for Bone and Membrane Instrument" is a rich tapestry of imagery and themes, exploring the intersections of music, artistry, and human connection. The poem's structure is intricate, with sections interspersed with historical and cultural references that create a complex narrative.

The poem begins with the metaphor of music as an instrument made from bone and membrane, suggesting a deep, organic connection to sound and rhythm. The "chords unfurling in arpeggio" evoke a sense of unfolding beauty and complexity, much like the intricacies of human relationships and experiences. The reference to "Storm the Stage" and various types of fans introduces a motif of performance and admiration, setting the stage for a reflection on the influences and passions that shape our lives.

The speaker recalls a friendship with a girl who introduced her to Japanese culture, symbolized by the meticulous crafting and appreciation of fans. This girl’s enthusiasm and passion are infectious, drawing the speaker into "all-night sessions" and a world of aesthetic delight and obsession. The imagery of painting and folding fans highlights the delicate balance between art and life, between creation and appreciation.

Fulton's use of historical fan language in the 18th century adds another layer to the poem, illustrating how objects can carry meanings and communicate emotions. The various gestures with a fan – from "Running Your Fingers through the Ribs" to "Dropping the Fan" – convey subtle social cues and desires, paralleling the nuanced ways in which we express ourselves and connect with others.

The poem then shifts to the handling of fans and their symbolic weight. The idea that "It’s a short leap between collecting and becoming" underscores the transformative power of art and passion. The fans, described in meticulous detail, become extensions of the performers, merging art and identity. This fusion of self and object is further explored through the intense, almost ritualistic experiences of the fans, suggesting a profound immersion in their craft and performance.

The narrative interlude about Kafka and his muse, Felice Bauer, expands on the theme of collecting gestures and moments. Kafka’s obsessive documentation of trivial details as a means to extract meaning resonates with the poem's broader exploration of finding significance in the minutiae of life. This meticulous attention to detail parallels the crafting of fans and the composition of music, where every small element contributes to the whole.

Fulton also references Emily Dickinson and her unique perspective on life and art. Dickinson’s description of her mind as a "wire too fine to see" and her ability to make the ordinary extraordinary aligns with the poem’s celebration of artistic sensitivity and perception. The poem suggests that both Kafka and Dickinson found profound depth in the seemingly mundane, a theme that runs throughout "About Music for Bone and Membrane Instrument."

The poem's final sections delve into the physical and emotional experiences of art and performance. The detailed descriptions of fans and their construction evoke a sense of intimacy and care, reflecting the deep connection between the artist and their work. The imagery of a fan becoming an extension of the performer’s arm and song illustrates the seamless integration of art into life.

Fulton's exploration of the language of fans in the 20th century adds a contemporary twist, showing how cultural practices evolve while retaining their core essence. The fan becomes a metaphor for communication, expression, and connection, transcending time and place.

In the closing lines, the poem returns to the personal, reflecting on the impact of these experiences on the speaker’s life. The detailed description of an object "fresh from the acid bath" suggests the transformative and often painful process of creation and self-discovery. The object, with its "erectile sheen" and "intelligent smell," symbolizes the culmination of the speaker’s journey through art, passion, and connection.

"About Music for Bone and Membrane Instrument" is a richly layered poem that weaves together personal memories, historical references, and cultural observations to explore the profound connections between art, identity, and human experience. Alice Fulton's masterful use of imagery and narrative creates a tapestry that invites readers to reflect on the intricate ways in which we create, perceive, and are transformed by art.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Felt_Poems/mMggzhvcXMcC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=ABOUT%20MUSIC

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