Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Peter Gizzi's "Periplum" navigates the relationship between knowledge, faith, and disorientation, using the metaphor of mapping to explore how we orient ourselves in the world. The poem’s title, derived from the Latin term for "voyage," suggests a journey or exploration, framing the text as a meditation on the act of finding one’s way.

The poem opens with an imperative: "Put your map right with the world." This directive implies that there is a correct way to align our understanding with reality. However, it also suggests that such alignment is an active process, requiring deliberate effort.

"The person who knows where has made an accurate study / of here" underscores the importance of understanding one’s immediate surroundings as a prerequisite for broader knowledge. This line suggests that knowledge of "here" is foundational, implying that true understanding begins with a deep engagement with one’s present environment.

Gizzi then complicates this notion with the idea that "to know implies a different reading." This suggests that knowledge is not static but dynamic, requiring continual reinterpretation. The introduction of "Somewhere / faith enters" indicates that, beyond empirical understanding, faith plays a role in how we navigate the world. Faith, described as needing to be "pinned and sighted," parallels the process of navigation, where fixed points of reference are essential for finding one’s way.

The poem acknowledges traditional points of reference: "A church tower is good for reference but losing ground." This line juxtaposes the stability and reliability of historical landmarks with the reality of their diminishing relevance in the modern world. The mention of satellites tracking "a true are" suggests that while technological advancements offer precise navigation, they might be "too grand for everyday distances." This contrast highlights the tension between global precision and the personal, everyday experience of place.

The poem concludes with a nod to disorientation: "And never mind about the bewilderment / 'I'm at sea'." This admission of confusion serves as a counterpoint to the earlier discussion of accurate study and precise tracking. The phrase "I'm at sea" conveys a sense of being lost or overwhelmed, common feelings when faced with the vastness of both the physical world and the complexities of understanding it.

"Periplum" by Peter Gizzi thus reflects on the interplay between empirical knowledge, faith, and the experience of disorientation. Through its exploration of mapping and navigation, the poem invites readers to consider how they find their way in the world, balancing precise knowledge with the inherent uncertainties of existence. Gizzi’s work captures the ongoing journey of understanding, where faith and bewilderment are as integral to the process as empirical study.

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