Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "A Theory of Wind" deftly explores themes of inscrutability, human vulnerability, and the relentless passage of time through a series of evocative and often surreal images. The poem begins with an intriguing metaphor: the page, embodying human attempts at understanding, fails to grasp the concept of God. This sets the stage for an exploration of the limitations of human knowledge and the omnipresence of forces beyond our control.

The poem opens with the idea that language, no matter how precise or varied, always falls short of fully comprehending the divine. The comparison of different scripts—ranging from "an Eastern script as fine as dendrite" to "the harsh Germanic squatting of black retrievers"—highlights the diversity of human expression and the universal struggle to articulate the ineffable. This struggle is poignantly illustrated by the image of a woman wailing, her pain beyond the reach of any shaman's powers.

Goldbarth then shifts to a personal reflection, stepping outside to feel the wind on his body. Here, the wind is likened to "wild animals licking for salt," a vivid and tactile metaphor that conveys both its ferocity and its intimate, almost invasive, presence. The wind animates the natural world around him, from the "monstrous condor flappings" of banana tree leaves to the "twiddling back grasses." These images suggest a universe teeming with life and movement, yet indifferent to individual suffering.

The poem's meditation on the wind continues with an acknowledgment of its pervasive influence: "No ant egg is free." This line underscores the idea that no creature, no matter how small, escapes the wind's reach. The wind's "objective and efficient" assessment of everything it touches hints at an impersonal, almost mechanical force driving the natural world.

Goldbarth further explores the wind's impact through a series of detailed observations: the conjoined oil drippings at a curb, the fungal growth on a log, the arching of a cat's back. Each of these images is described with meticulous care, emphasizing the "limitless exactitude" of the natural world. The use of the word "burr" and its near-homophone "bum" introduces a play on words that underscores the theme of linguistic imperfection and the ease with which meaning can be misinterpreted or lost.

As the poem progresses, the wind's indifference becomes more pronounced. It is a force that can topple trees, break marble columns, and spread forest fires with equal ease. The refrain of "why" echoes through the poem, a cry of confusion and frustration in the face of senseless destruction and loss. This refrain reflects the human desire for answers in a world where many events, particularly those involving suffering, remain inexplicable.

Goldbarth concludes the poem by returning to the page, now a symbol of human endeavor and fallibility. The typesetter's error—transforming "lust" into "list" or "last"—mirrors the larger theme of miscommunication and the constant need for correction. This laborious process of setting things right is mirrored in the natural world, where the wind is described as "proofing for error." This image suggests a relentless, almost divine force continually shaping and reshaping the world.

Ultimately, "A Theory of Wind" is a meditation on the tension between human attempts to impose order and understanding on the world, and the chaotic, often indifferent forces that shape our lives. Through its rich imagery and contemplative tone, the poem invites readers to consider their own place within this vast, unpredictable universe, where every action and word is subject to the whims of forces beyond our control.

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