Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "The More Modest the Definition of Heaven, the Oftener We're There" delves into themes of liberation, the transcendence of ordinary moments, and the simple joys that can be found in freedom. The poem begins with the release of a wrongfully imprisoned man, a narrative steeped in sorrow but also in redemption and transformation.

The poem opens with a man who has been released from prison after years of wrongful incarceration. The discovery of new evidence—"somebody's shoe and a letter, and then / another man confessed"—leads to his exoneration. The stark image of a "cheap gray suit and job ads" symbolizes the bleak reality faced by those reentering society after imprisonment. Yet, amid this starkness, the man receives "a brief note of apology," a gesture that, while inadequate, marks a turning point in his life.

Goldbarth masterfully contrasts the man’s past confinement with his present freedom. The man’s reaction to his newfound liberty is not one of bitterness or rage but of profound, almost childlike wonder. This shift is poignantly illustrated in the scene where the six friends sit up "way past midnight in August," enduring the oppressive heat that "might move in a solid block, as if pushed by a streetsweeper's broom." The description of the stars making "the sky a sore throat" captures the uncomfortable, stifling atmosphere.

However, it is the man's perspective that transforms this mundane, sweltering night into something transcendent. When Sally jokingly remarks that "we must be dead because it's hell for sure," the others laugh, yet the man remains deeply moved. His eyes, "filled with the moon," reflect a simple delight in experiencing the moon's touch "all over / without a bar in the way." The repeated mention of "bars" emphasizes the contrast between his former imprisonment and his current freedom. The absence of these bars, both literal and metaphorical, allows the moonlight to reach him unhindered, symbolizing the unobstructed joy and serenity he now feels.

Goldbarth's poem underscores the idea that heaven can be found in the modest, everyday experiences that we often take for granted. For the released man, the mere sight of the moon, free from the shadow of prison bars, constitutes a form of heaven. This perspective aligns with the poem's title, suggesting that when we adopt a more modest definition of heaven—one that appreciates the simple, pure moments of life—we find ourselves experiencing it more frequently.

The poem's exploration of freedom and the beauty in small moments invites readers to reconsider their own definitions of heaven. It challenges the notion that heaven is a far-off, unattainable place, instead proposing that it can be found in the here and now, in the ordinary moments that are imbued with extraordinary significance. The man’s joy in simply seeing the moon without obstruction serves as a powerful reminder of the human capacity for resilience and the profound beauty of freedom.

Goldbarth's use of vivid imagery, coupled with the emotional depth of the man's experience, creates a compelling narrative that resonates with themes of hope, redemption, and the transformative power of perspective. The poem ultimately suggests that heaven is not a distant, unreachable realm but a state of mind that can be accessed through a deep appreciation of the present moment and the simple joys that come with it.

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