Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's "Vigil" is a poignant meditation on presence, observation, and the delicate interplay between the physical and the abstract. The poem's structure mirrors the dichotomy it explores: the juxtaposition of a flower and its representation in a book, the tangible pain of the poet’s mother and the intangible nature of observing it, and the stark realities of the "new physics" against the deeply human act of keeping vigil.

The poem opens with the simple image of a flower and its depiction in a book, introducing the theme of duality: "A flower. / Then the flower / in a book about a flower." This binary existence, where the real and the represented coexist yet differ, sets the stage for the exploration of how objects and experiences hold multiple realities. The flower in the book, while not the flower itself, captures something essential about it, creating a layered understanding of presence and absence.

Goldbarth delves into the concept of duality further by drawing from the "new physics," particularly the idea that everything is composed of "enormous empty spaces with occasional particles moving through a plane on which time is vibration." This scientific perspective suggests that what we perceive as solid and real is actually a complex web of particles and empty space. This notion is metaphorically applied to the rose, which could be seen as both a "wasteland" and a symbol of cohesion and beauty. This duality mirrors the poet’s attempt to reconcile the abstract concepts of physics with the tangible experience of his mother’s suffering.

The poem shifts to the intimate scene of the poet’s mother’s bedside, where he performs the ritual of care with "faith in its cohesion." The act of setting a rose at her bedside and ringing for the nurse symbolizes a desperate grasp for solidity and reliability in a situation fraught with uncertainty and pain. Goldbarth’s use of the phrase "I'm going to" repeatedly emphasizes his determination to remain present and vigilant, despite the abstract and often disheartening implications of modern physics.

The poet’s reflection on his childhood belief that aspirin absorbs pain "like tiny sponges" illustrates the human tendency to seek concrete explanations for abstract experiences. This belief, though simplistic, provided a comforting framework for understanding pain. The poet acknowledges that, even decades later, this theory holds a certain validity, underscoring the enduring need for tangible metaphors to cope with the intangible aspects of human suffering.

As the poet watches his mother, he embraces the concept from the new physics that "the observer and the observed are never separate." This mutual existence suggests a profound interconnectedness, where the act of observing can influence the observed. Goldbarth's vigil becomes a way of affirming his mother’s reality, her pain, and his connection to her. By staying awake and attentive, he hopes to bear some of her burden, to be part of the "field of mutuality" that the new physics describes.

The poem concludes with a reflection on uniqueness and individuality: "there are no 2 identical objects." This idea, grounded in the physical sciences, is applied to the poet’s observation of his mother’s vaccination mark, an "ancient Roman coin" that symbolizes her unique history and identity. In the "first touch of morning," the poet's vigil transforms from a passive act of watching to an active engagement with his mother’s irreplaceable presence.

Goldbarth's "Vigil" is a masterful blend of scientific thought and human emotion, exploring how the abstract principles of physics intersect with the deeply personal experience of watching over a loved one. The poem’s meditation on duality, presence, and mutual existence offers a profound reflection on the nature of reality and the enduring power of human connection.

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