Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "Zero: Terror / Lullaby" masterfully explores the existential quandary posed by the fundamental emptiness of the universe, blending scientific understanding with human vulnerability and need for meaning. By interweaving the intimate and the cosmic, the poem underscores the tension between the stark realities of modern physics and the comforting constructs we cling to.

The poem begins with a comparison that emphasizes the minuscule nature of matter: "If an electron were the size of a four-door car," etc. This setup primes the reader to confront the unsettling notion that atoms, the building blocks of everything, are predominantly empty space. The poet extends this analogy to the solar system, noting that it too is mostly emptiness dotted with sparse matter. This revelation is both humbling and terrifying, as it forces us to acknowledge our existence within a vast, predominantly empty universe.

Goldbarth then delves into the human response to this emptiness, suggesting that we construct beliefs—God, art, and other central fetishes—to fill the void. These constructs serve as anchors, providing a semblance of meaning and order in an otherwise vacuous reality. The poet poignantly captures the human need to ignore "the whine of zero in our ears," implying that we have always been aware, on some level, of the nothingness that pervades our existence but have tried to distract ourselves with meaningful pursuits.

The poem takes a nostalgic turn, lamenting the advancements in physics that have stripped away comforting illusions. Goldbarth imagines a world where physics stopped at the door to the twentieth century, opting to return to simpler, more tangible pursuits. This longing for a pre-Einsteinian era reflects a desire to escape the disorienting revelations of modern science and return to a time when the universe seemed more comprehensible and less threatening.

The poet introduces a scene featuring Albert Einstein and Niels Bohr, two giants of twentieth-century physics, in a state of drunken revelry. This depiction humanizes these intellectual titans, showing them not as detached geniuses but as individuals coping with the weight of their discoveries. Their antics, such as Einstein's "crazy chicken-waddling trot" to demonstrate the speed of light, underscore the absurdity and playfulness that can arise in the face of profound existential truths.

The poem concludes with a tender moment between Pierre and Marie Curie, symbolizing the comfort found in human connection amidst the vast emptiness. After their guests have left, the Curies sit together in silence, their bodies and shared presence providing solace. This scene contrasts sharply with the cosmic void, suggesting that intimate, personal relationships can offer a refuge from the overwhelming expanse of nothingness. Their silence, extending into the night beyond Pluto, becomes a metaphor for a shared understanding that transcends words.

In "Zero: Terror / Lullaby," Goldbarth skillfully navigates the dualities of knowledge and ignorance, fear and comfort, isolation and connection. The poem invites readers to ponder the implications of scientific discoveries on our perception of reality and to consider the ways in which we seek solace in a fundamentally empty universe. By juxtaposing the vastness of space with the intimacy of human relationships, Goldbarth underscores the enduring power of love and connection to provide meaning in an otherwise indifferent cosmos.

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