Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Breakdancing" by Jorie Graham intertwines themes of survival, faith, societal observation, and historical reflection, using the metaphor of breakdancing to explore how people navigate and respond to life's complexities. The poem captures a vivid scene and delves deeply into the psyche, emotions, and existential dilemmas of its subjects, framed by the story of Saint Teresa of Avila.

The poem begins with the image of a boy breakdancing on a screen, an act of staying alive and expressing a "secret" through his movements. This secret is conveyed through "pops, ticks, waves and the / float," mimicking the body's reaction to an electric shock. These movements become a metaphor for coping mechanisms, ways of dealing with the external pressures and internal struggles of existence.

Graham then shifts focus to the broader societal context, mentioning names like Mr. Speed, Dr. Cadet, Dr. Rage, and Timex, each symbolizing different facets of society. The boy’s movements and the accompanying lyrics, “don’t push / ’cause I’m close to the edge,” resonate with the struggle and resilience against societal pressures and adversities.

The poem’s setting moves to the domestic sphere, where the speaker is surrounded by family members, each in their own contemplative spaces. The juxtaposition of this personal space with the larger political landscape is stark: “The flag of the greatest democracy on earth / waves in the wind with the sound turned off.” This silent flag represents a nation’s ideals clashing with the reality of its current state, muted and disconnected from the individual’s immediate reality.

Graham continues by reflecting on Teresa of Avila, a mystic who experienced visions of Christ. Teresa’s advice to her followers, “staying alive is the most costly gift you have to offer Him,” ties back to the breakdancing boy and the theme of survival. Teresa’s visions are described in fragmented, almost surreal imagery: "First the fingertips, there in mid-air, / clotting, floating, held up by the invisible." These visions symbolize a gradual revelation, mirroring the boy’s gradual and rhythmic dance movements.

The poem’s exploration of Teresa's visions leads to broader existential reflections: "I'm listening to where she must not choke, / I’m listening to where he must not be betrayed." The repetition underscores the tension and the stakes involved in both spiritual and physical survival. Graham’s invocation of radioactive waste and the transformation of the land into something tainted and dangerous echoes the societal and environmental degradation observed in contemporary life.

In a poignant return to the dance metaphor, Graham suggests that the end is "an animal growing by / accretion, image by image, vote by / vote." The layering of images, memories, and decisions creates a living history that continuously shapes the present and future. The “jackpot” of the here and now emphasizes the fleeting nature of each moment and the delicate balance of survival.

The poem closes with a reflective tone, contemplating the transience and permanence of actions and memories: “frame after frame of nowhere / turning into the living past.” This imagery encapsulates the transformation of individual moments into collective history, underscoring the continuity and interconnectedness of personal and communal experiences.

"Breakdancing" by Jorie Graham masterfully blends personal, societal, and historical narratives into a cohesive meditation on survival, faith, and the human condition. Through vivid imagery and layered metaphors, the poem invites readers to reflect on the resilience required to navigate the complexities of life, the interplay between individual and collective experiences, and the transformative power of faith and expression.

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