Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Of Being Numerous: 21," George Oppen presents a meditation on the permanence and quiet significance of seemingly ordinary objects in the world, using the image of a single brick in a brick wall as a focal point. The poem explores themes of time, memory, and the continuity of existence, offering a reflection on the relationship between the individual and the enduring elements of the physical world.

The poem begins with the simple observation, "There can be a brick / In a brick wall / The eye picks." This line suggests that within the vastness of a brick wall, the eye can isolate and focus on a single brick, highlighting its particularity amidst the uniformity. The act of "picking" the brick with the eye elevates this otherwise mundane object to a position of attention and significance. Oppen's choice to focus on such a small, seemingly insignificant part of the wall invites readers to consider the importance of individual elements within larger structures, whether they be physical, social, or existential.

The poem continues with the description, "So quiet of a Sunday / Here is the brick, it was waiting / Here when you were born." The mention of "Sunday" evokes a sense of stillness and reflection, traditionally a day of rest and contemplation. The quietness of the day enhances the meditative quality of the poem, as if time slows down, allowing the observer to truly notice and appreciate the brick's presence. The brick is not just any brick; it is "the brick," a specific and unique part of the wall that has been waiting in its place since the birth of the individual addressed in the poem—Mary-Anne.

This idea that the brick "was waiting / Here when you were born" introduces a profound sense of continuity and permanence. The brick existed before Mary-Anne was born and has remained in place throughout her life, serving as a silent witness to the passage of time. This enduring presence contrasts with the transience of human life, suggesting that certain elements of the world remain constant even as individuals come and go.

By addressing Mary-Anne directly, Oppen personalizes the reflection, connecting the abstract idea of permanence with a specific individual. The brick becomes a symbol of the continuity of the world, something that persists across generations, quietly existing in its place regardless of the changes in human life.

In "Of Being Numerous: 21," George Oppen invites readers to consider the quiet, enduring elements of the world that often go unnoticed but hold significance through their persistence. The poem reflects on the relationship between the individual and the physical world, suggesting that while human life is transient, certain aspects of the world remain constant, providing a sense of continuity and connection across time. Through the simple yet evocative image of a brick in a wall, Oppen explores themes of time, memory, and the enduring presence of the world around us.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...