Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jonathan Williams’ "Ovid, Meet a Metamorphodite" is a vibrant, playful reinterpretation of the myth of Hermaphroditus, combining classical allusion with contemporary idioms to explore themes of identity, transformation, and desire. Williams draws upon the mythological narrative from Ovid’s Metamorphoses, in which the union of Hermaphroditus and Salmacis results in a being of dual nature, but he infuses it with modern humor, linguistic agility, and a pointed commentary on gender and sexuality.

The poem opens by situating Hermaphroditus as a figure of allure and ambiguity: "a delight, a dreamboat on Lake Salmacis." This immediately establishes the duality central to the myth—Hermaphroditus as both an object of admiration and a source of confusion. The playful phrase "a dazzling dud / what wist not whut luv wuz" conveys youthful naivety while using colloquial language to undercut the high classical tone. This juxtaposition of ancient myth and modern slang typifies Williams’ irreverent yet incisive approach to classical material.

Williams’ depiction of Salmacis introduces a theatricality to the narrative. Described as being “so far beside herself / that scarcely could she stay so,” Salmacis becomes a caricature of unrestrained passion, her overwhelming desire setting the stage for the fateful encounter. The humor escalates as Williams places her in a “bushy queach”—a dense thicket—and casts her as a voyeur, spying on Hermaphroditus as he disrobes at “Muscle-Beach.” The modernized setting, complete with slang like “dongarees,” transforms the mythic moment into a scene of contemporary absurdity, where the timeless themes of attraction and pursuit are filtered through a comic lens.

The poem’s central transformation occurs with a vivid onomatopoeic “SPLASH!” signaling the moment of Salmacis’ physical embrace and the irrevocable merging of the two figures. Williams’ description of the struggle—“strive, writhe, wrest and struggle, unsnugglin’ stranger”—captures both the physicality of the encounter and its underlying tension. Salmacis, portrayed as “snake-like,” becomes a predator, her actions both seductive and constrictive, reminiscent of a boa constrictor. The phrase “applyin’ the boa bit” cleverly reinforces this dual meaning, blending mythological intensity with a comic twist.

The poem’s central question—“Hermaphroditus? / Hismaphroditus? butch? / bitch?”—exemplifies Williams’ playful interrogation of identity and duality. The rapid-fire sequence of terms reflects the confusion and complexity inherent in the merging of Hermaphroditus and Salmacis. The gendered wordplay, oscillating between masculine and feminine descriptors, mirrors the hybrid nature of the figure, challenging binary conceptions of identity. This moment of linguistic experimentation highlights Williams’ engagement with issues of gender fluidity and androgyny, presenting them as both mythic and modern concerns.

The closing lines celebrate the resulting figure as “a toy of double-shape—the cream of genes!” This phrase encapsulates the paradox of Hermaphroditus: a being that is both singular and dual, embodying the tension and harmony of opposites. The term “toy” suggests playfulness and fascination, while “the cream of genes” nods to the biological blending that results in this unique transformation. By framing the myth in terms of contemporary genetics and social commentary, Williams underscores the timeless relevance of Ovid’s tale while reimagining it for a modern audience.

In terms of form and style, the poem reflects Williams’ characteristic blend of erudition and wit. The free verse structure allows for a dynamic flow, with sudden shifts in tone and diction that mirror the volatility of the narrative. Alliteration and internal rhyme—“strive, writhe, wrest and struggle”—create a rhythmic energy that propels the reader through the poem. The mix of classical references and modern slang underscores the poem’s hybridity, mirroring the duality of Hermaphroditus and Salmacis themselves.

"Ovid, Meet a Metamorphodite" is a testament to Williams’ ability to reinterpret classical myths through a contemporary lens. By infusing Ovid’s tale with humor, modernity, and linguistic play, Williams transforms the story of Hermaphroditus into a meditation on the fluidity of identity and the enduring power of transformation. The poem celebrates the richness of hybridity, both in its subject matter and its form, offering a joyful and irreverent exploration of what it means to be multiple in one.

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