Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Last Word Is Captain" by Yehuda Amichai is a poignant reflection on the accumulation of memories and their impact on one's sense of self. The poem navigates the metaphorical journey of memories from the confines of the mind to the physicality of the body, illustrating the pervasive influence of the past on the individual.

The opening lines, "Because my head hasn't grown / since I stopped growing, and my memories have piled up inside me," establish a contrast between physical and psychological growth. The speaker's physical growth has ceased, but the accumulation of memories continues. This ongoing process of remembering and internalizing experiences suggests a form of growth that is not physical but emotional and psychological.

Amichai employs the metaphor of the body as a "walking archive" to convey how memories are not just mental constructs but are deeply ingrained in one's physical being. The memories are described as being stored in "my belly and my thighs and legs," signifying their pervasive and inescapable presence. This embodiment of memories suggests that the past is not just something recalled; it becomes a part of who we are, shaping our identity and influencing our actions.

The poem also touches on the theme of the burden of memory. The speaker likens himself to "an overloaded ship," with memories as a "cargo hold weighing down." This imagery suggests that the accumulation of memories can be overwhelming, perhaps even burdensome, affecting one's ability to navigate the present.

In the concluding lines, "Sometimes I want to lie down on a park bench: that would change my status from Lost Inside to Lost Outside," the speaker expresses a desire to externalize his internal state of being lost in memories. The act of lying down on a park bench symbolizes a surrender or a release from the weight of these internal experiences. It represents a shift from being internally consumed by memories to acknowledging this lostness in the external world.

"Last Word Is Captain" is a contemplative exploration of how memories shape our sense of self. Amichai skillfully uses the metaphor of the body as a repository of memories to convey the profound impact of the past on our present existence. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with the weight of memories and the continuous effort to find balance between the past and the present.

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