Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"What Kind of Man" by Yehuda Amichai is a contemplative poem that delves into the poet's self-identity, juxtaposing the complexity of his inner life with the simplicity and antiquity of his physical being. Amichai, an influential Israeli poet, is known for his ability to intertwine personal introspection with broader existential themes, and this poem is a quintessential example of that style.

The poem opens with a rhetorical question, "What kind of man are you?" which sets the stage for a deep exploration of the poet's self. Amichai describes himself as a man with a "complex network of pipes in my soul," indicating a rich, intricate inner life full of "sophisticated machineries of emotion." This complexity is a product of the modern era, suggesting that he is influenced by contemporary thoughts and feelings.

Yet, Amichai contrasts this modernity with the antiquity of his body and soul. He speaks of having "an old body from ancient days and a God more obsolete even than my body." This reference to an ancient body and an obsolete God could reflect a sense of disconnect with contemporary religious practices or a feeling of being out of step with the present.

Amichai continues to describe himself as a man "for the surface of the earth," implying a preference for the tangible, the real, and the immediate aspects of life. He expresses discomfort with heights and depths – both literal and metaphorical – indicating a desire to remain grounded in the realities of the world he inhabits.

The poet uses culinary utensils as metaphors to further illustrate his identity. He is not sharp or penetrating like a fork or knife, nor cunning like a spatula. Instead, he sees himself as "a heavy and clumsy pestle," blending good and evil to extract "a little flavor, a little fragrance." This self-description suggests a desire to find meaning and value in life's complexities and ambiguities.

The poem also touches on the theme of destiny and the passage of time. Amichai speaks of conducting his business "as if carrying out a long will that began to be written the moment I was born." This line conveys a sense of inevitability and predestination in his life's journey.

In the concluding lines, the poet stands wearily on the sidewalk, leaning on a parking meter, free yet bound by the limitations of his human existence. The final lines, "I'm not a car, I'm a human being, a man-god, a god-man whose days are numbered. Hallelujah," encapsulate the duality of his existence – mortal yet divine, finite yet celebrating life.

Overall, "What Kind of Man" is a reflective poem that delves into the poet's self-identity, exploring themes of complexity, antiquity, mortality, and the search for meaning in the human condition.

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