Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Getting Ready to Have Been Frightened" by Bruce Andrews is a compelling example of experimental poetry, known for its fragmented structure and non-linear narrative. This poem, like much of Andrews' work, is characterized by its avant-garde approach, eschewing conventional poetic structures and meanings for a more open-ended and interpretative experience.

The poem is composed of a series of disjointed phrases and images, each separated by a line. This structure creates a collage effect, inviting readers to make connections between the seemingly unrelated elements. The lack of clear narrative or logical sequence challenges the reader to engage with the poem on an intuitive or emotional level, rather than looking for a traditional storyline or message.

Each fragment in the poem can be seen as a snapshot, an isolated moment or thought that resists integration into a coherent whole. Phrases like "little cold streams," "a box with a lid," "wife eggshells," and "mustard womb" evoke vivid images and emotions, yet their relationship to each other is ambiguous. This ambiguity is a hallmark of Andrews' style, forcing the reader to confront the instability and subjectivity of language and meaning.

The poem's title, "Getting Ready to Have Been Frightened," suggests a preoccupation with anticipation and memory, possibly reflecting on how experiences are processed and remembered. The title itself is a play on tenses, combining future and past, which resonates with the poem's exploration of time and experience as fragmented and non-linear.

Andrews' work is often associated with the Language poetry movement, which emerged in the 1970s and 1980s. Language poets are known for their focus on the materiality of language and their skepticism about the ability of language to convey fixed meanings. They often employ techniques like disjunction, fragmentation, and non-sequitur to disrupt traditional narrative and lyrical forms, encouraging readers to actively construct meaning from the text.

In summary, "Getting Ready to Have Been Frightened" is a challenging and intriguing piece that exemplifies Bruce Andrews' innovative approach to poetry. It invites readers to engage with language in a non-traditional way, to embrace ambiguity, and to consider the fluid and often elusive nature of meaning and experience.

POEM TEXT:

https://www.beltwaypoetry.com/edge/

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