Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"To Which I Never Wanted" by Charles Bernstein is a poem that embodies the poet's characteristic playfulness with language and form, while simultaneously delving into themes of desire, rejection, and the absurdity of human endeavors. Through a collage of disparate images and ideas, Bernstein crafts a narrative that is both cryptic and revealing, challenging readers to find coherence in a seemingly incoherent world.

The poem opens with a declaration of disinterest or detachment ("to which I never wanted / any other notice"), immediately setting a tone of indifference or resignation. This opening line serves as a prelude to a series of vignettes and images that unfold in a stream-of-consciousness manner, each fragment adding layers to the poem's exploration of disconnection and disillusionment.

The mention of "mist" and its "several routines" introduces the theme of obscurity and the mundane repetition of life, suggesting a world where clarity and purpose are elusive. The playful mention of "Abracadabra chandeliers - all fake / basically" further underscores the theme of illusion and the superficial nature of appearances, questioning the authenticity of our experiences and the constructs within which we operate.

Bernstein's use of language is both whimsical and critical, as seen in the juxtaposition of the mundane with the fantastical ("Marathon madness, hoola Hopis, stained windows entreaty"). This blending of the everyday with the extraordinary invites readers to reconsider the boundaries between the real and the imagined, the significant and the trivial.

The poem's critique of societal norms and conventions is evident in the reference to "proposition nine" and the biblical commandment "Thou shalt not," both of which are presented in a context that challenges their authority and relevance. Bernstein's invocation of these elements suggests a skepticism towards the rules and regulations that govern human behavior, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of morality and ethics beyond rigid categorizations.

The motif of inertia and stagnation is captured in the lines "As if I care. Mellow movements, / no more than a senility of / ambitions," portraying a sense of apathy and disillusionment with the pursuit of goals or aspirations. This resignation is contrasted with the desire for stability and sustenance, as symbolized by the "plant that forever needs / water," reflecting the fundamental human need for care and connection despite the overwhelming sense of futility.

Ultimately, "To Which I Never Wanted" is a meditation on the complexities of human desire, the search for meaning, and the contradictions that define our existence. Bernstein's poem invites readers to navigate the chaos and confusion of life with a sense of curiosity and skepticism, challenging us to question the values and assumptions that shape our understanding of the world. Through its intricate language and evocative imagery, the poem serves as a reminder of the power of poetry to provoke thought and inspire a deeper engagement with the mysteries of the human condition.

POEM TEXT: http://eclipsearchive.org/projects/TUUMBA/TUUMBA20/Tuumba20.pdf

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