Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Perpetual Motion: 1" by Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge is a brief yet deeply evocative poem that captures a moment of contemplation and connection with nature. Through sparse language and vivid imagery, Berssenbrugge explores themes of stillness, time, and the human desire to engage with the natural world in a meaningful way.

The poem begins with an invitation or a directive: "You go to the mountains stretch in the light aquariums and wait—" This line suggests a journey or pilgrimage to a place of natural beauty and significance, where the mountains themselves are likened to "light aquariums." This metaphor is striking, as it juxtaposes the vast, open expanses of the mountains with the contained, illuminated spaces of aquariums, perhaps suggesting that the natural world, like an aquarium, is a space to be observed, contemplated, and marveled at.

The act of waiting is central to the poem, implying a pause in the usual flow of time and activity. This waiting is not passive but an active engagement with the surroundings, a readiness to experience whatever the mountains and the light may reveal.

The second part of the poem, "stillness turns in its well," delves deeper into the theme of contemplation and the nature of stillness itself. The imagery of stillness turning in a well evokes a sense of depth and motion within quietude, suggesting that stillness is not merely an absence of movement but a dynamic state of being. The well, a symbol of depth, mystery, and sustenance, becomes a metaphor for the internal space of contemplation, where stillness can be explored and understood.

"Perpetual Motion: 1" is a meditation on the paradox of seeking stillness within movement and change. The poem itself embodies the idea of perpetual motion through its exploration of stillness, as the act of contemplating stillness requires a movement of thought and perception. Berssenbrugge's use of precise language and striking imagery invites the reader to pause and reflect on their own experiences of seeking connection and understanding in the natural world.

Overall, the poem is a testament to the power of brief, concentrated expressions of thought and feeling. Berssenbrugge's ability to evoke complex ideas and emotions in just a few lines demonstrates the depth and richness that can be found in minimalist poetry. "Perpetual Motion: 1" encourages readers to consider the ways in which stillness and motion intersect in their lives and the world around them, offering a contemplative space within the perpetual motion of existence.

POEM TEXT :https://www.google.com/books/edition/I_Love_Artists/UHpY3h8nPJkC?q=&gbpv=1#f=false

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