Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Perpetual Motion: 2" by Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge is a continuation of the exploration into themes of nature, connection, and the nuances of perception introduced in the first part of the series. This segment delves deeper into the intimate relationship between the observer and the observed, employing vivid imagery to convey moments of contact and transformation.

The opening line, "I touch your face of rosewood and sap," immediately establishes a tactile connection that is both intimate and rich with natural imagery. Rosewood, known for its beauty and durability, and sap, the lifeblood of trees, together evoke a sense of warmth, life, and the enduring qualities of nature. This line suggests a blending of human and natural elements, where touching the face becomes an act of communion with the natural world.

The mention of "the last vanished yellow of sunset on the mountain" captures a specific moment of transition from day to night. This imagery not only paints a vivid picture of the landscape but also symbolizes the fleeting nature of time and the beauty found in moments of change. The sunset, with its ephemeral yellow light, becomes a metaphor for the impermanent yet impactful connections we make with the world around us.

The poem concludes with "the first cellular light of a flank," which introduces the idea of beginnings and the most fundamental levels of existence. The use of "cellular" suggests a focus on the basic building blocks of life, while "flank" can imply the side of a mountain or the side of a living creature, further blurring the lines between the human and the natural. This line evokes the dawn or the initial emergence of light, paralleling the concept of perpetual motion with the continuous cycle of day and night, life and death, and the constant state of becoming in the natural world.

"Perpetual Motion: 2" is a lyrical meditation on the interconnectedness of human experiences with the rhythms and cycles of nature. Berssenbrugge's concise yet potent use of imagery invites readers to contemplate the ways in which we are part of the larger tapestry of life, touching and being touched by the natural world in a perpetual dance of connection and change. Through this poem, Berssenbrugge challenges us to see beyond the surface, to recognize the depth and complexity of our relationship with nature, and to find beauty in the transient, ever-shifting moments of existence.

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

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