Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with a direct address that questions the addressee's awareness of the body's needs and joys, suggesting a disconnection or disregard for physical existence. This introduction sets the tone for a meditation on the importance of recognizing and honoring the body's role in human experience.

The mention of "sponsion, re- / sponse" introduces the idea of mutual obligation and interaction, both in personal relationships and in the broader context of human existence. The poet's claim of going "surety" for the addressee underscores a sense of responsibility and care, while also hinting at frustration with the perceived imbalance in their relationship.

Blackburn's invocation of Moloch, a deity associated with child sacrifice in the Bible, serves as a stark metaphor for the destructive forces that humans can worship or submit to, whether knowingly or unknowingly. The vivid scene of men offering their seed to Moloch as an act of devotion contrasts sharply with the biblical commandment against such sacrifices, highlighting the tension between ancient practices and moral imperatives.

The questioning of why fire is both a personal and communal element reflects on the fundamental human attraction to warmth, light, and the transformative power of fire. This motif is explored further in the intimate scene described as "los dos," where the focus on breathing and the movement of the body emphasizes the deep connection and presence within a shared physical space.

The reference to Leviticus and the mention of "oil for the lamps" bring in elements of ritual and the sacred, juxtaposing these with the more immediate and tangible aspects of human relationships. Blackburn's shifting of responsibility and the weight of the world onto his own back metaphorically represents the burden of trying to navigate and reconcile these various dimensions of life.

The poem's closing stanzas delve into the poet's personal struggle with the expectations and demands placed upon him, whether by others or by himself. The expression of a desire for death, "I hope I die / soon," conveys a moment of despair and exhaustion, yet it also serves as a poignant reflection on the weariness that can come from the continuous effort to find balance and meaning in one's existence.

"Crank It Up For All Of Us, But Let Me Heaven Go" is a powerful exploration of the human condition, marked by Blackburn's characteristic lyrical intensity and depth of thought. Through its examination of the sacred and profane, the poem invites readers to consider the complexities of the physical and spiritual realms, the nature of sacrifice and devotion, and the perpetual quest for understanding and connection amidst the contradictions of life.

POEM TEXT: https://writing.upenn.edu/epc/authors/blackburn/blackburn_crank.html

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