Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"I Like to Collapse" by Joseph Ceravolo is a poem that delves into themes of connection, vulnerability, and the transient moments that define human experience. Through its sparse structure and vivid imagery, the poem captures a fleeting instance of intimacy set against the backdrop of an urban landscape, invoking a sense of simplicity and depth in the everyday.

The poem opens with a mundane yet intimate action: "Saturday night I buy a soda." This line sets the scene in the ordinary world, grounding the poem in a specific moment of leisure or routine. The act of buying a soda, a simple pleasure, introduces the theme of seeking comfort or connection in small gestures.

"Someone’s hand opens I hold it" immediately shifts the focus from the solitary act of buying a soda to an unexpected moment of human connection. The opening of the hand can be seen as a metaphor for vulnerability and invitation, while holding it signifies acceptance and shared intimacy. This brief encounter, devoid of any context or explanation, highlights the spontaneity and significance of connecting with another person, even in the most fleeting way.

"It begins to rain" introduces a change in the environment, adding a layer of atmosphere and emotion to the scene. Rain often symbolizes renewal, sadness, or reflection, and its sudden onset here can be interpreted as transforming the moment, deepening the sense of connection or perhaps adding a sense of melancholy to the encounter.

"Avenue A is near the river" concludes the poem with a geographical anchoring that expands the setting beyond the immediate vicinity to the broader landscape of the city. The mention of the river adds a sense of movement and continuity, suggesting the flow of life and the passage of time. It also serves to place the poem within a specific urban context, reminding the reader of the constant presence of nature, even in the most built environments.

"I Like to Collapse" by Joseph Ceravolo is a contemplative piece that revels in the beauty of fleeting connections and the profound impact of small moments against the vast canvas of life. The poem invites readers to reflect on the moments of vulnerability and intimacy that punctuate our existence, reminding us of the potential for meaningful encounters amidst the routine of daily life. Through its concise and evocative language, the poem captures the essence of human experience, highlighting the interplay between individual moments and the larger world in which they unfold.

POEM TEXT: https://poets.org/poem/i-collapse

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