Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Internal Migration: On Being on Tour" by Alan Dugan is a satirical and sharply critical poem that delves into the frustrations and absurdities experienced by an American traveler, particularly one who finds himself repeatedly within the confines of academic environments that boast of cultural centrality. This piece offers a candid look at the internal conflict between anger and composure when faced with irritating or antagonistic situations.

Dugan uses the persona of a traveling lecturer to explore the broader theme of displacement and the temporary, often unsettling, adaptation one undergoes in new environments. The lecturer’s nomadic life, moving "a thousand miles away" from one place to another, underscores a transient existence filled with continual adjustments and the need for emotional restraint.

The opening lines set the tone with the speaker acknowledging the need to control his anger: "As an American traveler I have / to remember not to get actionably mad / about the way things are around here." This self-reminder is not just about personal control but also hints at the broader social or cultural clashes one might encounter when moving from place to place. The traveler’s intention to maintain composure is humorously juxtaposed with his violent fantasies towards the dog and the wife next door, who symbolize the local annoyances he encounters.

The humor turns dark as the speaker contemplates the potential consequences of losing control: "even if it causes a slight heart attack." This hyperbolic consideration of a heart attack over mere frustration elevates the internal stakes of the poem, emphasizing the sometimes overwhelming nature of irritation and anger.

The poem takes a practical turn as the speaker considers the real dangers of imprisonment due to a lack of self-control, "Think: the new handcuffs are sharp inside / and meant to cut the wrists." Here, Dugan touches on the harsh realities of the American criminal justice system, adding a layer of serious consequence beneath the poem's sarcastic tone. The threat of physical harm in jail, losing glasses and false teeth, are vivid details that ground the speaker’s fears in reality, stressing what’s at risk with a loss of temper.

As the poem progresses, Dugan critiques the self-important perceptions of cultural centers, poking fun at the self-aggrandizement of small college towns through the repetitive and mocking names "Asshole State University at Nowheresville" and "Nowhere State University at Assholesville." These fictional names serve as satirical representations of provincial attitudes and the insular nature of academic settings, suggesting a uniformity of pretension despite geographical differences.

Ultimately, the poem reflects on the necessity of continual movement "from place to place for food and shelter," which underpins the speaker’s life. This line reveals a deeper existential motif: the relentless pursuit of basic needs amidst the absurdities and irritations of life. Dugan portrays the traveler’s journey not just as a physical movement across landscapes but as a mental and emotional navigation through the complexities and banalities of human interactions.

"Internal Migration: On Being on Tour" employs wit and dark humor to address serious themes of social conformity, personal restraint, and existential migration. Through the lens of a critical traveler, Dugan captures a universally resonant struggle between individual identity and societal norms, framed within the transient and often superficial interactions of academic locales.

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