Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Open" by Larry Eigner is a contemplative piece that delves into themes of perception, self-awareness, and the transient nature of existence. The poem unfolds through a series of reflections and observations that explore the interplay between the individual and the external world, underscored by a sense of fluidity and change.

The opening lines, "They nod at me and I at stems / Yes, I agree / But I flower myself. or can't change," immediately set a tone of interaction—between the speaker and the environment, and possibly between the speaker's internal self and external expressions. The nodding, a gesture of recognition or agreement, suggests a responsive relationship with the world. However, the speaker asserts a kind of self-actualization or transformation that is intrinsic and unique to them, hinted at by the phrase "I flower myself."

The use of the phrase "or can't change" introduces a nuanced conflict between the potential for personal growth and the limitations imposed either by oneself or by external circumstances. This duality is further explored in the subsequent lines where the passage of time and the act of moving through space are depicted as inevitable yet mundane: "Yes, passes. / As I, pass on the air."

"As i, pause / As i dream, sight" these lines slow the poem's rhythm, suggesting moments of introspection or reverie, where the speaker contemplates more deeply on their perceptions and experiences. The reference to "sight" here may imply both the literal act of seeing and a deeper, metaphorical insight.

"I have been on all sides my face and my back / Disappears anytime a world can / Reality / dissolve" captures a profound sense of impermanence and fluid identity. The speaker acknowledges their multifaceted nature and the ephemeral quality of existence, where reality itself can dissolve, leaving abstract concepts in its wake. The repetition of "abstract, abstract" emphasizes the intangibility and elusive quality of reality, further distancing the speaker from a concrete sense of being.

"Seeing that word / blue against the stack-" introduces a specific visual image that contrasts with the abstract nature of the previous thoughts. This could symbolize a moment of clarity or a significant realization that stands out against the backdrop of confusion or complexity represented by "the stack."

The closing lines, "o i walk i walk / the pavements / assume they are yellow / the flowers seem to nod," bring the poem full circle to the physical movement through space and interactions with the environment. The assumption that "the pavements are yellow" might imply a subjective coloring of the world according to the speaker's mood or perception, while the nodding flowers suggest a continuous, albeit ambiguous, engagement with the natural world.

Overall, "Open" is a richly textured exploration of existential themes, woven through the interplay of self and surroundings, change and constancy, perception and reality. Eigner’s sparse style and the thoughtful arrangement of phrases guide the reader through a reflective journey that challenges the boundaries between the internal self and the external world.

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