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CEREMONY OF OPENING THE MOUTH AND THE EYES, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Forrest Gander’s poem “Ceremony of Opening the Mouth and the Eyes” intricately explores the depth of human connection, perception, and the interplay of language and understanding. Through a series of vivid, sensory-rich images, Gander delves into the nuances of communication, presence, and the profound moments of realization that bridge the gap between individuals.

The poem opens in a moment of stillness and anticipation: “Now, for instance, in the after-storm sheen, just when you are beginning your sentence leaning toward me taking a deep breath.” This sets the scene of an intimate interaction, where the atmospheric conditions after a storm mirror the clarity and heightened perception between the speaker and their companion. The phrase “after-storm sheen” evokes a sense of renewal and clarity, suggesting a fresh start or a moment of pristine awareness.

Gander then describes the "merely allowed seeing, the between / dips of the head when horses water, aromatized by sweat, the air vibrant with mosquitoes." This imagery blends the ordinary with the exquisite, highlighting the beauty in commonplace moments. The detailed description of the horses, sweat, and mosquitoes creates a tactile and olfactory richness, grounding the reader in the physical world while also hinting at the deeper, emotional layers of the interaction.

The speaker becomes absorbed in the presence of the other, describing it as being “rapt of you, impregnate with your conversation, / even in this exquisite and common / HERE.” The use of “rapt” and “impregnate” suggests an intense immersion and a blending of the physical and intellectual realms. The capitalization of “HERE” emphasizes the importance of the present moment, grounding the interaction in the immediacy of now.

The speaker experiences a transcendence of the spoken word, falling “through our part of the text to the scrim beyond your word in slow anguilliform movements.” This metaphor of eel-like movements captures the fluid and elusive nature of understanding, as if the speaker is navigating through layers of meaning beneath the surface of the conversation. The comparison to eels, which swim “palindromically,” suggests a back-and-forth motion, indicating that understanding is not linear but rather cyclical and reciprocal.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the power and ambiguity of language: “A schizophrenic said, I heard a voice say: he is conscious of life. / Soul, multilingual in the same tongue.” This line juxtaposes mental fragmentation with the profound realization of consciousness, suggesting that understanding and communication can transcend the barriers of language and mental states. The idea of a “multilingual” soul in the same tongue highlights the multiplicity of meanings and interpretations inherent in communication.

The imagery of a dead rose in a vase “cloying with leeches” introduces a darker, more visceral element, symbolizing decay and the lingering effects of past emotions. The speaker’s interaction with the thorn, causing a wound, signifies the pain intertwined with intimacy and understanding. The “black tongues crawling my forearm called by your voice” suggests that even painful experiences are drawn by the allure and significance of the other’s presence.

Gander delves into the concept of cognition and contrast: “Because cognition comes only / by contrast. Superimposing on C7 an E-flat 7.” This musical metaphor emphasizes that understanding and awareness are achieved through the juxtaposition of different elements, creating harmony and dissonance simultaneously. The speaker acknowledges their state of being “unlocated until the later event requires me,” highlighting the fluidity of identity and presence.

The poem’s climax occurs as the speaker perceives the intricate details of their companion’s presence: “Here. Purchasing a clearance, / enclosing our names in a double cartouche.” This act of naming and enclosing suggests a formal recognition and solidification of their connection. The imagery of “thrashing in the incandescent, / formless marrow” conveys the intense, almost chaotic energy of their bond, likened to the primal and luminous essence of life.

In the final lines, Gander brings the focus back to a tender, delicate moment: “before the mourning cloak lays one / orange / egg / on / one / bittercress / leaf / next to your / finger.” This image of a butterfly laying an egg near the companion’s finger symbolizes new beginnings and the continuity of life. The speaker’s movement toward the “awakened face” of the other, described as a “waterfall of your word,” encapsulates the profound impact of their presence and the flow of communication that shapes their understanding.

“Ceremony of Opening the Mouth and the Eyes” is a rich, multilayered exploration of human connection, language, and perception. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, Forrest Gander captures the intricate dance of understanding and the profound moments of shared presence that define our relationships. The poem invites readers to consider the depth and complexity of their own interactions, reminding us of the beauty and significance found in the ordinary and the exquisite alike.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Science_Steepleflower/miMM0TaaSOMC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=CEREMONY


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