Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In June Jordan's "Resolution #1003," the poet outlines a personal manifesto that serves as a guide for how she will navigate relationships and emotions. The poem is structured around a series of resolutions that reflect a commitment to reciprocity and self-respect in her interactions with others.

The opening lines, "I will love who loves me / I will love as much as I am loved," set the tone for the entire piece. Jordan emphasizes the importance of mutual affection, suggesting that her capacity to love is directly influenced by the love she receives. This reciprocal approach underscores a desire for balanced and equitable relationships, where love is given and received in equal measure.

Following this, the poet declares, "I will hate who hates me / I will feel nothing for everyone oblivious to me." These lines indicate a clear stance on how she will respond to negative emotions and indifference. By matching hatred with hatred and indifference with indifference, Jordan establishes boundaries that protect her from unreciprocated or negative feelings. This resolution reveals a pragmatic approach to relationships, where emotional investment is contingent on the actions and attitudes of others.

"I will stay indifferent to indifference" further reinforces Jordan's stance on emotional reciprocity. By maintaining indifference toward those who are indifferent to her, she avoids wasting emotional energy on people who do not acknowledge or value her presence. This line reflects a determination to focus her attention and feelings on those who genuinely care about her.

The subsequent resolution, "I will live hostile to hostility," mirrors the earlier declarations about love and hate. Here, Jordan commits to meeting hostility with hostility, suggesting a stance of self-defense and assertiveness in the face of aggression. This resolution underscores her resolve to protect herself from harm and to respond appropriately to negative treatment.

In the lines, "I will make myself a passionate and eager lover in response to passionate and eager love," Jordan highlights the importance of passion and eagerness in relationships. This resolution captures her willingness to fully engage and invest in relationships that offer the same level of intensity and commitment. It reflects a dynamic approach to love, where her actions are directly influenced by the behavior and emotions of her partner.

The concluding line, "I will be nobody’s fool," serves as a powerful affirmation of self-respect and autonomy. This resolution encapsulates the essence of the entire poem, emphasizing Jordan's determination to protect herself from being taken advantage of or mistreated. It reinforces her commitment to maintaining dignity and self-worth in all her interactions.

Overall, "Resolution #1003" is a concise yet profound declaration of Jordan's approach to relationships and emotions. Through a series of resolute statements, she articulates a philosophy of reciprocity, self-respect, and assertiveness. The poem reflects her desire for balanced and equitable relationships, where love, hate, and indifference are met with corresponding emotions, and where passion and eagerness are reciprocated. By outlining these resolutions, Jordan not only asserts her boundaries but also empowers herself to navigate the complexities of human connections with clarity and strength.

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