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AFTER THE ALPHABETS, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

William Stanley Merwin's poem "After the Alphabets" contemplates the idea of a post-human language, focusing on the intricate and profound communication of insects. Through this imaginative exploration, Merwin delves into themes of knowledge, survival, and the interconnectedness of life.

The poem opens with the speaker's endeavor to understand the "language of insects," suggesting a shift from human-centric perspectives to a broader, more inclusive understanding of communication: "I am trying to decipher the language of insects / they are the tongues of the future." This line sets the stage for a reflection on the enduring and adaptive nature of insects, positioning them as future bearers of language and knowledge.

Merwin's depiction of insect vocabularies is rich with sensory and ecological imagery: "their vocabularies describe buildings as food / they can depict dark water and the veins of trees." Here, the insects' language is shown to be deeply rooted in their interaction with the environment, emphasizing a holistic and practical approach to communication. The imagery of "dark water and the veins of trees" evokes a sense of the natural world's complexity, which insects navigate and interpret in ways humans might overlook.

The poem continues to explore the breadth of insect communication: "they can convey what they do not know / and what is known at a distance / and what nobody knows." This line highlights the insects' ability to communicate uncertainty and the unknown, suggesting a form of language that is not limited by human concepts of knowledge and certainty. This idea challenges the anthropocentric notion of language as a tool for absolute understanding, presenting a more fluid and adaptive form of communication.

Merwin further illustrates the unique capabilities of insect language: "they have terms for making music with the legs / they can recount changing in a sleep like death / they can sing with wings." These descriptions underscore the diverse and multifaceted nature of insect communication, which includes auditory signals, transformative experiences, and flight. The reference to "changing in a sleep like death" alludes to metamorphosis, a process that is both mysterious and fundamental to many insects' lives.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the inherent significance of insect communication: "the speakers are their own meaning in a grammar without horizons / they are wholly articulate / they are never important they are everything." This powerful ending suggests that insects embody their language, with no separation between speaker and message. The phrase "a grammar without horizons" implies limitless possibilities and connections within their communication, contrasting with the often rigid structures of human language.

By stating that insects "are never important they are everything," Merwin emphasizes the paradoxical nature of their existence. Insects, often overlooked and deemed insignificant by humans, are in fact integral to the ecosystem and possess a form of communication that is both profound and complete.

"After the Alphabets" by William Stanley Merwin invites readers to reconsider the nature of language and communication beyond human constructs. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, Merwin celebrates the intricate and adaptive communication of insects, suggesting a broader, more inclusive understanding of life and knowledge. The poem encourages a shift in perspective, recognizing the value and significance of all forms of communication in the natural world.


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