Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Thought as Philosophical Torment" by Will Alexander is a profound exploration of the complexities and paradoxes inherent in human thought and understanding. The poem delves into the nature of perception, reality, and the struggle to make sense of an often chaotic and contradictory world.

The opening lines, "In the mirror of excessive drift," immediately evoke a sense of reflection and contemplation, suggesting a space where thoughts and perceptions are continuously in flux. The phrase "excessive drift" implies a state of constant movement and change, highlighting the fluid and often unstable nature of our thoughts and beliefs.

The poem discusses "values / which exist within schisms / within error wracked spectrums," suggesting that our understanding and judgments are fragmented and influenced by errors and misunderstandings. This points to the inherent limitations and fallibility of human thought, which is often divided and conflicted, struggling to grasp the fullness of truth.

Alexander's use of language is both vivid and abstract, with phrases like "glow by means of vapour / above anti-dimensional obstruction" and "the visage of metrics / tuned to a mesmeric lisp." These lines create a sense of something elusive and intangible, a reality that is difficult to define and comprehend. The imagery blends scientific and mystical elements, painting a picture of a reality that is complex and multi-layered.

The metaphor of "a rancid facial dice / thrown across ethers" conveys a sense of randomness and unpredictability in our perceptions and understanding. It suggests that our grasp of reality is subject to chance and external forces, making it difficult to achieve certainty or clarity.

The poem concludes with the idea of understanding advancing to "a macro-positional scalding," which then "collapses" and becomes "bound to invisible comradery." This could be interpreted as the process of gaining profound insight or knowledge, only for it to disintegrate or transform into a different form of understanding—one that connects us with the unseen or unknown aspects of existence.

"Thought as Philosophical Torment" is a complex and thought-provoking poem that invites readers to reflect on the nature of thought, perception, and the human struggle to make sense of the world. Alexander's use of language and imagery creates a rich tapestry of ideas, challenging us to consider the limitations and possibilities of our understanding.