Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Necessary and Impossible" by Henri Cole is a contemplative and deeply philosophical poem that navigates the utopian vision of a nation existing within the confines of the human mind. This nation, unlike any in our tangible reality, is defined not by its adherence to power, divinity, or societal constructs, but by its harmony with nature and the absence of human-made afflictions. Through this introspective journey, Cole engages with themes of idealism, the human condition, and the dichotomy between what is desired and what is attainable, inviting readers to reflect on the essence of a truly peaceful existence.

The poem begins by delineating what this nation is not: it is devoid of "fantasy of omnipotence" and "no God but nature," setting a tone of humility and an intrinsic connection to the natural world. This absence of a supreme being or an overarching power fantasy suggests an egalitarian society where nature is the guiding principle. The rejection of a "net of one vow" and "no dark corner of the poor" further emphasizes a vision of equality and fairness, where societal ills like poverty and exclusion do not exist.

Cole's utopia is also free from "fugue-work of hate, no hierarchies of strength, knowledge or love," pointing towards a society where love and respect permeate, unmarred by competition, prejudice, or violence. The poem meticulously outlines an environment devoid of pollution, both literal and metaphorical—"no impure water spasming from rock, no swarm of polluted flies, no ash-heap of concrete, gypsum and glass,"—highlighting a world untainted by industrial destruction or environmental neglect.

Moreover, the poem rejects the notion of "false mercy or truths buried in excrement," criticizing the superficiality and deceit that often underpin human interactions and institutions. In Cole's vision, truth and compassion are paramount, untouched by hypocrisy or corruption.

In the culminating vision of this nation, there exists no individual "face in the mirror reflecting more darkness than light, more strife than love," suggesting an inner peace and self-acceptance that mirrors the external peace of the society. This is a place of balance, where negative emotions or experiences do not overwhelm the capacity for love and positive action.

The poem closes with a serene, almost idyllic image of the speaker "sitting on a rock, tearing up bread for red and white carp pushing out of their element into mine." This act of feeding the fish symbolizes a connection between the human and natural world, a moment of inter-species harmony that encapsulates the poem's utopian ideal. The fish, venturing out of their element into that of the human's, suggests a blurring of boundaries and a unity that transcends the limitations of the physical world.

"Necessary and Impossible" presents a dual reflection on the human desire for a perfect world and the recognition of its unattainability. The poem oscillates between the aspiration for an ideal society and the acceptance of the inherent flaws and complexities of the human condition. Henri Cole crafts a meditative and evocative exploration of what constitutes a truly peaceful existence, challenging readers to contemplate the necessary steps towards such an ideal and the inevitable obstacles that render it an impossible dream. Through this poetic vision, Cole not only critiques the deficiencies of our current societal constructs but also offers a glimpse into a realm of possibility, however unattainable it may seem.

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