Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"English as a Second Language" by April Bernard is a richly textured and evocative poem that explores themes of desire, communication, and the intimate power of voice. The poem delves into the complex dynamics between the speaker and an enigmatic figure, whose voice becomes a central focus of fascination and longing. Through vivid imagery and nuanced emotional undertones, Bernard captures the allure of the other's voice and its profound impact on the speaker.

The poem opens with an attempt to describe the voice that emanates from the TV, comparing it to "thick smoky cheese" and then revising this simile to "dark as burnt flan, sweet, / venison-sweet in the heavy smoke / of a tavern hearth, and hot as brandy." These sensory descriptions convey the voice's richness, complexity, and warmth, suggesting an intoxicating and irresistible quality that captivates the speaker.

The setting of a theater "on 13th near Third" introduces a backdrop of performance and artifice, hinting at the layers of interpretation and presentation that mediate human interactions. The mention of "losers are the ones who crack first" suggests a game of endurance or a contest of wills, possibly referring to the emotional stakes involved in their relationship or the broader context of navigating identity and expression in a second language.

The speaker's offering of "azured hours, nights" to the enigmatic figure evokes a sense of time and experience shared, yet tinged with melancholy or unfulfillment. The image of the other placing their "soul, / pretty as a dead mouse, at my feet" is striking, blending notions of vulnerability, sacrifice, and perhaps a hint of macabre or unsettling beauty.

The poem then shifts to the physicality of the voice, with "Gutturals, the candles guttering backstage." This line reinforces the connection between voice and the body, emphasizing the raw, primal elements of speech and sound. The assertion that "Your voice went everywhere / you dared not put your hands" powerfully conveys the idea of voice as a vehicle for exploration, intimacy, and transgression. It suggests that the voice can reach places and express desires that physical actions cannot, highlighting the unique power of language and communication to bridge distances and touch the listener in profound ways.

"English as a Second Language" is a deeply layered and compelling poem that invites readers to contemplate the ways in which language, voice, and desire intersect and shape our experiences of connection and longing. Through her skillful use of imagery and metaphor, April Bernard crafts a narrative that resonates with emotional depth and linguistic richness, offering insights into the complexities of communication and the human condition.

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