Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Tan Tien" by Mei-Mei Berssenbrugge, the reader is taken on a contemplative journey through a space that is both physical and metaphorical. The poem begins with the narrator's attempt to navigate a complex, dilapidated entrance that leads to a series of more profound, symbolic explorations of balance, symmetry, and personal discovery within a historical or spiritual compound. The use of architectural and natural elements throughout the poem serves as metaphors for the inner workings of the self and the search for equilibrium in life.

The title itself, "Tan Tien," refers to a concept from Chinese Taoism and martial arts, denoting a point in the human body believed to be the center of gravity and internal energy, further emphasizing the themes of balance and internal harmony. The narrator's journey through the physical space of the compound mirrors an inner journey toward understanding and stabilizing one's essence or spirit.

Berssenbrugge's imagery of circles on squares, the layer of sand under paving stones, and the balancing stick suggest a struggle with finding direction and maintaining a sense of self amidst external disarray. The poem subtly addresses the need for connection and guidance, as seen in the narrator's desire for someone who can listen and provide support in a crowded, disorienting environment.

The evolution of the journey from confusion to a form of enlightenment or realization is marked by the transition from physical navigation to a deeper, internalized experience of symmetry and balance. The narrator's self-perception as both a carved figure with a shadow and a balancing entity reflects a dual consciousness of being observed and being the observer, of external judgment and internal self-awareness.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the transformative power of spatial and internal alignment, suggesting that even in the absence of traditional forms of authority or prescribed paths (as symbolized by the emperor's central line), individual experiences of insight and connection to a larger cosmic or historical order are possible. The tram ride in Hong Kong, with its sudden elevation and the narrator's physical reaction, serves as a modern counterpoint to the ancient setting of Tan Tien, highlighting the ongoing human quest for understanding, stability, and a place within the broader universe.

"Tan Tien" is a richly layered poem that invites readers to consider their own journeys through physical spaces and internal landscapes, encouraging a contemplation of how balance, guidance, and historical consciousness inform personal identity and perceptions of the world.

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