Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Finding the Direction" by Stephen Dobyns is a reflective and somewhat enigmatic poem that explores themes of introspection, memory, and the search for meaning within the silence and stillness of one's own consciousness. Through a series of vivid, often surreal images, Dobyns navigates the internal landscape of the self, suggesting that true understanding and direction may require a departure from conventional paths and perceptions.

The opening lines introduce a tranquil, almost mystical setting—a place where "the grass sleeps." This imagery evokes a sense of pause, a momentary suspension of the relentless march of time, symbolized by the clocks that "will turn twice and discover the necessity of stopping." The quietude of this place stands in stark contrast to the motion and noise of the everyday world, represented by the passing buses and their sleeping passengers, and offers a space for contemplation and reorientation.

The reference to a lone, awake passenger engrossed in a familiar mystery novel underscores the theme of repetition and the cyclical nature of human experience. It suggests that even within the journey, there can be a sense of stasis, a failure to engage with the unfolding landscape and the potential for new insights.

Dobyns employs the image of moving backward, like a crab, as a metaphor for the process of self-examination and the retrieval of lost or forgotten aspects of the self. This backward motion, driven by the need to recover what has been left behind, symbolizes a departure from linear progression and the recognition that understanding may require revisiting and reassessing past experiences.

The poem speaks to the cacophony of the forward direction, the "too much shouting" that can drown out the subtler, internal dialogues essential for personal growth. The journey backward, then, becomes a quest for silence and clarity amidst the noise, a way to reclaim the "essentials" lost along the way.

The transformation of the grass from dormant to awake and twisting mirrors the speaker's own awakening and movement. This parallel between the external and internal worlds highlights the interconnectedness of self and environment, suggesting that the journey to self-discovery is both influenced by and reflected in the natural world.

The closing image of planting and nurturing the "teeth of some dragons," which are "very small," introduces the theme of potential and the careful cultivation of one's inner resources. The act of planting, watering, and watching the ground for signs of growth serves as a metaphor for the attentive, nurturing attitude required to foster personal development and transformation.

"Finding the Direction" is a poetic meditation on the paths we take toward understanding ourselves and our place in the world. Through its use of striking imagery and contemplative tone, the poem invites readers to consider the value of stillness, the significance of memory, and the potential for renewal and growth that lies within the act of looking backward as well as forward. Dobyns crafts a narrative that is both personal and universal, challenging us to find our own direction by embracing the fullness of our experiences, both past and present.

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