Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Waking, the Cheering Begins" by Stephen Dobyns is a vivid and tension-filled poem that explores themes of internal conflict, identity, and anticipation of an unknown yet seemingly inevitable event. Through metaphors of war and a public spectacle, Dobyns creates a sense of foreboding and introspection, examining the psychological state of an individual at a pivotal moment.

The poem begins with an intense image: a person rising from a chair, described as a bullet in a chamber, suggesting potential violence or explosive action waiting to be triggered. This imagery sets a tone of urgency and danger, emphasizing the high stakes of the protagonist's situation.

Dobyns uses the motif of "rising" to signify a transformation or awakening, not just physically but psychologically, as the protagonist becomes aware of his "other" preparing for action. This other self is described in terms reminiscent of preparing for battle or a dangerous mission, with "the smell of oil, strips of cloth," which could be interpreted as the process of cleaning a weapon or gearing up for a violent encounter.

The protagonist faces a labyrinth of tunnels, a metaphor for the choices or paths in life that one must navigate. The decision he faces is critical, as all tunnels but one will be destroyed. This scenario underlines the existential weight of his decision, as he perceives no difference between the paths, making the choice even more agonizing and fraught with uncertainty.

In contrast to the tension of this decision, the next room offers a mundane yet sinister repetition of a dripping faucet, which Dobyns describes as "repeats the meaning of silence." This repetition emphasizes the oppressive silence that surrounds the protagonist, adding to the psychological pressure and isolation he feels.

The imagery shifts to a fairground, which contrasts with the earlier scenes of preparation and tension. The fairground should be a place of joy and community, yet it is depicted as eerie and unsettling, with "a circle of striped tents, ferris wheels; a man selling song-birds, each with a leg tied to the ground." The image of birds tied down suggests entrapment and control, reflecting back on the protagonist's own situation.

The protagonist is then depicted in an "open car," surrounded by a silent, motionless crowd holding flags and signs. This scene is reminiscent of a political rally or a parade, yet there is an ominous stillness to it. The crowd's silence and the difficulty the protagonist faces in reading the signs contribute to a sense of alienation and impending doom.

As the poem builds to its climax, the protagonist sees his other self approaching, crossing into his line of sight. This moment of confrontation with his other self suggests a moment of self-recognition or self-confrontation, where the protagonist must face his inner conflicts or fears head-on.

The poem concludes with a tense anticipation of action, as the crowds wait for a signal to begin cheering, the flags rustle slightly in the wind, and the protagonist moves toward his other self. The atmosphere is charged with the potential for violence or revelation, leaving the reader in suspense about the outcome.

"Waking, the Cheering Begins" masterfully uses vivid imagery and metaphor to explore themes of duality, choice, and destiny. Dobyns crafts a psychological landscape that is both introspective and fraught with external tension, capturing the complex interplay between internal struggles and external pressures in shaping one’s decisions and actions.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...