Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Forgetting Something" by Nick Flynn is a poem that delves into the themes of memory, trauma, and human connection. Through a series of fragmented and unsettling images, Flynn explores the complexity of remembering and the instinct to both cling to and flee from painful memories. The poem challenges the reader to confront the ways in which we deal with the past, often oscillating between suppression and revelation.

The poem begins with an instruction, or perhaps a suggestion, to "close your eyes," setting the stage for an intimate and introspective interaction. This directive is immediately complicated by the conditional "when—if—we see each other again," introducing a sense of uncertainty and the ephemeral nature of human relationships. This opening sets a tone of precariousness regarding human connection, suggesting that encounters are fleeting and not guaranteed.

Flynn then introduces an element of control or restraint by suggesting that "first we should tie our hands to something / solid—bedpost, doorknob— otherwise they (wild birds) / might startle us / awake." Here, the hands metaphorically transform into wild birds, symbols of freedom and uncontrolled movement but also of potential chaos. Tying them down can be seen as an attempt to control one's actions or impulses, particularly in emotionally charged situations. The fear of being startled awake implies that there is a comfort in the numbness or the 'sleep' of forgetting, highlighting the human tendency to avoid dealing with traumatic memories.

The poem then shifts to a darker scene with the mention of a "warehouse beside the airport," containing "a man in each box." This image evokes feelings of confinement and isolation, and perhaps alludes to secret detentions or tortures, scenes where human rights are obscured and suppressed. Each man reacts differently to stimuli—crying uncontrollably when exposed to light, or becoming emotionally deadened at the sight of a son's photo. These reactions reflect the varied ways individuals respond to trauma, with some unable to stop their tears while others retreat into emotional numbness.

The lines "Turn up / the heat, turn up the song" suggest attempts to drown out or override the discomfort of these memories, whether through physical or auditory means. It points to a human tendency to amplify other sensations as a distraction from painful truths.

The concluding lines of the poem propose a symbolic action if the two individuals meet again: "make / a cage of our bodies—inside we can place / whatever still shines." This imagery suggests a paradoxical desire to protect and preserve what is left of beauty or purity, by creating a barrier with their bodies. Yet, the idea of a cage also implies confinement and restraint, resonating with the earlier themes of control and containment. This cage could be a safe space for treasured memories or perhaps a trap, confining both the individuals and their unresolved pasts.

Overall, "Forgetting Something" by Nick Flynn is a deeply evocative poem that uses vivid, sometimes jarring imagery to probe the depths of human memory and the complex interplay between remembering and forgetting. It captures the pain and the protective mechanisms people employ in the face of trauma, reflecting on the ways we both confront and hide from our pasts.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...