Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Peter Gizzi’s "Plain Song" is a meditation on the myriad ways humans interpret and find meaning in the world around them. Through a series of observations and declarations framed by the phrase "some say," Gizzi explores the diverse perspectives that shape our understanding of life, nature, and existence.

The poem opens with reflections on the simplicity and profoundness of natural phenomena and human experience: "Some say a baby cries for the life to come some say leaves are green 'cause it looks good against the blue / some say the grasses blow because it is earth's instrument some say we were born to cry." These lines juxtapose scientific explanations with poetic interpretations, highlighting the blend of wonder and rationality that characterizes human thought. The crying baby and the green leaves against a blue sky evoke innocence and the innate beauty found in everyday sights and sounds.

Gizzi continues to delve into various beliefs and myths: "Some say that the sun comes close every year because it wants to be near us / some say the waters rise to meet it others say the moon is our mother, ma mère." These lines personify celestial bodies, attributing human-like desires and familial roles to the sun and the moon. This personification underscores the deep connection humans feel with the natural world and the comfort derived from viewing it in relational terms.

The poem transitions to consider the symbolic nature of birds and language: "Some say birds overhead are a calligraphy: every child learning the words 'home' / some say that the land and the language are the father some say the land is not ours some say in time we'll rise to meet it." The image of birds as calligraphy suggests that nature itself is a form of writing, teaching us essential truths about home and belonging. The contrasting views on land ownership reflect broader themes of identity, colonization, and the evolving relationship between humans and their environment.

Gizzi's exploration of natural elements continues: "Some say there are the rushes the geese the tributaries and the reeds / Some say the song of the dove is an emblem of thought some say lightning and some the electric light some say they are brothers." These lines connect various aspects of the natural world, highlighting their interconnectedness and the different ways people find meaning in them. The comparison of lightning and electric light as brothers suggests a kinship between natural and human-made phenomena, emphasizing the continuity between the organic and the technological.

The poem touches on the nature of perception and reality: "Some say beauty is only how you look at it and some beauty is what we have some say there is no beauty some truth." This reflection on beauty and truth encapsulates the subjective nature of these concepts and the ongoing debate about their existence and significance. The acknowledgment that beauty and truth can be seen differently by different people underscores the poem’s central theme of diverse perspectives.

Gizzi also addresses scientific and philosophical questions: "Some say the ground is stable others the earth is round for some it is a stone / I say the earth is porous and we fall constantly." This assertion of the earth’s porosity suggests a view of life as unstable and ever-changing, where nothing is fixed or permanent. The idea of constant falling evokes a sense of vulnerability and the perpetual motion of life.

The poem concludes with a reflection on simplicity and complexity: "Some say all of these things and some say not some say the way of the beekeeper is not their way some say the way of the beekeeper is the only way some say simple things all there are are simple things." This passage emphasizes the coexistence of simplicity and complexity in human beliefs and practices. The beekeeper’s way symbolizes a life dedicated to a specific, harmonious practice, contrasting with those who see simplicity in everything.

"Plain Song" is a rich and contemplative poem that invites readers to consider the many ways people make sense of the world. Through its repetitive structure and diverse declarations, Gizzi captures the multiplicity of human thought and the beauty found in varied interpretations. The poem celebrates the complexity of perception and the endless possibilities for understanding life’s mysteries.

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