Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "And the Rustling Bough as an Alphabet" navigates the duality and vast range of natural phenomena, particularly the movement of air, to explore deeper philosophical questions about order, chaos, and the existence of a governing force. The poem's structure and imagery create a powerful reflection on the complexities and unpredictabilities of life.

The poem begins by describing the movement of air as "schizophrenic," a term that immediately introduces the theme of duality and unpredictability. The use of "schizophrenic" suggests a mind divided, a force that can manifest in gentle, almost caressing motions as well as in violent, destructive outbursts. This dichotomy is further emphasized through the contrast between the "gentlemost fingering" of lingerie drying on a line and the "hurricane-force destruction" that can flatten buildings. These contrasting images encapsulate the full spectrum of the wind's power, from the tender and delicate to the brutal and catastrophic.

The imagery of "lingerie out drying" evokes a sense of domestic tranquility and everyday life. The "subtle lilt of those acrylic petals" suggests a gentle, almost loving touch, emphasizing the wind's capacity for softness and grace. This peaceful scene is starkly contrasted with the violent image of buildings flattened in a "gang-style execution." The choice of words here, particularly "gang-style execution," introduces a sense of premeditated violence and chaos, highlighting the wind's potential for destruction and indiscriminate power.

Goldbarth then poses a profound question: "Could anything be in charge of all this, of all this simultaneously?" This question touches on the age-old philosophical and theological debate about the existence of a higher power or governing force that controls the chaos and order of the universe. The poem suggests that if such a force exists, it would be akin to a "blind God," one that reads the world by "braille." This metaphor of a blind God reading the world by touch rather than sight suggests a deity that navigates the complexities of existence without clear vision, feeling its way through the chaos and order.

The idea of reading the world by "braille" also implies a sense of intimacy and immediacy. Braille is a tactile system of reading, relying on touch and physical contact, which contrasts with the visual and often detached act of reading print. This metaphor suggests that the governing force, if it exists, is deeply and intimately connected to the world, feeling its way through the diverse and multifaceted experiences of life.

The poem's title, "And the Rustling Bough as an Alphabet," reinforces the idea of nature as a form of communication or language. The rustling of leaves in the wind becomes an alphabet, a series of symbols and signs that can be read and interpreted. This imagery ties back to the idea of a blind God reading the world by braille, suggesting that the natural world is a text to be read and understood, even if its meaning is elusive and complex.

In conclusion, "And the Rustling Bough as an Alphabet" by Albert Goldbarth is a meditation on the duality and range of natural phenomena, using the movement of air as a metaphor for the complexities of life. The poem juxtaposes images of gentle tranquility and violent destruction to explore deeper philosophical questions about order, chaos, and the existence of a governing force. Through its rich imagery and thought-provoking metaphors, the poem invites readers to contemplate the intricate and often paradoxical nature of existence.

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