Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth’s poem "A History of Civilization" offers a rich tapestry of imagery and metaphor, weaving together scenes from different eras and settings to reflect on the continuity and complexity of human experience. The poem moves seamlessly from a modern dating bar to a traditional grocery store, then to a group of elderly men playing dominoes, and finally to a scene of cats in estrus. This progression illustrates the interconnectedness of human activities, desires, and histories, emphasizing how civilization is built upon layers of such mundane yet significant moments.

The poem opens in a dating bar, where the atmosphere is charged with subtle anticipation and desire. The imagery of potted ferns "leaning down conspiratorially" and "spore-studded elopement ladders" suggests a natural, almost primal inclination towards connection and intimacy. The reference to "the two top buttons / of every silk blouse" being "half-undone" conveys a sense of readiness and vulnerability, a willingness to engage in the ritual of courtship. This setting represents the present moment, characterized by social interaction and the pursuit of companionship.

Moving to the back of the bar, the poem transitions to a family-run grocery store, a symbol of tradition and continuity. The description of the store as "necklaced over and over: strings of leeks, greek olives, sardines" evokes a sense of abundance and cultural richness. The meticulous attention to the coffee barrel's "cordovan sheen" and the register "as intricate as a Sicilian shrine" highlights the care and pride invested in maintaining this space. This scene underscores the importance of heritage and the passing down of knowledge and values through generations.

The poem then shifts to a ring of elderly men playing dominoes by a hearth. Their "somber-gabardined" appearance and the fact that their stubble "picks up the flicker like filaments / still waiting for the bulb or the phone to be invented" suggest a connection to an older, perhaps simpler time. The reference to their coughs and phlegms being "in an older language" underscores the idea that they are relics of a bygone era, carrying forward traditions and memories that may seem out of place in the modern world. Their game of dominoes, with its "simple pieces of matching numbers," symbolizes the fundamental human need for structure, order, and companionship.

In the final stanza, the poem moves to the back room, where a cat eyes another cat, driven by instinct and natural cycles. The sacks and baskets sprayed with "the sign of a cat’s having eyed a cat" emphasize the primal aspects of life that persist beneath the surface of civilization. The mention of dust motes drifting and continents moving suggests the passage of time and the continuity of natural processes, regardless of human activities. This scene, juxtaposed with the earlier images of human interaction, highlights the interconnectedness of all life and the cyclical nature of existence.

Goldbarth's use of rich, detailed imagery and subtle shifts in setting and time underscores the poem’s central theme: civilization is an intricate tapestry woven from countless individual moments and experiences, both mundane and profound. The poem invites readers to reflect on the layers of history and tradition that underpin our daily lives, reminding us of the enduring connections between past and present, the personal and the universal, the human and the natural.

In "A History of Civilization," Goldbarth masterfully captures the essence of human experience, exploring how our actions and interactions are deeply rooted in a broader continuum of life. The poem's layered imagery and seamless transitions create a vivid portrayal of civilization as a dynamic, evolving entity, shaped by both the complexities of human behavior and the inexorable forces of nature. Through this exploration, Goldbarth invites us to consider the delicate balance between tradition and change, individuality and community, desire and continuity, and to recognize the profound significance of even the simplest moments in the grand tapestry of human history.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...