Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"What We Want to Hear" by Walter Bargen unfolds as a narrative poem that captures a moment of vulnerability and unexpected solidarity amidst the stresses of modern life. Through the lens of a malfunctioning car on a busy morning, Bargen explores themes of persistence, communal assistance, and the unpredictability of daily routines. The poem's straightforward recounting of events contrasts with the complexity of emotions and societal dynamics it subtly unveils.

The poem begins with a moment of mechanical failure: the engine of the narrator's car dies on the ramp of the freeway, a situation that immediately introduces tension and uncertainty. This mechanical hiccup, while seemingly mundane, serves as a catalyst for exploring deeper human experiences—frustration, vulnerability, and the fear of impediment in the relentless flow of life. The detailed account of the car's faltering movements—lurching back to life, only to die again at a stop sign—mirrors the fits and starts of human endeavors, the constant battle against the unforeseen obstacles that life presents.

Bargen's depiction of the morning traffic rushing past the stranded narrator highlights a common urban experience: the isolation felt amidst a crowd, the sense of being a solitary struggle in the midst of communal haste. Yet, this narrative of individual struggle takes a turn towards communal effort when the car ultimately stops in the turn lane of the narrator's destination, and "three suited men" come to the aid, pushing the car into the parking lot. This act of assistance, unexpected and unasked for, introduces a moment of human connection and solidarity that stands in stark contrast to the earlier image of indifferent traffic.

The poem subtly critiques the often impersonal nature of modern society, where individuals are absorbed in their routines and destinations, yet it also offers a glimmer of hope in the form of spontaneous acts of kindness. The assistance provided by the three men is a reminder of the underlying empathy and goodwill that can emerge in moments of need, breaking through the barriers of routine self-absorption.

The final twist—that the car starts "right up" after work—adds an ironic note to the narrative, suggesting the capriciousness of both mechanical and human endeavors. This resolution could symbolize the unpredictable nature of solutions and the fact that help often arrives in unexpected forms and times. It also reflects on the transient nature of crises, how problems that seem insurmountable in one moment can become non-issues in the next, often resolved with little explanation.

"What We Want to Hear" is not just a poem about a car breaking down but a meditation on the human condition, the challenges of navigating modern life, and the unexpected moments of connection that offer relief and a sense of community. Through the simple narrative of a malfunctioning vehicle, Bargen invites readers to reflect on the broader themes of resilience, the unpredictability of life, and the importance of communal support in overcoming the obstacles we face.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/For_a_Living/ZDIa10WKf28C?q=BACA+%22I+worked+as+a+licensed+plumber,+had+my+own+tools%22&gbpv=1&bsq=BARGEN#f=false

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