Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Settled in August" by Clark Coolidge presents a surreal and vivid tableau, blending abstract imagery, cryptic references, and a playful use of language to explore themes of identity, loss, and the creative process. The poem is characteristic of Coolidge’s innovative approach to poetry, which often eschews traditional narrative structure in favor of associative leaps and a deep engagement with the sounds and rhythms of words.

The poem opens with the peculiar statement, "Floyd Atmosphere had his cups repossessed," immediately setting a tone of absurdity and whimsy. The mention of "amethyst" and "buckweed falls" alongside the repossession of cups introduces a contrast between the mundane and the mystical, a recurring motif throughout the poem.

Coolidge's assertion, "I think it's arbitrary the poem / shaped by idiots rising like a sun," can be interpreted as a commentary on the nature of poetic creation itself—simultaneously acknowledging the randomness and the inherent intentionality in crafting poetry. The phrase "thinking the universe doesn't get it" suggests a disconnect between the poet's vision and the broader understanding, highlighting the isolation that can accompany creative endeavors.

The entrance of "Gogo Flam" and "Spodumene Bob" adds to the poem's eclectic cast of characters, each contributing to the poem's exploration of expression and meaning. The line "a highway to the moon the only bout they'll join" evokes a sense of aspiration and yearning, a desire to transcend earthly concerns and connect with something greater.

The mention of the centipede declaring "it's a classic!" alongside Monk's method of naming tunes by attempting to name them points to the poem's engagement with art and its reception. This reflects on the arbitrary yet deliberate nature of artistic naming and categorization, suggesting that significance is often retrospectively imposed.

"Well we'll see but now the loquat is gone" introduces a sense of loss or absence, with the "loquat" serving as a symbol for something once present but now missing. The poem's movement from this absence to "plenty of mirrors" suggests a shift towards reflection, both literal and metaphorical.

The references to "psilocybin notation" and "scooter then the cash cow the bulk finagle" further the poem's exploration of altered perception and economic exchanges, respectively. These elements, while seemingly disparate, contribute to the poem's collage of modern life's complexities and absurdities.

The confession "I watch TV I'm no longer a Cherokee / just a live impersonation till the ceiling falls" speaks to themes of identity and authenticity. This line reflects on the way media consumption and societal roles can distance individuals from their heritage or deeper sense of self.

The poem concludes on a note of connection and shared experience, "join you then join you in bed maybe / I live in a borrowed multiplicity / my brothers are the smoke." This finale brings forth ideas of unity and the ephemeral nature of relationships, suggesting that identity and belonging are fluid and ever-changing.

"Settled in August" is a complex and enigmatic poem that invites multiple readings and interpretations. Through its dense imagery, unusual characters, and thematic preoccupations, Coolidge challenges readers to embrace the uncertainty and multiplicity of meaning, mirroring the complexities of the human experience.

POEM TEXT: http://jacketmagazine.com/13/coolidge-10.html

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