Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Getting to Know You," Edward Field delves into the intimate and often taboo topic of personal hygiene, exploring it with humor and candor. The poem humorously navigates the negotiation between personal boundaries and self-care, offering a metaphorical journey that touches on themes of intimacy, self-acceptance, and human nature.

The poem begins with a comparison: "Like the hard-on, / the asshole is another level of being." This blunt opening signals Field's direct and humorous exploration of a topic that is usually considered taboo.

The speaker acknowledges the personal nature of the "asshole," describing it as "me, but a me even I must negotiate with." The negotiation comes into play during hygiene, specifically "when washing after shitting," as societal norms demand. The speaker notes that the "asshole" resists being cleaned directly: "It does not allow the soapy finger in, / presenting an impenetrable surface."

However, the speaker advises against being "misled" by this initial resistance, noting that the "asshole" is "offering the coy resistance it would to a lover." The use of the term "coy resistance" anthropomorphizes the body part, likening it to a lover who initially resists but eventually relents.

The speaker advises using a "lover's singlemindedness" to persist in "seeking entrance," suggesting that one should "probe for a crevice until the fingertip, with a delicate wiggle, / pries open the curl of muscle and slips in." This vivid description brings humor to the delicate process of personal hygiene.

Once this "delicate wiggle" succeeds, the speaker reveals that "miraculously, you will find that the whole organ relents, / goes soft for the soaping, with a sappy grin." The "sappy grin" imagery humorously conveys the satisfaction that comes from achieving this intimate act of self-care.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Intimacy and Self-Acceptance: The poem explores the often uncomfortable negotiation between personal boundaries and self-care, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and persistence.

2. Humor and Taboo: Field uses humor to break down taboos surrounding personal hygiene, encouraging readers to approach even the most private aspects of life with acceptance and understanding.

3. Human Nature and Vulnerability: The poem touches on the vulnerability of the human condition, acknowledging that even the most private aspects of ourselves deserve care and attention.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to adopt a conversational and candid tone. The language is straightforward yet playful, blending humor with intimacy to create a relatable and engaging narrative.

Conclusion:

"Getting to Know You" by Edward Field is a humorous and candid exploration of personal hygiene and intimacy. Through metaphor and playful imagery, Field encourages readers to approach even the most private aspects of life with acceptance and understanding. The poem invites readers to reflect on the negotiation between personal boundaries and self-care, celebrating the humorous side of human vulnerability.

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