Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The sprawling and contemplative poem "Lying" by Richard Wilbur delves into the ethical, existential, and ontological questions that arise from human interaction and observation. Wilbur's poem begins with a seemingly innocuous lie about spotting a grackle at a "dead party," which leads to an exploration of the fine line between truth and deception, reality and imagination, and even between life and artifice.

The first part of the poem focuses on the immediate and subtle repercussions of telling a lie. The narrator suggests that a minor fabrication, such as claiming to have seen a bird one hasn't, won't significantly damage one's reputation or "rupture the delicate web of human trust." However, he goes on to describe how even a small lie can create a feeling of isolation or "chill of severance," symbolized by the "shrug of unreal wings" above one's head during a mundane conversation.

Wilbur then widens his scope to consider the very nature of perception and existence. The world is not "tiresome in itself," he states, and what we consider boring is really just a projection of our own impatient desires. This elaboration invites us to consider the extent to which our perceptions shape our reality. In an almost philosophical musing, the narrator asserts that humans "invent nothing, merely bearing witness" to the world as it unveils itself each morning. The mundane details of the world-like "gold crosses, cornices," or even "grackles"-exist whether we observe them or not, a reminder that the universe exists beyond human consciousness.

As the poem progresses, the narrator embarks on an extensive contemplation on the intricacies of our reality. This is a space filled with stunning visual imageries, where trivialities such as the tail of a "catbird" or the "ribbed shadow" of an onion are seen as events in themselves. They are manifestations of something more profound-elements that evoke something "most itself when likened." Wilbur suggests that similes, metaphors, and yes, even lies, reveal deep truths about the world and our place in it.

Towards the end, the poem takes an even grander turn as it discusses myths, legends, and historical figures, elevating its theme from individual ethical dilemmas to a reflection on human culture and its stories. We navigate through references to Achilles, Chiron, the Garden of Eden, and even Roland from the Song of Roland, among others. This extensive list of historical and mythical allusions suggests that narratives, whether fictional or factual, serve as a means of grappling with the complexities of our world. They have "the truth in view," even if they deviate from strict factual accounts.

In conclusion, "Lying" is a rich tapestry that weaves together ethical questions with existential ponderings and mythological narratives. Wilbur shows us that the line between truth and fiction is not just thin but is perhaps necessary for understanding the complex world around us. Through keen observations, literary references, and deep contemplation, Wilbur offers us a nuanced understanding of the world-a world where lies may indeed tell a greater truth.

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