Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Best of the Body" by Thylias Moss is a compelling exploration of the human body as a metaphorical canvas to discuss intellect, emotion, and identity. Moss delves into the complexities of human anatomy, focusing on three vital organs-the spleen, the liver, and the heart-as vehicles for meditative reflection.

The first section, "Spleen," is a remarkable appraisal of an organ that is both "highly vascular" and "gifted." Moss delves into the spleen's function in a 'fine neighborhood' of the body-next to the cardiac end of the stomach-where it acts as a reservoir of blood and a destroyer of worn-out cells. Here, the spleen becomes more than an organ; it turns into a metaphor for the innermost parts of human identity and emotions. The spleen is described as dealing with both "melancholy" and "mirth," hinting at the dual nature of human emotions and how they are intrinsically tied to our bodily functions.

The second section, "Liver," brings a specific narrative into focus with Ethyl (C2H5OH-ethyl alcohol), serving as an allegory for how the liver metabolizes substances, including alcohol. The liver is personified as a multifaceted organ capable of serving "Bolsheviks, for Nazis and punks," thus highlighting its indiscriminate nature. Moss comments on the complexities of womanhood, encouraging Ethyl not to be "easy" and to "wreck what you can," pointing to the notion of autonomy and resistance. This part grapples with the liver's functions and its metaphorical role as a hub of transformations, both literal and symbolic.

Finally, the third section, "Heart-to-heart Talk," ventures into dialogic territory, contrasting the physical location of the heart with its metaphorical implications. Moss plays on phrases like "change of heart" and "wearing your heart on your sleeve," dissecting common expressions to delve deeper into the complexities of human emotion and intention. The dialogue reflects the struggles of communication and understanding, even when the participants supposedly know each other "by heart."

This section culminates in the juxtaposition of the "creamy brain" with the "dregs" of the "liver and spleen," suggesting that the core of one's being might not be in the intellect alone but also in the viscera, the baser elements of humanity.

In "Best of the Body," Moss blends science with poetry, fact with metaphor, to illuminate the intricate web of relations between the body and the psyche. Each organ examined-spleen, liver, and heart-serves as a launchpad for exploring human emotions, social identities, and complexities. The poem becomes a dialogue between anatomy and emotion, highlighting how intertwined they are in defining who we are. Through these organ metaphors, Moss provides a multi-layered critique of what it means to be human, inviting readers to think deeply about their own physicality and its correlation with their emotional and intellectual selves.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...