Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Dark Thought" is a poem by Alice Notley, first published in 2018 in her collection "For the Ride."

Explanation: 

The poem is an exploration of the speaker's internal struggle with a "dark thought" that he or she cannot shake. The speaker describes the thought as "black sticky tar" that clings to their mind and threatens to consume them. Despite their efforts to distract themselves or find solace in nature, the thought persists and haunts them.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Theme: Internal struggle, mental health, the power of thoughts
• Imagery: The metaphor of the "dark thought" as black, sticky tar that clings to the speaker's mind creates a visceral image for the reader.
• Tone: The tone is heavy and somber, reflecting the weight of the speaker's struggle.
• Sound: The repetition of the word "thought" throughout the poem creates a sense of obsession and fixation.
• Language: The use of simple, direct language adds to the raw emotion of the poem.
• Figurative language: The extended metaphor of the "dark thought" as black, sticky tar is an example of figurative language.
• Structure: The poem is divided into three stanzas of varying lengths. The repetition of the phrase "dark thought" at the beginning and end of the poem creates a sense of circularity and echoes the speaker's inability to escape the thought.
• Emotion: The poem is filled with a sense of heaviness, desperation, and hopelessness as the speaker grapples with their dark thought.

Conclusion: 

"Dark Thought" is a powerful and emotionally charged poem that explores the internal struggle of the speaker as they attempt to rid themselves of a persistent and oppressive thought. Notley's use of metaphor and repetition creates a sense of obsession and fixation that adds to the weight of the poem. The poem is a poignant exploration of the power of thoughts and the toll they can take on one's mental health.

Poem Snippet:

"dark thought" an intruder

my mind's self-harm

resilience becomes a myth

as I surrender to its charm”