Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "Poem Whose Last Sentence Is 17 Syllables After a Suggestion" encapsulates the poet’s meditation on simplicity and the significance of modest possessions. The work deftly interweaves references to historical figures and personal reflections, illustrating the theme that less can be more when imbued with meaning.

The poem begins by invoking Thoreau, whose life at Walden Pond epitomized the essence of minimalism. Thoreau's preference for Indian meal over flour, as something basic yet sufficient, establishes the theme of finding richness in simplicity. Thoreau's subsistence on bread baked in a pit-fire, along with the pleasure derived from reading "The Odyssey" by the pond, sets the stage for Goldbarth's own reflection on what constitutes necessity.

Goldbarth then transitions to his own life, identifying the few objects that hold significance for him: a soapstone rabbit, a Steinberg print, and an old carton for Dr. Strong’s Blood Purifier. These items, though mundane, provide a sense of serenity and grounding in his life. The rabbit, with its polished surface, the pastel consensus of the still-life print, and the empty carton evoke a connection to the past and a feeling of comfort.

The poem further explores the concept of minimalism through the example of Georgia O’Keeffe, whose New Mexico home embodies the ethos of essentialism. O’Keeffe's Spartan bedroom, with its single chair and fireplace, is adorned with only one significant object: the hand of a Buddha statue. This object, symbolizing the "Mudra That Banishes Fear," suggests that even the most minimalist settings require talismanic items for emotional and spiritual support.

Goldbarth juxtaposes these serene, minimal settings with the overwhelming complexity of modern life. He critiques the "whizz!bang! megabuck microchip dreck-stuffs" and suggests that a solid block of mahogany, timeless and substantial, would make a more meaningful time capsule than technological artifacts. This comparison highlights the poet’s yearning for simplicity and authenticity in an era of excess.

In the final stanzas, Goldbarth reflects on the physical and emotional toll of daily life. He describes how the stresses of the world penetrate deeply into his being, symbolized by the shadows of lampposts that sink into his muscles. Amidst this overwhelming busyness, he finds solace in the simplicity of his three cherished objects. These items, along with the calming imagery of a banana tree leaf and the moonlight, suggest a return to a state of calm and focus.

The poem concludes with a suggestion to "Simplify, and cherish." This directive is reinforced by the final 17-syllable sentence: "Outside, the ribs of one bananatree leaf / individuate late spring breeze. At the end of an arm of moonlight, DR. STRONG will heal me, 'guaranteed.' It's my Indian meal—one cupworth. It's 'a restorative,' / it says—yes, it says it's a restorative." This haiku-like ending underscores the theme of finding depth and restoration in simple, essential things.

Goldbarth’s poem is a testament to the power of minimalism and the importance of meaningful possessions. It suggests that in stripping away the superfluous, we can find peace and clarity, much like Thoreau at Walden or O’Keeffe in her austere abode. The poet’s reflections resonate with a timeless message: that simplicity, when cherished, can be profoundly restorative.