Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Psychotropic Squalls" by Will Alexander is a vivid and intense exploration of chaotic and surreal imagery, blending elements of nature, science, mythology, and spirituality. The poem delves into the realm of the subconscious, presenting a landscape that is both alien and hauntingly familiar.

At the outset, Alexander invites the reader "to peer into the obverse," suggesting a journey into an alternate or hidden reality. The poem is rich with metaphors and images that evoke a sense of disorientation and otherworldliness. The mention of "smoking cane field erratums" and "the steamy colitis of whirling iridium" creates an atmosphere of confusion and chaos, where natural and industrial elements merge in unexpected ways.

The poem is characterized by its dense, lyrical language and rapid shifts in imagery. Alexander references "the saliva of newts" and "the intestinal raging of deltas," suggesting a fusion of organic and elemental forces. The imagery of "blackened sea giraffes osmotically split into simultaneous alums" further adds to the surreal quality of the poem, as does the description of "a judgemental sea glistening with Richters."

Alexander's use of scientific and mythological references, such as "a weakened neutron egg," "ulcerated smoke," and "Mandean utopias," adds layers of complexity to the poem. These elements create a sense of a world that is undergoing constant transformation, where the boundaries between the physical and metaphysical are blurred.

The poem also touches on themes of destruction and rebirth, as seen in the imagery of "a moon burned Judea" and the "dead magically rise up from mazes." This cycle of death and resurrection is a recurring motif in Alexander's work, reflecting his interest in the transformative power of language and imagination.

Overall, "The Psychotropic Squalls" is a challenging and evocative poem that immerses the reader in a landscape of psychic and elemental turmoil. It is a testament to Alexander's skill as a poet in creating a world that is both fantastical and deeply resonant with the human experience.