Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

IN TRANSIT, by                 Poet's Biography

John Hollander's "In Transit" is a reflection on the nature of movement, both physical and metaphorical. The poem takes Emerson's idea that language and symbols are fluid and transient, useful for conveyance rather than permanence, and expands it into a meditation on the broader human experience of moving through life.

The poem begins with a call to action: "let's start packing and get going—not 'packing it all in,' of course, / But 'all up'." This sets the tone for a journey, both literal and symbolic, where the act of moving becomes a central theme. The mention of "brawny friends and brainy lovers" suggests a communal effort, emphasizing the importance of companionship and intellect in navigating the uncertainties of life.

Hollander introduces the concept of "Metaphoron" in modern Greek, meaning "moving van," to illustrate how language itself is a vehicle for transporting meaning. This vehicle is "crammed with the mishmash of tenors," symbolizing the diverse and often chaotic nature of human thoughts and experiences. The poem warns against letting "too much of the untransferred literal" rot, implying that clinging to the static and unchanging can lead to decay.

The imagery of moving through different landscapes—cityside, chartered views from bridges, tunnels, and countryside—captures the sense of continual progression and change. Each space is described as "rushing by to fill spaces we vacate," suggesting the transient nature of our surroundings and experiences.

The poem then reflects on the seasons, using the transition from winter to spring as a metaphor for movement and renewal: "Are we talking about the springtime here, early forsythia moving the very air / Forward into another placelike state of things." Even the "dullest February dawn" eventually gives way to motion, symbolizing the inevitability of change and the continuous forward momentum of life.

Hollander acknowledges the constancy of certain things, such as Latin mottoes, but contrasts this with the dynamic nature of life: "But with all the stuff of our lives, we have to keep going, going, or we will all be gone." This underscores the necessity of movement and adaptation to avoid stagnation.

The poem vividly describes the sensory experience of a moving journey: "Rumble of diesel, crush of huge tires over protesting gravel, shouts, whining and boom / Of boom box." These sounds and sensations emphasize the physicality and reality of the journey, grounding the abstract ideas in tangible experience.

The conclusion of the poem brings a sense of arrival and reflection: "to the place that yet was right here all along." This suggests that while we move and change, there is a sense of returning or arriving at a place that feels familiar and intrinsic to our being. The rhododendrons' "soundless groan" and the "dark / Shiny green" leaves remembering their blossoming symbolize the continuity of life and memory, despite the changes and movements.

"In Transit" masterfully intertwines the literal act of moving with the metaphorical journey of life. Through its rich imagery and reflective tone, Hollander invites readers to contemplate the fluidity of existence and the importance of embracing change while recognizing the constants that anchor us. The poem serves as a reminder that movement, both physical and symbolic, is an essential part of the human experience.


Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...



Home: PoetryExplorer.net