Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Consequences" by William Meredith is a tripartite exploration of personal choices, the nature of love, and the impact of one's actions. The poem delves into the complexities of human experience, emphasizing the unavoidable nature of consequences and the interplay between individual agency and the broader, often indifferent forces of life.

I. Of Choice

In the first section, "Of Choice," Meredith addresses the theme of personal responsibility amidst despair and suffering. The opening lines, "Despair is big with friends I love, / Hydrogen and burning jews," juxtapose profound sorrow with historical and existential horror. The mention of "Hydrogen" evokes the destructive power of atomic energy, while "burning jews" alludes to the atrocities of the Holocaust. These references set a grave tone, suggesting the weight of history and the collective suffering that burdens humanity.

The speaker acknowledges the grief shared with friends but emphasizes a commitment to personal agency: "I choose, I choose." This declaration underscores the importance of making conscious decisions despite the influence of external factors like biology ("glands") or societal treatment. Meredith critiques superficial expressions of grief and offense, suggesting that people often react excessively to life's inherent unpleasantness: "More than I hoped to do, I do / And more than I deserve I get." This reflection on personal agency versus societal expectations suggests that outcomes in life are not entirely within one's control, yet individual choice remains significant.

The concluding lines, "It is only the smell of consequence," highlight the inevitability of facing the results of one's actions or inactions. The poem suggests that life's "stench" is a natural outcome of existence, and individuals must accept the consequences without undue sensitivity.

II. Of Love

The second section, "Of Love," explores the nature of human relationships and the limitations of love's transformative power. Meredith posits that while love may illuminate ("gilds") relationships, it does not fundamentally alter people. He suggests that personal growth is incremental and largely self-directed: "The only correction is / By you of you, by me of me."

Meredith paints a nuanced picture of love's light, which sometimes illuminates and sometimes obscures: "Flooded in the impartial daylight sometimes, / Spotted sometimes in a light we make ourselves." This metaphor suggests that love, like light, can reveal truths but also cast shadows, creating partial understandings. The poem recognizes the shared, social nature of human existence, where individuals seek recognition and validation: "People are worth looking at in this light / And if you listen what they are saying is, / Love me sun out there whoever you are."

The acceptance of life's inherent darkness—"there is meant to be a lot of darkness"—acknowledges the inevitability of challenges and suffering. Despite this, Meredith asserts that each person is "the one it meant to be," suggesting a fundamental acceptance of one's nature and the circumstances of existence.

III. My Acts

In the final section, "My Acts," Meredith reflects on the personal consequences of one's actions, likening them to "Puerto Rican kids, / Foreign but small and, except for one, unknived." This metaphor suggests that his actions, while perhaps unfamiliar or uncomfortable, are mostly harmless. The speaker acknowledges moments of courage and authenticity, but also recognizes a significant exception: "except on one occasion, / Myself."

Meredith discusses the societal context, noting the presence of "gangs who seem to have no stake / In what we’re trying to do." This imagery may represent the disaffected or marginalized aspects of society, which challenge the speaker's values and actions. The dream of being tortured—"burned my genitals with gasoline"—is a harrowing metaphor for the fear of losing one's identity or integrity under pressure. The phrase "quite a lot of me is charred" speaks to the lasting impact of these experiences and the compromises made.

The section concludes with an ironic statement about fairness: "By our code it is fair. We play fair. The world is fair." This repetition suggests a resignation to the harsh realities of life, where fairness is relative and often a matter of perspective.

Conclusion

"Consequences" by William Meredith offers a contemplative exploration of personal responsibility, the limitations of love, and the lasting impact of one's actions. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, Meredith navigates the complexities of human experience, emphasizing the inevitability of facing the outcomes of our choices. The poem ultimately suggests a nuanced understanding of life's inherent challenges and the necessity of accepting both the light and the dark aspects of existence.

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