Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's "Dialect" delves into the intricacies of memory, identity, and the evolving sense of belonging. Through vivid imagery and a reflective narrative, Jarman captures the essence of his childhood home and the changes it has undergone, as well as his own transformation and relationship to that place.

The poem opens with a confession of forgetfulness: "I can't remember the air, the light, the voices / Of what I used to think of as my home." This declaration sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing a sense of disconnection from the past. The speaker claims an inability to recall the specific details that once defined his notion of home, suggesting a loss or fading of personal history.

However, this supposed forgetfulness is contradicted as the poem unfolds. The speaker's reaction to a familiar accent on the news triggers a flood of memories: "That guileless Western accent tinged with Spanish / Makes me ask, 'What is that?' Then, I know." This moment of recognition reveals that the speaker's past is still deeply embedded in his consciousness, ready to resurface when prompted.

The narrative shifts to a detailed description of the speaker's hometown, "Greater Los Angeles," specifically a "seedy, little beachtown" that has since been "yuppified." The speaker's pride in his origins contrasts with the changes that have overtaken the area, indicating a complex relationship with the transformation of his home. He nostalgically recalls the diverse, working-class community that included "Anglos, Mexicans, Asians, a Black family," all bound together by their occupations at local aerospace companies like McDonnell-Douglas, Hughes Aircraft, Northrop, and Garrett Air Research.

Jarman's depiction of the town is rich with sensory details and specific memories: "Sea fog watered the morning rush hour traffic. / Kids snorkeled after school and drowned at parties." These lines paint a vivid picture of the everyday life and unique character of the community. The mention of a "Nike missile base" adds a historical and somewhat surreal element, reminding readers of the Cold War era's pervasive influence.

The poem also touches on the social tensions and complexities within the town: "the boys / Of different colors I played football with / Could turn from running plays to drawing knives / And smash each other's windshields and exchange / Curses in each other's mother tongues." This juxtaposition of camaraderie and conflict highlights the multifaceted nature of the community and the underlying racial and cultural tensions.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on his own departure from the town and his initial desire to return: "I couldn't wait to leave. But thought I'd be back." This longing to reconnect with his roots is contrasted with the present reality of being far removed from that place, both physically and emotionally. The speaker's current environment, described with the imagery of "rain followed snow and hammered nailholes / In the breadlike whiteness covering the heart / Of the continent's heart," serves as a stark contrast to the sunny, coastal memories of his youth.

In the final lines, the speaker admits that his earlier claim of forgetfulness is a lie: "I can't remember the air, the light, the voices. / But that's a lie. I can." This acknowledgment underscores the persistent and inescapable nature of memory. Despite the changes and distance, the past remains a vivid and integral part of the speaker's identity. The reference to reporters surveying "burning blocks by helicopter" suggests ongoing social issues and the ever-present tension between past and present, memory and reality.

In "Dialect," Mark Jarman skillfully navigates the complexities of memory and identity, capturing the evolving nature of home and the enduring impact of our formative experiences. Through evocative imagery and reflective narrative, the poem invites readers to consider their own relationships with the places that have shaped them and the ways in which those places continue to influence their lives.

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