Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Q & A," by Kenneth Fearing, is a contemplative poem that explores existential questions and the search for meaning in everyday life. Through a series of questions and reflections, Fearing presents the inherent limitations of seeking answers in religious texts, authoritative sources, and human intellect. The poem ultimately suggests that some truths remain elusive, even in a world saturated with information.

The poem begins with a series of existential questions that touch on pain, fate, and trust:  

"Where analgesia may be found to ease the infinite, minute scars of the day;  

What final interlude will result, picked bit by bit from the morning's hurry, the lunch-hour boredom, the fevers of the night;  

Why this one is cherished by the gods, and that one not;  

How to win, and win again, and again, staking wit alone against a sea of time;  

Which man to trust and, once found, how far—"  

These questions encapsulate the daily struggles and deeper existential concerns of individuals. The "infinite, minute scars" and "the fevers of the night" illustrate the cumulative effects of stress and uncertainty on the human psyche. The question of "Why this one is cherished by the gods, and that one not" explores the randomness of fate, while "How to win, and win again, and again" reflects the desire for success and the challenges of achieving it. The final question, "Which man to trust and, once found, how far," touches on the difficulty of establishing meaningful connections in a world where trust is scarce.

Fearing then reveals the futility of finding answers in traditional sources:  

"Will not be found in Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John,  

Nor Blackstone, nor Gray's, nor Dun & Bradstreet, nor Freud, nor Marx,  

Nor the sage of the evening news, nor the corner astrologist, nor in any poet,"  

By listing these diverse authorities—religious texts ("Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John"), legal references ("Blackstone, nor Gray's"), business directories ("Dun & Bradstreet"), and prominent thinkers ("Freud, nor Marx")—Fearing emphasizes that even the most revered sources cannot fully explain the complexities of existence. He extends this critique to the "sage of the evening news," the "corner astrologist," and even poets, suggesting that no single authority holds all the answers.

The poem continues with two observations that highlight the absurdity and cruelty of humanity:  

"Nor what sort of laughter should greet the paid pronouncements of the great,  

Nor what pleasure the multitudes have, bringing lunch and the children to watch the condemned to be plunged into death,"  

These lines critique the blind reverence for authority and the morbid curiosity of the masses. The "paid pronouncements of the great" refers to the often-meaningless declarations of those in power, while "the multitudes" who "bring lunch and the children to watch the condemned" reveal society's fascination with spectacle and violence.

Fearing concludes the poem with two unanswerable questions that transcend human understanding:  

"Nor why the sun should rise tomorrow,  

Nor how the moon still weaves upon the ground, through the leaves, so much silence and so much peace."  

These questions move beyond the realm of human comprehension, pointing to natural phenomena that remain mysterious despite scientific progress. The rising sun and the moon weaving "silence and peace" convey the enduring beauty of the natural world, suggesting that some mysteries should be appreciated rather than solved.

Structurally, "Q & A" is written in free verse, allowing Fearing to shift seamlessly between questions and reflections. The poem's rhythm and flow mirror the thought process of someone contemplating the complexities of life, moving from specific concerns to broader existential themes.

In "Q & A," Kenneth Fearing skillfully navigates the intricacies of human existence, highlighting the limits of knowledge and the difficulty of finding meaning. By questioning the reliability of traditional sources and pointing to the mysteries of nature, Fearing invites readers to embrace the uncertainty of life and find solace in the beauty of the unknown.

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