Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alice Fulton’s "Southbound in a Northbound Lane" is a complex exploration of identity, societal norms, and the paradoxical nature of freedom and constraint. The poem employs vivid imagery and philosophical musings to delve into themes of dissent, transformation, and the delicate balance between falling and flying.

The poem begins with a quote by Robert Stoller, "A fetish is a story masquerading as an object," setting the stage for an exploration of the symbolic and the tangible. This idea permeates the poem, as Fulton examines how objects and actions can embody deeper narratives and meanings.

The "anatomically-correct smile" of the inflatable woman, turned to a frown when inverted, serves as a metaphor for the superficial and often dehumanizing aspects of societal expectations. The inflatable woman, tossed by the student body and eventually stuffed under the seats of Ph.D.'s, represents how individuals, especially women, can be objectified and discarded once they have served their purpose in a public spectacle.

The line "I think the trick to falling is never landing / in the palm of someone's hand" introduces the concept of autonomous descent, suggesting that true freedom lies in avoiding dependence or control by others. This sentiment is reinforced by the subsequent imagery of waterfalls and tributaries, symbolizing a natural and unbounded journey.

Fulton juxtaposes the calculated precision of jet aerodynamics with the unpredictable yet liberating nature of parachuting. The parachute, which "exists in flux and can't be touched / by mathematical fixations," embodies the idea of embracing uncertainty and trusting in the process of descent as a form of flight. This contrast highlights the difference between rigid control and fluid freedom.

The poem's speaker envisions a dissenting figure arriving "like something spit out of a prism," clad in a "primary tiger bodice," and embodying modernity and resilience. This figure disrupts conventional norms and asserts a presence that is both defiant and essential. The metaphor of the parachute as "precisely / delicate as nylon, / the ripstop kind" underscores the strength found in vulnerability and adaptability.

The shared experience of falling is portrayed as a communal and transformative act. The speaker suggests that if people "jump together," they can bring about significant change, akin to collapsing the bleachers of societal expectations. The sensation of falling, described as initially frightening but ultimately liberating, emphasizes the shift from fear to empowerment.

The closing lines reflect a profound yearning for mutual understanding and connection. The speaker's plea, "If you can't love me, let me down gently. / If you can't love me, don't touch me," encapsulates the desire for respect and gentleness in the face of rejection. The imagery of forming patterns in freefall, like "Olympic skydivers or snowflakes," illustrates the beauty and potential of collective action and solidarity.

Fulton’s invocation of a "bodhisattva"—a being who seeks enlightenment not just for themselves but for others—introduces a spiritual dimension to the poem. The speaker's call to "sneak one past the culture's / fearless goalies" suggests a subversive challenge to entrenched norms, advocating for a new, inclusive identity that transcends traditional binaries.

The final lines, where the speaker prepares to face "the harsh music / that is space," encapsulate the poem's central tension between fear and liberation. This act of kneeling before leaping symbolizes a moment of contemplation and acceptance before embracing the unknown.

"Southbound in a Northbound Lane" is a richly layered poem that uses the metaphor of falling as a means to explore themes of autonomy, dissent, and the transformative power of collective action. Through her intricate imagery and reflective tone, Alice Fulton invites readers to consider the complexities of identity and the potential for profound change that lies within the act of embracing the uncertain.

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