Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's "Thread Through History" navigates the intricate web of human desire and belief, tracing the continuity of these emotions from ancient times to modern-day scenarios. The poem’s vivid imagery and historical references serve as conduits to explore the essence of human yearning and the expressions of belief that transcend time.

The poem begins with the depiction of a sacred or secular aurochs on a cave wall, its horns nearly circular like the full moon and a thickly-laid haunch of paint suggesting the richness of living animal. This image symbolizes ancient humanity's deep connection with and reverence for nature and the spiritual significance they found in their environment. The aurochs, possibly representing a deity or a revered animal, reflects the early forms of belief and worship that were integral to prehistoric societies.

Goldbarth then transitions to ancient Greece, where people sought divine intervention for their ailments, often spending nights on sanctuary floors with tame snakes believed to have healing properties. The small clay models of afflicted body parts, such as intestines resembling clay snails or starry hands, illustrate the tangible expressions of faith and the physical manifestations of hope for divine aid. These artifacts, unearthed by archaeologists, connect us to the personal and communal rituals of ancient civilizations.

The poem's journey continues to the healing springs of Vicarello near Rome, which have yielded over 1500 coins to modern archaeological efforts. These coins, offered as tokens of hope and gratitude, symbolize the enduring human practice of seeking blessings and cures from sacred places. Goldbarth seamlessly links this ancient tradition to a contemporary scene in Santa's Village, a tourist attraction where a young boy drops a penny into a well, his eyes closed in earnest wish-making. This act mirrors the historical customs, showing how deeply rooted and universal the practice of wish-making is across different eras and cultures.

Goldbarth's narrative then shifts to a more personal and evocative scene: a trailer home in the Midwest. Here, a woman beats the ground with a broken golf club, her action imbued with a "violent persistence" that elevates her to another level of being. This portrayal captures the raw, almost primal expression of frustration, hope, or ritual. Meanwhile, a man, presumably her husband, gazes emptily from a window, his eyes likened to dishes licked clean by cats, now devoid of substance and staring past the moon. This image poignantly depicts a state of profound emptiness or desolation, highlighting the contrasts in how individuals cope with their realities.

Goldbarth acknowledges that there are many names—psychological, sociological—for these behaviors and emotions. However, he concludes with a straightforward recognition: "But I know wishing when I see it." This final line underscores the poem's central theme: regardless of the complex terminology or scientific explanations, the simple act of wishing is a fundamental and recognizable aspect of human existence.

"Thread Through History" is a meditation on the timelessness of human longing and belief. Through its rich tapestry of historical and contemporary scenes, the poem reveals how these emotions are intricately woven into the fabric of humanity, shaping our actions and rituals. Goldbarth's work reminds us that despite the passage of time and the evolution of societies, the essence of wishing remains a constant thread that connects us all.

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