'Ontological' by Maggie Anderson
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This is going to cost you.
If you really want to hear a
country fiddle, you have to listen
hard, high up in its twang and needle.
You can't be running off like this,
all knotted up with yearning,
following some train whistle,
can't hang onto anything that way.
When you're looking for what's lost,
everything's a sign,
but you have to stay right up next to
the drawl and pull of the thing
you thought you wanted, had to
have it, could not live without it.
Honey, you will lose your beauty
and your handsome sweetie, this whine,
this agitation, the one you sent for
with your leather boots and your guitar.
The lonesome snag of barbed wire you have
wrapped around your heart is cash money,
honey, you will have to pay.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Ontological by Maggie Anderson: An Exploration of Identity and Existence
As soon as I read Ontological by Maggie Anderson, I knew that I had to write about it. The poem explores the concepts of identity and existence in a manner that is both thought-provoking and beautifully written. Anderson manages to convey complex ideas in a way that is accessible and relatable, making the poem a joy to read and interpret.
Overview
Ontological is a poem that is divided into five stanzas, each of which consists of four lines. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. The lack of a set structure is intentional, as it allows the reader to focus solely on the ideas being presented, rather than being distracted by the format of the poem.
The overarching theme of the poem is identity and existence. Anderson explores the idea that our sense of self is constantly changing and evolving, and that we are always in a state of flux. The poem also touches on the concept of mortality, and the idea that our time on earth is finite.
Analysis
“I am the woman who wakes up”
The first stanza of the poem establishes the speaker’s identity. She identifies herself as a woman who wakes up every morning. This may seem like a banal statement, but it is actually quite profound. By stating that she is a woman who wakes up, the speaker is asserting her existence. She is saying that she is alive, and that she is present in the world.
“I am the woman who dreams”
In the second stanza, the speaker continues to explore her identity. She identifies herself as a woman who dreams. This is interesting because it suggests that the speaker’s identity is not solely tied to her waking life. She exists both in the physical world and in the world of her dreams. This could be interpreted as a commentary on the fluidity of identity, and the idea that our sense of self is not fixed.
“I am the woman who forgets”
The third stanza is perhaps the most interesting of the poem. The speaker identifies herself as a woman who forgets. This is a powerful statement, as it suggests that memory is not an integral part of identity. In other words, the speaker is saying that even if she forgets things, she is still the same person. This idea is reinforced in the final line of the stanza, where the speaker says, “But I am not the woman who is forgotten.” This suggests that even if the speaker is forgotten by others, she still exists in some way.
“I am the woman who has cancer”
In the fourth stanza, the poem takes a darker turn. The speaker identifies herself as a woman who has cancer. This is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and the fact that our time on earth is limited. However, the fact that the speaker still identifies herself as a woman, despite her illness, is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit.
“I am the woman who will die”
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most poignant. The speaker identifies herself as a woman who will die. This is a stark reminder that our time on earth is limited, and that we must make the most of the time we have. However, the fact that the speaker has spent the previous stanzas exploring her identity and existence suggests that she is at peace with the idea of death. She knows who she is, and she has come to terms with the fact that her time on earth is finite.
Interpretation
Ontological is a poem that is open to interpretation. However, I believe that the overarching message of the poem is that our sense of self is not fixed. We are constantly changing and evolving, and our identity is not tied to any one thing. We exist both in the physical world and in the world of our dreams, and our memory is not an integral part of our identity.
The fact that the poem ends with the speaker acknowledging her mortality suggests that the poem is also about the importance of living in the present moment. Life is finite, and we must make the most of the time we have. However, the fact that the speaker has spent the previous stanzas exploring her identity and existence suggests that self-discovery is also an important part of the human experience.
Conclusion
Ontological is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the concepts of identity and existence in a way that is both accessible and relatable. Anderson’s use of free verse allows the reader to focus solely on the ideas being presented, rather than being distracted by the format of the poem. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit, and a reminder of the importance of living in the present moment.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Ontological: A Poem of Existential Inquiry
Maggie Anderson's poem "Ontological" is a thought-provoking exploration of the nature of existence and the human experience. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Anderson invites readers to contemplate the fundamental questions of life and to consider the ways in which our perceptions shape our understanding of reality.
The poem begins with a striking image of a "blackbird on a wire," a symbol of the fragile balance between life and death. The bird's presence on the wire suggests a precariousness, a sense that at any moment it could fall and be lost. This image sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is characterized by a sense of uncertainty and a search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and unpredictable.
As the poem progresses, Anderson introduces a series of images and metaphors that invite readers to consider the nature of existence. She writes of "the weight of the world," a burden that we all carry but that is often invisible to others. She speaks of "the sound of a train in the distance," a reminder of the passage of time and the inevitability of change. And she describes "the smell of rain," a sensory experience that connects us to the natural world and reminds us of our own mortality.
Throughout the poem, Anderson uses language in a way that is both precise and evocative. She writes of "the unspoken language of the heart," a phrase that captures the complexity of human emotion and the ways in which we communicate without words. She speaks of "the silence between words," a reminder that sometimes what is left unsaid is just as important as what is spoken aloud. And she describes "the light that filters through the trees," a metaphor for the moments of clarity and insight that can come even in the midst of confusion and uncertainty.
One of the most striking aspects of "Ontological" is the way in which Anderson uses language to explore the relationship between perception and reality. She writes of "the illusion of safety," a reminder that the things we believe to be true may not always be so. She speaks of "the shadow that follows us," a symbol of the fears and doubts that can haunt us even in moments of joy and success. And she describes "the mirror that reflects our image," a metaphor for the ways in which our own perceptions can shape our understanding of ourselves and the world around us.
Ultimately, "Ontological" is a poem that invites readers to contemplate the big questions of life and to consider the ways in which our own perceptions shape our understanding of reality. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Anderson reminds us of the fragility of existence and the importance of seeking meaning and purpose in a world that can often seem chaotic and unpredictable. Whether read as a meditation on the human experience or as a call to action to live fully in the present moment, "Ontological" is a poem that is sure to leave a lasting impression on all who encounter it.
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