After Wyatt After 11 9 ‘01" by Lionel Abrahams: Poems and Analysis

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General Introduction

In "After Wyatt After 11 9 ‘01" by Lionel Abrahams, the poet reflects on a personal journey of seeking approval and validation from others, only to find himself retreating from those very individuals as his own beliefs and uncertainties evolve. The poem seems to be a contemplation on the impact of external influences on one's inner thoughts and convictions.

The Poem

AFTER WYATT AFTER 11 9 ‘01 

(They flee from me that sometime did me seek - Sir Thomas Wyatt)

I flee from some whom sometime I sought out

for honest kind opinions: ‘Tell - do you like this?’       

These trustees’ approval I have drunk like milk

to fortify my unproved notions’ bones;        

their contrasting praises have supplied        

my groping inspirations’ vitamins.       

I’d now avoid their eyes and voices.

War’s ejaculation having mashed to dust

machines and walls and flesh, injects cement

into divergent certainties.

The knowing now all know

what knowledge will improve their faiths.

Discovered hesitant between, I would be crushed.   

I grow surreptitious,

hide away my thoughts,

in case dear confidants, now fired

with passionate convictions,

find me out - the insult of my questioning,

the chill treachery inherent in my doubt.

 Title

The title refers to Sir Thomas Wyatt, an English poet known for his sonnets and for introducing the sonnet form to English literature. The poem is likely a response or homage to Wyatt's poem "They flee from me that sometime did me seek," reflecting Abrahams' engagement with Wyatt's work and possibly using it as a springboard for his own contemplations.

 Themes

1. Seeking Validation: The poem explores the theme of seeking approval and validation from others, as the speaker reflects on how he once sought out opinions and approval but now avoids confrontation with those who may challenge his evolving beliefs.

   - "I flee from some whom sometime I sought out / for honest kind opinions"

2. Self-Discovery: There is a theme of self-discovery and the internal conflict that arises when one's beliefs and convictions begin to diverge from those around them.

   - "Discovered hesitant between, I would be crushed"

3. Conflict and War: The poem alludes to the aftermath of war ("War’s ejaculation having mashed to dust / machines and walls and flesh") and how it impacts individual beliefs and certainties.

   - "injects cement / into divergent certainties"

4. Doubt and Betrayal: The speaker grapples with the idea of doubt and how it may be perceived as betrayal by those who once trusted in his convictions.

   - "the insult of my questioning, / the chill treachery inherent in my doubt"

5. Isolation and Concealment: There is a sense of isolation and the need to conceal one's thoughts and uncertainties, suggesting a fear of judgment or rejection.

   - "I grow surreptitious, / hide away my thoughts"

 Literary Devices:

1. Allusion: The poem alludes to Sir Thomas Wyatt's poem, using it as a reference point for the speaker's own reflections.

   - "I flee from some whom sometime I sought out / for honest kind opinions: ‘Tell - do you like this?’"

2. Metaphor: The use of metaphor is evident in the comparison of seeking approval to drinking milk for fortification.

   - "These trustees’ approval I have drunk like milk / to fortify my unproved notions’ bones"

3. Personification: War is personified, with its actions described as "ejaculation" and its impact as "inject[ing] cement into divergent certainties."

   - "War’s ejaculation having mashed to dust / machines and walls and flesh, injects cement / into divergent certainties"

4. Symbolism: The hiding away of thoughts can be seen as a symbol of the speaker's internal struggle and the need to protect his evolving beliefs.

   - "hide away my thoughts"

5. Imagery: The poem uses vivid imagery to describe the impact of war and the speaker's inner conflict.

   - "machines and walls and flesh, injects cement"

6. Irony: There is irony in the speaker's initial seeking of opinions and approval, only to later avoid confrontation and retreat into secrecy.

   - "I’d now avoid their eyes and voices"

 Language and Mood

The language in the poem is reflective and introspective, conveying a sense of internal conflict and contemplation. The mood is somber and introspective, with the speaker grappling with feelings of isolation and uncertainty.

 Context

The reference to "11 9 ‘01" in the title likely alludes to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which could suggest a broader context of global events influencing personal beliefs and perspectives. The aftermath of such a significant event could have led to the speaker's contemplation on the nature of approval and conviction.

 Conclusion

In conclusion, "AFTER WYATT AFTER 11 9 ‘01" by Lionel Abrahams is a contemplative poem that explores themes of seeking validation, self-discovery, and the impact of external influences on personal beliefs. Through literary devices such as allusion, metaphor, and imagery, Abrahams crafts a reflective and introspective piece that invites readers to consider the complexities of personal conviction and the ever-evolving nature of belief.