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The Poem
Now I can tell you by Mike Alfred
I can tell you that our marriage
was one of your great creations,
a complete existence but so silent
and modest, I seldom noticed.
I can tell you that our marriage,
such a splendid journey, provided
a way of being, an enchanted life,
a completeness now so fractured.
Diversion:
I wonder where Maslow slotted
a good marriage into his hierarchy
of human seeking? After all, it’s one
of life’s greatest challenges; something
to be placed at the apex of achievement.
Perhaps he didn’t think it as important
as making money or being President.
Good Housekeeping doesn’t list
the Top Hundred Marriages.
I can tell you that you bequeathed
me a solidity. You ushered me, callow
youth, into an adulthood where
I function with care, restraint and
learnings from your laughter and
your generous human wisdom.
General Introduction
"Now I Can Tell You" is a poem by Mike Alfred, a South African poet known for his reflective and evocative writing. Alfred's work often explores personal and social themes, capturing the nuances of human relationships and societal issues. This poem appears to reflect on marriage, a subject deeply personal and universally relatable. Written in a straightforward yet poignant style, it delves into the complexities and profound impacts of a long-term marital relationship.
Title
The title, "Now I Can Tell You," suggests a revelation or a confession. It implies that the speaker has reached a point where they can finally articulate thoughts or feelings that were previously unspoken. This sets a tone of intimacy and introspection, indicating that the poem will explore deeply personal themes.
Stanza by Stanza Analysis
Stanza 1:
"I can tell you that our marriage
was one of your great creations,
a complete existence but so silent
and modest, I seldom noticed."
The speaker reflects on their marriage, acknowledging it as a significant creation by their partner. The marriage is described as "complete" yet "silent and modest," highlighting its understated nature and the speaker's lack of awareness of its full value.
Stanza 2:
"I can tell you that our marriage,
such a splendid journey, provided
a way of being, an enchanted life,
a completeness now so fractured."
Here, the speaker continues to praise the marriage, calling it a "splendid journey" that offered an "enchanted life" and a sense of "completeness." However, there is a shift as the speaker notes that this completeness is now "fractured," suggesting a loss or disruption.
Stanza 3 (Diversion):
"I wonder where Maslow slotted
a good marriage into his hierarchy
of human seeking? After all, it’s one
of life’s greatest challenges; something
to be placed at the apex of achievement.
Perhaps he didn’t think it as important
as making money or being President.
Good Housekeeping doesn’t list
the Top Hundred Marriages."
This stanza diverges into a contemplative reflection on the value of marriage in societal and psychological contexts. The speaker questions where Maslow might place marriage in his hierarchy of needs, suggesting that it deserves recognition as a significant achievement. The reference to "Good Housekeeping" adds a touch of irony, highlighting the lack of societal celebration for successful marriages.
Stanza 4:
"I can tell you that you bequeathed
me a solidity. You ushered me, callow
youth, into an adulthood where
I function with care, restraint and
learnings from your laughter and
your generous human wisdom."
In the final stanza, the speaker expresses gratitude for the partner's influence. The partner's "solidity" and wisdom have guided the speaker from youth into a responsible adulthood, emphasizing the enduring impact of their relationship.
Themes
1. The Value of Marriage:
"our marriage,
such a splendid journey, provided
a way of being, an enchanted life"
2. Recognition and Reflection:
"I seldom noticed."
3. Loss and Fracture:
"a completeness now so fractured."
4. Societal Values:
"Maslow slotted
a good marriage into his hierarchy"
5. Personal Growth and Influence:
"You ushered me, callow
youth, into an adulthood"
Structure and Form
The poem is written in free verse, lacking a fixed rhyme scheme or meter. It consists of four stanzas with varied line lengths, which contributes to a conversational and introspective tone. The third stanza functions as a digression, providing a contemplative break from the personal reflections of the other stanzas.
Literary Devices
1. Metaphor:
"our marriage was one of your great creations"
2. Irony:
"Good Housekeeping doesn’t list
the Top Hundred Marriages."
3. Allusion:
"I wonder where Maslow slotted
a good marriage into his hierarchy"
4. Enjambment:
"I seldom noticed."
5. Contrast:
"a completeness now so fractured."
6. Personification:
"learnings from your laughter and
your generous human wisdom."
Language and Diction
Alfred uses straightforward and accessible language, enhancing the poem's intimate and reflective quality. The diction is personal and sincere, with phrases like "silent and modest" and "splendid journey" conveying deep emotions. The use of informal language in the diversion stanza adds a conversational tone.
Mood and Tone
The mood of the poem is reflective and contemplative, with an undercurrent of gratitude and melancholy. The tone is introspective and sincere, as the speaker thoughtfully considers the significance of their marriage and its impact on their life.
Context
The poem reflects on personal experiences within the framework of societal and psychological understanding, referencing Maslow's hierarchy of needs. It likely resonates with readers who have experienced the complexities and challenges of long-term relationships.
Speaker and Point of View
The speaker is presumably the poet or a persona closely aligned with the poet’s perspective. The first-person point of view creates a sense of intimacy and direct communication with the reader.
Imagery and Sensory Details
Alfred employs minimal sensory imagery, focusing more on emotional and intellectual reflections. The imagery that is present, such as "enchanted life" and "fractured," evokes a strong sense of the speaker's internal state.
Symbolism and Allegory
The marriage itself is a symbol of stability and personal growth. The "fractured" completeness symbolizes the inevitable changes and losses that occur in life.
Sound and Rhythm
The poem’s free verse structure allows for a natural, speech-like rhythm. There are no strict patterns of rhyme or meter, which reinforces the conversational tone.
Syntax and Lineation
Alfred uses enjambment to create a flowing, continuous narrative. This technique enhances the reflective and contemplative nature of the poem, allowing thoughts to spill over lines and stanzas.
Intertextuality
The poem references Abraham Maslow's hierarchy of needs, integrating psychological theory into its contemplation of marriage. This allusion adds depth to the speaker's reflections on the value of marriage.
Conclusion
"Now I Can Tell You" by Mike Alfred is a poignant reflection on the complexities and significance of marriage. Through its intimate and sincere tone, the poem explores themes of love, personal growth, societal values, and loss. Alfred’s use of free verse, metaphor, and allusion creates a rich, reflective narrative that resonates with readers on both personal and intellectual levels.
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