INSECTS inside
insectile industries
blowing chemical air
Impersonations
of celebrities
Superpositioned
across universes
Make-shift concerns
ooh, yeah, ooh yeah
it seems to be political
degreed thugs yoo hoo
i walked a gnat across
a sidewalk and it thanked me
its wings were torn off by
a starbuck patron this day
Go, little one, grow wings
and fly away my little friend
(haha).
Someone else had a bad day
she was tied in chains near
the intersection of Hope Drive
and Faith Lane.
Holding up a cardboard that read:
“will take verbal abuse for change.”
Anything helps, even a smile.
Her other cardboard read:
“1.00 for a useless fact.”\
And another:
“I’ll solve World Hunger for a dollar.”
We’re all tied up in chains.
:: 05.26.2024 ::
Notes:
Let me say that I write these notes so the reader completely understands my poems. If you are a teacher then use them to understand and express to your student body what the poet (me) meant when I wrote this. If you are a poet then you should already know.
“Wishing for Opportunities” is a multifaceted poem that interweaves surreal imagery, social commentary, and a poignant narrative to explore themes of struggle, resilience, and societal neglect. The poem’s fragmented style and juxtaposition of disparate elements create a kaleidoscopic view of modern life, capturing the reader’s attention through its unique blend of whimsy and gravity.
Structural Analysis
The poem is structured in a way that mimics the erratic and chaotic nature of contemporary existence. It shifts between different scenes and ideas without clear transitions, reflecting the fragmented reality it portrays. This structure serves to disorient the reader, mirroring the disorientation experienced by the poem’s subjects.
Imagery and Symbolism
The opening lines, “INSECTS inside / insectile industries / blowing chemical air,” immediately establish a sense of artificiality and industrial corruption. Insects, often seen as insignificant or pests, are a metaphor for individuals lost in the mechanized and dehumanized sectors of society. The “chemical air” suggests pollution and the toxic environment created by industrialization.
The phrase “Impersonations / of celebrities / Superpositioned / across universes” introduces the concept of fame and superficiality. The term “superpositioned,” borrowed from quantum mechanics, implies a state of being that is both present and not present, real and unreal, highlighting the elusive and often deceptive nature of celebrity culture.
Social Commentary
The poem delves into social issues with lines like “Make-shift concerns / ooh, yeah, ooh yeah / it seems to be political / degreed thugs yoo hoo.” This passage criticizes the superficial and performative nature of political discourse, where serious concerns are often trivialized or overshadowed by those with power (“degreed thugs”).
A particularly striking image is that of the poet walking a gnat across a sidewalk, only for the gnat to be harmed by a “starbuck patron.” This act of kindness followed by violence underscores the vulnerability of the weak in a society that often overlooks or actively harms them.
Personal Narratives
The poem transitions to a more personal and emotional narrative with the story of a woman “tied in chains” at the intersection of “Hope Drive and Faith Lane.” Her signs, offering to endure abuse or solve world hunger for money, reflect extreme desperation and the lengths to which people will go to survive. This scene poignantly illustrates the pervasive nature of poverty and the lack of empathy in society.
Themes and Messages
“Wishing for Opportunities” conveys a deep sense of entrapment and yearning for freedom. The recurring motif of chains symbolizes the various forms of bondage—economic, social, and psychological—that individuals face. The closing lines, “We’re all tied up in chains,” universalize this struggle, suggesting that despite different circumstances, everyone is affected by societal constraints.
Conclusion
The poem, through its rich imagery and stark social commentary, calls for awareness and empathy. It highlights the importance of seeing and acknowledging the struggles of others, whether they are as small as a gnat or as visible as a person on the street. By blending surreal elements with real-life issues, the poem creates a powerful reflection on the nature of opportunity, kindness, and human resilience.
E.P. Robles | Poetry 
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