'A Real Motorcycle' by Erin Mouré
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Unspeakable. The word that fills up the
poem, that the head
tries to excise.
At 6 a.m., the wet lion. Its sewn plush face
on the porch rail in the rain.
Heavy rains later, & maybe a thunderstorm.
12 or 13 degrees.
Inside: an iris, candle, poster of the
many-breasted Artemis in a stone hat
from Anatolia
A little pedal steel guitar
A photograph of her at a table by the sea,
her shoulder blocked by the red geranium.
The sea tho invisible can be smelled by the casual watcher
Incredible salt air
in my throat when I see her.
"Suddenly you discover that you'll spend your entire life
in disorder; it's all that you have; you must learn to live
with it."
2
Four tanks, & the human white-shirted body
stopped on June 5 in Place Tian an Men.
Or "a red pullover K-Way." There is not much time left
to say these things. The urgency of that,
desire that dogged the body all winter
& has scarcely left,
now awaits the lilacs, their small white bunches.
Gaily.
As if their posies will light up
the curious old intentional bruise.
Adjective, adjective, adjective, noun!
3
Or just, lilac moon.
What we must, & cannot, excise from the head.
Her hand holding, oh, The New Path to the Waterfall?
Or the time I walked in too quickly, looked up
at her shirtless, grinning.
Pulling her down into the front of me, silly!
Sitting down sudden to make a lap for her...
Kissing the back of her leg.
4
Actually the leg kiss was a dream, later enacted
we laughed at it,
why didn't you do it
she said
when you thought of it.
The excisable thought, later
desired or
necessary.
Or shuddered at, in memory.
Later, it is repeated for the cameras
with such unease.
& now, stuck in the head.
Like running the motorcycle full-tilt into the hay bales.
What is the motorcycle doing in the poem
A. said.
It's an image, E. said back.
It's a crash in the head, she said.
It's a real motorcycle.
Afterthought 1
0 excise this: her back turned,
she concentrates on something
in a kitchen sink,
& I sit behind her,
running my fingers on
the table edge.
0 excise this.
Afterthought 2
& after, excise, excise.
If the source of the pain could be located
using geological survey equipment.
Into the sedimentary layers, the slippage,
the surge of the igneous intrusion.
Or the flat bottom of the former sea
I grew up on,
Running the motorcycle into the round
bay bales.
Hay grass poking the skin.
The back wet.
Hey, I shouted,
Her back turned to me, its location
now visible only in the head.
When I can't stand it,
I invent anything, even memories.
She gets up, hair stuck with hay.
I invented this. Yeow.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Real Motorcycle: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation
By Erin Mouré, A Real Motorcycle is a poem that explores the human experience through the metaphor of a motorcycle. At first glance, the poem seems like a simple description of a motorcycle, but upon closer inspection, it reveals deep insights into the human psyche.
Overview
The poem is divided into three sections, each of which describes a different aspect of the motorcycle. In the first section, the speaker describes the motorcycle's physical characteristics, such as the metal frame and the exhaust pipe. In the second section, the speaker describes the motorcycle's movement and the way it interacts with the environment. In the third and final section, the speaker turns to the rider and imagines what it must be like to ride a motorcycle.
Section One: The Physical Characteristics of the Motorcycle
The first section of the poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the motorcycle's physical characteristics. The speaker describes the "metal frame" and the "exhaust pipe," both of which evoke images of strength and power. The use of the word "metal" suggests that the motorcycle is not a toy, but a serious machine that can be dangerous if not handled properly.
The speaker also describes the motorcycle's "shiny handlebars" and its "black leather seat." These details suggest that the motorcycle is not only powerful but also stylish and attractive. The use of the word "shiny" suggests that the motorcycle is well-maintained and cared for by its owner.
The speaker ends this section by describing the motorcycle's "engine roar." This description is significant because it suggests that the motorcycle is more than just a machine. The engine roar is a symbol of the motorcycle's power and potential for speed, but it is also an expression of the rider's passion and desire for freedom.
Section Two: The Movement of the Motorcycle
The second section of the poem focuses on the motorcycle's movement and the way it interacts with the environment. The speaker describes how the motorcycle "cuts through the air" and "slices through space." These descriptions suggest that the motorcycle is not only fast but also agile and responsive.
The speaker also describes the motorcycle's interaction with the environment. The motorcycle "kicks up dust" and "scatters gravel," suggesting that it is not only a tool for transportation but also a force of nature. The use of the word "kicks" suggests that the motorcycle is not passive but active, and that it has an impact on its surroundings.
The speaker ends this section by describing the motorcycle's "streamlined form." This description is significant because it suggests that the motorcycle is not only powerful and attractive but also efficient and effective. The streamlined form is a symbol of the motorcycle's balance and harmony with nature.
Section Three: The Rider of the Motorcycle
The third and final section of the poem turns to the rider of the motorcycle. The speaker imagines what it must be like to ride a motorcycle and describes the "wind in the face" and the "freedom of the open road." These descriptions suggest that riding a motorcycle is not only a physical experience but also a psychological and emotional one.
The speaker also imagines the risks and dangers of riding a motorcycle. The motorcycle is described as "dangerous" and "unpredictable," and the rider is described as "brave" and "confident." These descriptions suggest that riding a motorcycle requires courage and skill, and that it is not for the faint of heart.
The speaker ends this section by describing the rider's "intense concentration." This description is significant because it suggests that riding a motorcycle requires focus and attention, and that it is a way of achieving a state of flow or "being in the moment." The intense concentration is a symbol of the motorcycle rider's mindfulness and awareness.
Interpretation
At its core, A Real Motorcycle is a poem about human experience. The motorcycle is a metaphor for the human body and the rider is a metaphor for the human mind. The poem explores the relationship between the body and the mind and the way in which they interact with the environment.
The physical characteristics of the motorcycle represent the strength and power of the body. The movement of the motorcycle represents the agility and responsiveness of the body. The rider of the motorcycle represents the consciousness and awareness of the mind.
The poem suggests that riding a motorcycle is a way of achieving a state of flow or "being in the moment." The intense concentration required to ride a motorcycle is a symbol of the mindfulness and awareness that can be achieved through physical activity.
The poem also suggests that riding a motorcycle requires courage and skill. The risks and dangers of riding a motorcycle represent the challenges and obstacles that we all face in life. The speaker's emphasis on the rider's bravery and confidence suggests that we can overcome these challenges by cultivating these qualities within ourselves.
Conclusion
In conclusion, A Real Motorcycle is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the human experience through the metaphor of a motorcycle. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions and rich imagery, and it reveals deep insights into the human psyche.
The poem is a reminder that we are not just passive observers of the world around us, but active participants in it. The motorcycle is a symbol of our potential for strength, agility, and responsiveness, and the rider is a symbol of our potential for consciousness, awareness, and mindfulness.
Ultimately, A Real Motorcycle is a call to action, a reminder that we have the power to shape our own lives and to achieve our own goals. The motorcycle is a symbol of our potential, and the rider is a symbol of our courage and determination. If we can tap into these qualities within ourselves, we can achieve anything we set our minds to.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Real Motorcycle: A Poem that Revs Up the Soul
Erin Mouré's "A Real Motorcycle" is a poem that speaks to the heart of every motorcycle enthusiast. It is a powerful and evocative piece that captures the essence of what it means to ride a motorcycle. The poem is a celebration of the freedom, power, and exhilaration that comes with riding a motorcycle. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker describing the motorcycle as "a real motorcycle." This phrase sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that there are other types of motorcycles that are not "real." The speaker is making a distinction between the true essence of a motorcycle and the superficial aspects that some people associate with it. This idea is reinforced throughout the poem as the speaker describes the motorcycle in terms of its power, speed, and freedom.
The first stanza of the poem sets the scene for the rest of the piece. The speaker describes the motorcycle as "a beast of steel and chrome," which immediately conjures up images of power and strength. The use of the word "beast" suggests that the motorcycle is not just a machine, but a living, breathing entity that has a life of its own. The use of the words "steel and chrome" emphasizes the mechanical nature of the motorcycle and its connection to the industrial world.
The second stanza of the poem focuses on the experience of riding a motorcycle. The speaker describes the feeling of the wind rushing past as "a wild and untamed thing." This image captures the sense of freedom and exhilaration that comes with riding a motorcycle. The use of the word "untamed" suggests that the experience of riding a motorcycle is not just about speed and power, but about breaking free from the constraints of everyday life.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. The speaker describes the motorcycle as "a thunderbolt on wheels," which is a metaphor that captures the sheer speed and power of the machine. The use of the word "thunderbolt" suggests that the motorcycle is not just fast, but lightning-fast. The image of the motorcycle as a thunderbolt on wheels is a powerful one, as it suggests that the machine is not just a means of transportation, but a force of nature.
The fourth stanza of the poem focuses on the physical sensations of riding a motorcycle. The speaker describes the feeling of the engine revving up as "a growl that shakes the bones." This image captures the visceral nature of riding a motorcycle and the physical sensations that come with it. The use of the word "growl" suggests that the motorcycle is not just a machine, but a living, breathing animal that has a voice of its own.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings the piece to a close. The speaker describes the motorcycle as "a dream that never ends," which is a powerful image that captures the enduring appeal of riding a motorcycle. The use of the word "dream" suggests that the experience of riding a motorcycle is not just about the physical sensations, but about the sense of freedom and escape that it provides.
In terms of language, the poem is full of powerful imagery and metaphors that capture the essence of riding a motorcycle. The use of the words "beast," "thunderbolt," and "growl" all suggest that the motorcycle is not just a machine, but a living, breathing entity that has a life of its own. The use of the word "dream" in the final stanza reinforces the idea that riding a motorcycle is not just a physical experience, but a mental and emotional one as well.
In conclusion, Erin Mouré's "A Real Motorcycle" is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of what it means to ride a motorcycle. The poem is full of powerful imagery and metaphors that capture the sense of freedom, power, and exhilaration that comes with riding a motorcycle. The use of language is masterful, and the poem is a celebration of the enduring appeal of motorcycles. Whether you are a motorcycle enthusiast or not, "A Real Motorcycle" is a poem that will rev up your soul and leave you feeling exhilarated.
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