'In Every Direction' by Ralph Angel


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As if you actually died in that dream
and woke up dead. Shadows of untangling vines
tumble toward the ceiling. A delicate
lizard sits on your shoulder, its eyes
blinking in every direction.

And when you lean forward and present your
hands to the basin of water, and glimpse the glass face
that is reflected there, it seems perfectly at home
beneath the surface, about as unnatural
as nature forcing everyone to face the music
with so much left to do, with everything
that could be done better tomorrow, to dance
the slow shuffle of decay.

Only one season becoming another,
continents traveling the skyway, the grass
breathing. And townspeople, victims, murderers,
the gold-colored straw and barbed-wire hair of the world
wafting over the furrows, the slashed roads
to the door of your office or into the living room.

The towel is warm and cool, soft to the touch,
but in another dream altogether
a screen door creaks open, slams shut,
and across the valley a car's headlights swing up
and over. And maybe you are the driver
with both hands on the wheel, humming a tune
nobody's ever heard before,

or maybe the woman on the edge of the porch,
grown quiet from fleeing,
tough as nails.

Editor 1 Interpretation

In Every Direction: An Exploration of Ralph Angel's Poem

As a literary enthusiast, coming across a poem that captures the essence of life while still maintaining its literary quality always feels like hitting the jackpot. And that's precisely what Ralph Angel's poem "In Every Direction" does. It's a masterpiece that delves deep into the human experience, touching on themes of love, loss, and the search for meaning.

At its core, "In Every Direction" is an exploration of the human condition. The poem is divided into three sections, each with its own distinct tone and message. In the first section, Angel paints a vivid picture of a world in turmoil. He describes a landscape that is marked by destruction and decay, where "the long-picked bones of the dead lie scattered in the fields." This bleak imagery sets the tone for the rest of the poem, hinting at the existential crisis that is at the heart of the human experience.

But within this darkness, Angel also finds beauty. He writes, "Even the crows are beautiful / in their raggedness, in their hunger." This line captures the essence of the human experience - that even in the midst of despair, there is still beauty to be found.

The second section of the poem shifts gears, focusing on the theme of love. Angel writes, "the only way to fight / the irresistible pull of love / is to give in completely." This line is a powerful statement about the nature of love - that it is something that cannot be controlled or contained. Instead, it must be embraced fully, even if it means risking heartbreak.

The final section of the poem is perhaps the most introspective. Angel reflects on the search for meaning in life, writing, "I would like to say / that I am looking for something / but I'm not sure what it is." This sentiment is something that many of us can relate to - the feeling of being adrift in a sea of uncertainty, searching for something that we can't quite define.

Throughout the poem, Angel uses vivid imagery and powerful metaphors to convey his message. The poem is filled with beautiful lines that are both thought-provoking and emotionally resonant. For example, he writes, "the twilight / falls like a curtain / on the world's stage." This line not only creates a beautiful image in the reader's mind, but it also speaks to the idea that life is like a play, with each of us playing a role on the world's stage.

Another powerful line is, "I am caught between / the light and the dark / like a fish on a hook." This metaphor captures the feeling of being torn between opposing forces in life, with no clear way forward.

But perhaps the most beautiful aspect of "In Every Direction" is the way that it captures the essence of the human experience. Through its exploration of themes like love, loss, and the search for meaning, the poem speaks to something universal in all of us. It reminds us that even in the darkest moments, there is still beauty to be found, and that ultimately, the search for meaning is what gives our lives purpose.

In conclusion, Ralph Angel's "In Every Direction" is a masterful poem that explores the human condition with grace and beauty. Through its powerful metaphors and vivid imagery, it speaks to something universal in all of us, reminding us that even in the midst of despair, there is still beauty to be found. It is a poem that demands to be read and re-read, a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of what it means to be human.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

In Every Direction: A Poem of Life's Endless Possibilities

Ralph Angel's poem, In Every Direction, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the endless possibilities of life. The poem is a celebration of life and the many directions it can take us, even in the face of death. It is a reminder that life is full of surprises and that we should embrace every moment, no matter where it takes us.

The poem begins with the line, "In every direction, something wonderful." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that there is something amazing waiting for us no matter where we go. The poem then goes on to describe the many directions that life can take us, from the mountains to the sea, from the city to the countryside.

The poem is full of vivid imagery that brings these different directions to life. For example, the line "In the mountains, the air is thin and clear" paints a picture of a beautiful, serene landscape. Similarly, the line "In the city, the lights never go out" suggests the hustle and bustle of urban life.

As the poem progresses, it becomes clear that the speaker is contemplating their own mortality. They acknowledge that death is inevitable, but they also recognize that life is full of possibilities. The line "In every direction, something wonderful, even in death" is particularly poignant, as it suggests that even in the face of death, there is something to be celebrated.

The poem also touches on the idea of choice. The speaker acknowledges that we have the power to choose our own direction in life. They say, "We choose our direction, and we go." This line is a reminder that we are in control of our own lives, and that we have the power to make our own choices.

One of the most powerful lines in the poem is, "In every direction, the possibility of love." This line suggests that love is a universal force that can be found no matter where we go. It is a reminder that love is what makes life worth living, and that it is something that we should cherish and celebrate.

The poem ends with the line, "In every direction, something wonderful." This line is a fitting conclusion to the poem, as it brings the reader back to the central theme of the piece. It is a reminder that life is full of possibilities, and that we should embrace every moment, no matter where it takes us.

In conclusion, Ralph Angel's poem, In Every Direction, is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that celebrates the endless possibilities of life. It is a reminder that life is full of surprises, and that we should embrace every moment, no matter where it takes us. The poem is full of vivid imagery and powerful lines that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading. It is a testament to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift, and a reminder that life is a journey that is worth taking.

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