The Content Of Consciousness

Contents Page by Stephen Edgar : The Poetry Foundation

In this poem, Stephen Edgar is clearly dealing with the ideas on nature and the evolution of man. The success of this poem, however, does not come from mere "content," which I believe enhances Edgar's theme. Even the structure alludes to a sort of natural hierarchy, which mirrors the masterful imagery within each verse. Edgar almost seems to be listing the range of natural life from prey to predator, from "jungle" to savanna." The vertical assemblage is purposely reminiscent of a table of contents. This reminds the audience to consider the meaning behind the poem's title, as they venture onward through the enthralling language. From the rhythm and rhyme to the saturated tone, Edgar elevates cold, categorical taxonomy to an art. The audience sees the scope of biological existence, the constant and overlapping fight for survival through a florid lens. This dichotomy between the unsentimental reality and the sheer artistry of the poem accentuates Edgar's theme on the importance of creation and consciousness. The poem contains an unspoken conflict between the objective and subjective worlds. Within the scope of the poem, it is not enough to simply exist. Without the tools to perceive, create and comprehend the inherent beauty of nature, life is simply "a fable set down in invisible ink." The human obsession and need for meaning is apparent within the text, and the text itself is an embodiment of this desire. Edgar attempts to convey this urgent appetite for significant "content" through the sacrifices and progress man has made. Man left the light "of the day, into a cave's dark reach" in order to satiate this unnatural inclination to paint on its interior stone walls. The phrase "of his five fingers" also suggests the evolution and progression of man. Edgar alludes to this remarkable attribute through his rhythmic play with five and ten syllable lines. Almost as if hands were reaching out to describe the primitive scenes, the alternate five and ten syllables reminds the audience of the gift of the retractable thumb, especially in contrast with that "two-toed sloth." Humans record history, classify animals, and author poems to fulfill their own emotional longing for purpose. Ultimately, to live without expression, curiosity, and memory is hardly satisfying.