In the poem “Oracle,” by Ari Banias, the readers are left with a mystic feeling. Banias is seeking contemplation and somehow tries to obtain unity with a deity. The title itself, “Oracle,” at a first glance, leaves the reader thinking if Banias believes he has a God speaking through him. It is made obvious that there is a spiritual feeling throughout the poem and that there is more to just living life.
Banias uses verb tenses in a playful way “I was wrong it isn’t” in his first sentence. It is also believed that the setting is in ancient Greece as Ari says, “green flame on the neck of a god.” His referral to God is from Greek mythology and Banias is the oracle of the reader as he writes his words.
Banias also refers to women “Today for one second a woman is anyone who has a body.” This sentence is placed after he has made it clear that the world thinks too much about others and the way of life is to set. Nobody should be afraid to be themselves because they are worried about other people. Yet, he says mentions women’s bodies and he also says that men are becoming women. Banias had a double mastectomy and has struggled with his own body. So, maybe his view on women’s bodies is different, but I do think that once people see a body of a woman it is sexualized. Maybe that is why he wanted the double mastectomy in the first place. I believe that his poem is so beautiful in helping people understand that their decisions should be only their own.
I like the end message you picked about decisions being our own. It's definitely important to recognize the possible perspectives of the poet, specifically what experiences they may have endured and how it may have impacted their point of view on the issue at hand, which helps readers best understand the initial intention of the poem.
ReplyDeleteOften the experience of the poet gives a great starting point to understand their work. I agree that it would be ideal for the human body, especially that of women, to stop being viewed as inherently sexual by society, though of course this is not a change in perspective that can occur over night.
ReplyDeleteIt's a valid point that reflects on our society quite poorly honestly. Sex sells and people's bodies will continue to be sexualized until it no longer sells.
ReplyDeleteI can't totally grasp the poem because I am not a woman, but I do see all around us women being objectified and it is really gross.
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