In the realm of poetry, few works resonate with the profound intricacies of loss and memory as Christopher Arksey’s “Ceremony” does. This poem, part of his collection “Variety Turns,” serves as a poignant exploration of grief, encapsulating the delicate balance between remembrance and the passage of time.
The poem begins with a seemingly simple act: the preparation of a banana sandwich. Arksey’s vivid imagery draws the reader into this intimate moment, where the act of peeling a banana and buttering bread becomes a ritual steeped in nostalgia. The meticulous details of the process—chopping the banana, arranging the pieces, and the rhythmic sounds of chewing—create a sensory experience that invites readers to engage with the poem on multiple levels.
Arksey’s choice to focus on the sounds associated with this memory is particularly striking. He writes, “If I train my ears / I can bring it all back,” suggesting that the act of listening can transport him to a time when his mother was alive. This notion of “training” one’s ears implies a deliberate effort to reconnect with the past, to savor the idiosyncrasies of a loved one that linger in the echoes of memory. The poem captures the essence of longing, as the speaker yearns to relive those moments, not out of regret, but as a celebration of the life that was.
As the poem unfolds, it becomes clear that Arksey is not merely recounting a memory; he is engaging in a deeper exploration of the relationship between the living and the departed. The banana sandwich, a mundane object, transforms into a symbol of connection, representing the shared experiences that define familial bonds. The act of eating becomes a metaphor for the process of remembering—each bite a reminder of the love and laughter that once filled the air.
The poem’s structure mirrors its content, with short, succinct lines that convey a sense of immediacy. Arksey’s use of half-rhyme and alliteration enhances the musicality of the piece, creating a rhythm that echoes the sounds of the kitchen. Phrases like “click/clunk” and “unbuttered/sutured” not only reinforce the sensory experience but also evoke the complexity of grief—how it can be both sharp and soothing, chaotic and orderly.
In “Ceremony,” Arksey deftly navigates the terrain of mourning, acknowledging the pain of loss while also celebrating the beauty of life. The poem’s conclusion, where the banana is described as “turning spotless, / green, unripened / in the fruit bowl,” carries a symbolic weight. The unripe banana represents a moment frozen in time, untouched by the inevitability of aging and decay. It reflects the mourner’s desire to hold onto the past, to preserve the essence of a loved one in a state of perpetual youth.
Arksey’s collection, “Variety Turns,” is a testament to the multifaceted nature of grief. Each poem serves as a fragment of memory, piecing together a portrait of his mother that is both tender and honest. The title itself suggests a theatricality, a nod to the many roles his mother played in life—nurse, comedian, and matriarch. Through his careful observations, Arksey captures the essence of her character, revealing the layers of complexity that define a life well-lived.
The emotional depth of Arksey’s work is further amplified by his ability to infuse humor into the narrative. In the face of loss, he embraces the absurdities of life, finding solace in the moments that make us laugh even as we grieve. This interplay between sorrow and joy is a hallmark of Arksey’s poetry, allowing readers to navigate the complexities of their own emotions.
As the reader journeys through “Variety Turns,” they are invited to reflect on their own experiences of loss and remembrance. Arksey’s poems resonate with a universal truth: that grief is not a linear process but a tapestry woven from memories, emotions, and the indelible marks left by those we love.
In “Ceremony,” Arksey’s exploration of sound, memory, and the act of remembrance culminates in a powerful meditation on the nature of loss. The poem serves as a reminder that while we may not be able to bring back the past, we can honor it through our memories, allowing the echoes of our loved ones to live on in the spaces we create.
Ultimately, Christopher Arksey’s “Weekly Poem Ceremony” is a celebration of life, love, and the enduring power of memory. Through his poignant observations and masterful craftsmanship, he invites readers to engage with their own stories of loss, reminding us that even in the face of grief, there is beauty to be found in the act of remembering.
Source: Various
