Poem Analysis - Panic Attack

Introduction: A Descent into Terror

Les Murray's "Panic Attack" plunges the reader into the raw, visceral experience of acute anxiety. The poem vividly depicts the physical and mental turmoil of a panic attack, moving from a chaotic depiction of bodily sensations to a fragile hope for recovery. The tone is initially frantic and disoriented, reflecting the speaker's overwhelming fear, before gradually shifting towards a cautious sense of relief and acceptance. The poem masterfully uses unsettling imagery to create a sense of profound unease and disorientation, capturing the feeling of being trapped within one's own body.

Theme of the Body's Betrayal

One central theme is the body's perceived betrayal. The poem portrays the body as an entity separate from the speaker's will, a source of unpredictable and terrifying sensations. Phrases like "The body had a nightmare" and "Bowel stumbled to bowl" emphasize this disjunction. The body is not a safe haven but rather a site of suffering, with its "Pounding heart, chest pains," and unstable "gimbals of wet eyes" turning inward. This sense of physical vulnerability amplifies the speaker's feelings of helplessness, making the panic attack a deeply isolating experience. The description of the gut as a "train crawling in its own tunnel" suggests a desperate, almost futile journey to find relief, further highlighting the body's unpredictable rebellion.

The Mind in Chaos

Another key theme is the disintegration of the mind during a panic attack. The "brain was a void / or a blasted-out chamber," filled with fragmented thoughts and emotions: "shreds of speech," "shatters of lust and prayer." This imagery suggests a complete breakdown of rational thought and emotional stability. The mind, normally a source of control and understanding, becomes a landscape of destruction, mirroring the physical chaos experienced by the body. The inability to "face their heart / or turn their back on it" suggests that there is no escape from the overwhelming fear, it's internal, intimate, and inescapable.

Symbolism of Time and Hope

The image of the "hourglass" at the end of the poem is a potent symbol of time and the cyclical nature of experience. The phrase "In time, your hourglass / will be reversed again" suggests that the panic attack, while terrifying, is a temporary state. The reversal of the hourglass implies a return to normalcy, a restoration of equilibrium. This image offers a glimmer of hope amidst the preceding chaos. However, it also subtly acknowledges the possibility of future attacks, suggesting that the cycle of anxiety might repeat itself. The ambiguity of this ending leaves the reader with a sense of cautious optimism tempered by the awareness of the ongoing struggle with anxiety. What does it mean that it may reverse again? Is that good or bad? It invites meditation on the unpredictable nature of mental health.

Conclusion: Capturing the Ephemeral Terror

"Panic Attack" is a powerful exploration of the physical and mental torment of anxiety. Through vivid imagery, unsettling metaphors, and a shifting tone, Les Murray captures the raw intensity of the experience. The poem delves into themes of bodily betrayal and mental disintegration, offering a glimpse into the profound vulnerability and isolation that can accompany a panic attack. The concluding image of the reversed hourglass provides a fragile hope for recovery, tempered by the recognition of the cyclical nature of anxiety. The poem's significance lies in its ability to convey the visceral reality of panic, reminding us of the importance of understanding and compassion in the face of such experiences.