Poem Analysis - Reverses

Introduction: A Confrontational Journey

Maya Angelou's "Reverses" is a concise and confrontational poem that delves into the cyclical nature of self-reflection. The poem presents a visceral and almost violent series of bodily juxtapositions, suggesting an uneasy and perhaps unavoidable encounter with one's past. The tone is initially jarring and fragmented, but gradually evolves into a more contemplative and introspective mood as the poem progresses.

The Inevitable Encounter: Confronting the Past

The central theme of "Reverses" is the inescapable confrontation with one's past self. The poem argues that we are perpetually bound to revisit our previous actions, choices, and selves. The repetitive and physically awkward pairings in the opening lines – "butt to head," "Mind to ass," "flank to nuts" – represent the discomfort and disharmony of this confrontation. These are not gentle reminders, but forced collisions, implying that the journey into self-awareness is often painful and unsettling. The poem's conclusion, "confront ourselves / in our past," reinforces this idea, making it clear that this process of looking back is not optional, but an intrinsic part of the human experience.

The Body as a Metaphor: Internal Conflict

The poem utilizes the human body as a powerful metaphor for internal conflict and self-division. Each pairing highlights a tension between different aspects of the self: the rational ("Mind") versus the base ("ass"), the active ("flank") versus the vulnerable ("nuts"), the assertive ("cock") versus the defensive ("elbow"), and so on. The image of "soul to shoulder" is especially significant. The soul is often considered the essence of a person, while the shoulder is associated with burden and responsibility. Pairing them suggests that our past and its associated weights are inseparable from our essential being, constantly pressing upon us. These jarring images highlight the discomfort and complexity inherent in reconciling these conflicting parts of ourselves. The physical closeness emphasizes the inability to truly escape or separate from our former selves.

Imagery of Discomfort: Forced Intimacy

The poem's vivid and somewhat disturbing imagery creates a sense of forced intimacy and unease. The pairings are not harmonious or balanced; they are awkward and even violent. This deliberate discomfort serves to emphasize the difficulty of confronting one's past. The phrase "butt to head" is particularly striking in its bluntness, creating an immediate sense of conflict and disharmony. The language is deliberately coarse, suggesting that the process of self-reflection is not always refined or elegant. It can be messy, painful, and even humiliating. The poem avoids romanticizing the past, instead presenting it as a raw and often unpleasant reality.

Conclusion: An Unavoidable Cycle

In conclusion, "Reverses" is a powerful exploration of the unavoidable and often painful process of confronting one's past. Through its visceral imagery and fragmented structure, the poem highlights the internal conflicts and tensions that arise when we revisit our previous selves. The poem's significance lies in its unflinching portrayal of self-reflection as a difficult, but ultimately necessary, aspect of the human experience. It suggests that true self-understanding requires a willingness to confront the uncomfortable and even ugly parts of our past, no matter how jarring the encounter may be.