Heaven Grace R.

Rebollido Subject Code: SEEN 30153

BSEDEN 3-1 Prof. Rocio Marie Tejido

The Structure of Postmodern Poems

"I Have a Time Machine" by Brenda Shaughnessy

Brenda discusses in her talk the power of poetry—and memories in particular—to

help us break out from the confines of the present "time machine." Her poetry explores
the subjective nature of experience and time conceptually, exhibiting postmodern
characteristics. This plays with the idea of time travel in a non-linear, metaphorical way,
exhibiting temporal distortion. It creates a pastiche of ideas and styles because it doesn't
match the traditional time travel storyline. The concept of a time machine that moves at
"one second per second" creates a paradox. By emphasizing its own narrative form as a
conceptual investigation of time rather than a conventional storytelling technique, the
poem also touches on metafiction. The poem's structure, moving fluidly through different
moments of the narrator's life, reflects a fragmented narrative. The poem's introspective
focus on the narrator's personal emotions and experiences, such as embarrassment,
longing, and reflections on her mother and ancestry, aligns with postmodern themes of
subjectivity and the interrogation of personal identity.

"Courage" by Anne Sexton

Postmodern characteristics can be seen in Sexton's poem as it challenges

conventional grand narratives by examining the theme of courage in daily life. By
emphasizing everyday scenarios and little acts of bravery, the poem might be understood
as utilizing minimalism. Simple yet meaningful, the story format highlights everyday
occurrences in a way that the reader can relate to personally. Because the poem moves
nonlinearly through life's phases, its structure and thematic development both exhibit
temporal distortion. With a non-linear, fragmented narrative, the framework progresses
from early experiences to dealing with mortality, sadness, and old age. A toddler taking
their first step or overcoming despair are examples of commonplace yet meaningful
experiences that are highlighted. This aligns with the postmodern emphasis on personal
experience rather than universal truths.

“Deer Dance Exhibition” by Ofelia Zepeda

The subject matter and structure of this poem clearly reflect its postmodern and
contemporary influences. The emphasis on cultural representation and the contrasting of
traditional elements with modern references (such as McDonald's) bring attention to
postmodern pastiche themes and the relationship between the local and the global. It
also demonstrates aspects of magic realism by fusing the magical with the reality in its
portrayal of a traditional dance. A layer of metafiction is added by the structure, which is
analogous to a Q&A session and draws the reader to the narrative's constructed origin.

“Social Distancing” by Juan Felipe Herrera

Because of Herrera’s concrete poetic style, which allows the reader to choose
their own path through the text, this poem is a great example of metafiction and reader
involvement. Written in response to the Covid-19 outbreak, this poem is a notable
example of a concrete poem because of its sun-like visual structure. The postmodern
fragmentation of concrete pictures to abstract ideas and its invitation for readers to make
choices of their own about where to go in the text are consistent with themes of
non-linearity and reader participation. Temporal distortion is also evident in the poem's
visual structure and thematic substance, which represent the pandemic era and capture
a particular point in time through a non-linear narrative. Through common narratives of
community and individuality, the poem's examination of issues such as isolation and
connection during a pandemic is intrinsically postmodern.

“Us vs Them” by David Tomas Martinez

The poet's memories of growing up in the Cold War and his enduring fear of
outside threats are reflected in this poem. In this poetry, faction is incorporated through
the blending of the lines between historical events and personal experiences.
Additionally displaying temporal distortion is the narrative's emphasis on the author's
own childhood recollections entwined with historical allusions. The poem also takes a
maximalist stance in its contemplation of society problems and individual anxieties,
providing a thorough if a little hectic story. Postmodern writing is known for its intricate,
multi-layered narratives, which are often created through the use of historical allusions
(such as Reagan and the Panthers) and the blending of individual and societal anxieties.
The poem's personal lens with which it explores topics like fear, identity, and the idea of
'the other' (Russians, Black people) is consistent with postmodernism's emphasis on
subjective experiences and distrust of grand narratives.