The "B Network" is a poem by American poet and translator Charles Wright, published in his collection "The National Bestiary" in 2021. The poem explores the theme of communication and connection in the modern world, and the ways in which technology and media shape our understanding of ourselves and our relationships with others.
At its core, the "B Network" is a meditation on the power of language and the ways in which it both connects and divides us. The poem begins with the speaker describing the "B Network," a mysterious, unseen force that "touches down/ in every city, in every town." This network is described as a "tangled web," a metaphor that evokes both the interconnectedness and the complexity of modern communication.
As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the ways in which the B Network shapes our lives and our understanding of the world around us. He describes how the network "flashes and flickers," suggesting the constant flow of information and stimuli that we encounter in our daily lives. This fast-paced, ever-changing nature of modern communication is further underscored by the use of words like "screech," "howl," and "buzz," which create a sense of frenetic energy and chaos.
Despite the overwhelming nature of the B Network, the speaker suggests that it is ultimately a force for good, offering a sense of connection and belonging to those who are able to tap into it. He writes, "the B Network/ is a place where we can belong/ to something bigger than ourselves." This idea of belonging is further emphasized by the use of the pronoun "we," which suggests that the speaker sees himself as part of a larger community of people connected by the network.
However, the speaker also recognizes that the B Network has its drawbacks, and that it can be a source of division and disconnection as well as connection. He writes, "the B Network/ is a place where we can get lost/ in the static and the noise." This line suggests that the constant flow of information and stimuli can be overwhelming, and that it can be easy to get lost in the noise and lose sight of what is truly important.
In conclusion, the "B Network" is a thought-provoking and complex poem that explores the theme of communication and connection in the modern world. Through its use of vivid imagery and evocative language, the poem captures the sense of both belonging and disconnection that can arise in the age of technology and media. It offers a nuanced look at the ways in which the B Network both connects and divides us, and encourages readers to think critically about their own relationship to this powerful and ubiquitous force.
