Clean Saliva From A Smelling Mouth

Poet's note: "Clean Saliva From A Smelling Mouth" by Gilbert Sordebabari is a thought-provoking poem that delves into the complexities of human communication and the limitations of self-perception. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, the poem explores the dichotomy between outward appearances and inner truths. The poem opens with a rhetorical question, "Will holiness remain a prisoner in the tongue's custody?" This immediately sets the tone for a contemplation of the inherent flaws in human speech. The idea of holiness being confined within the tongue suggests that despite our best efforts to convey righteousness and purity through our words, there are underlying issues that cannot be easily eradicated. The second stanza introduces the notion that scrubbing the mouth cannot cleanse the "greed of the tongue" or the "envious nature of the gum." Here, the poet emphasizes the futility of external purification. No matter how much we physically clean our mouths, the vices and negative tendencies embedded within our speech and thoughts cannot be erased through superficial means. The greed and envy alluded to in this stanza symbolize the darker aspects of human nature that persist despite attempts to present a sanitized facade. In the following lines, the poem shifts its focus to the ear, presenting it as a symbol of hospitality, impartiality, and choicelessness. The ear, as the recipient of words and information, is portrayed as a passive participant in the communication process. However, the poet suggests that the ear's impartiality leads to the mind's imprisonment in skepticism. The mind becomes burdened with the task of discerning between truth and lies, as both forcefully impose themselves upon the "innocent intellect." This conveys the vulnerability of the human mind and its susceptibility to manipulation and deception. The poem continues by personifying the senses of sight (Eye) and smell (Nose) as witnesses in a trial. They are forced into the witness box and compelled to confess what they have observed. This portrayal underscores the idea that our senses act as witnesses to the world around us, but their testimonies are subject to bias and fear. The use of fear highlights the potential repercussions of speaking or perceiving truthfully, hinting at the consequences of challenging the status quo or exposing uncomfortable realities. In the concluding lines, the mind undergoes a transformation from unconsciousness to heightened consciousness. It evaluates, criticizes, and scrutinizes the information it receives. This transformation reflects the poet's exploration of self-awareness and the power of introspection. The mind, previously subdued and accepting, becomes active in discerning the complexities of human communication. Overall, "Clean Saliva From A Smelling Mouth" delves into the limitations and contradictions of human expression. It questions the authenticity of outward appearances, explores the complexities of perception and communication, and emphasizes the role of self-reflection in evaluating the information we receive. Through its vivid imagery and introspective tone, the poem prompts readers to contemplate the nuanced dynamics of human interaction and the intricacies of navigating truth and deception.