Phil Kaye’s spoken word poem “Repetition” is a masterclass in exploring the paradoxical nature of language and its intimate connection to personal experience, particularly trauma. The poem’s central takeaway revolves around the complex relationship between repetition and meaning, demonstrating how it can erode and amplify the significance of words and experiences.

Kaye begins by illustrating how repetition can dilute meaning, drawing from his childhood experience of his parents’ separation. By repeatedly uttering words like “separation” and “apart,” he modifies their emotional sting, transforming them into hollow sounds devoid of their original pain. This act of linguistic desensitization is a common coping mechanism to create a buffer against overwhelming emotions. We often try to make the unbearable bearable by repeating it until it loses its sharp edge.

However, Kaye masterfully contrasts this dilution with his experience of developing a stutter. This speech impediment forces him to confront the weight of each word, as the act of repeating syllables amplifies their significance. The stutter becomes a “cage of mirrors,” reflecting the words he struggles to articulate, forcing him to confront their emotional resonance. This stark contrast highlights the inherent duality of repetition: it can numb and intensify, depending on the context and the speaker’s relationship to the words.

The poem delves into the psychological implications of this paradox. Kaye’s attempt to erase the pain of his parents’ divorce through repetition reveals a desire to control his emotional landscape. By manipulating language, he seeks to exert power over his trauma. Yet, his stutter demonstrates the limitations of this control. Words, even when repeated, retain their power to evoke emotions, trigger memories, and shape our understanding of the world.

The poem’s exploration of repetition extends beyond personal trauma to encompass broader themes of language and communication. We often repeat phrases, stories, and experiences to reinforce their meaning or diminish their impact. The poem suggests that our relationship with repetition is deeply personal, shaped by our individual experiences and emotional needs.

A key takeaway from “Repetition” is the understanding that language is not a static entity. It is a dynamic force, constantly evolving and adapting to our experiences. Words are not simply tools for communication; they are vessels of emotion, memory, and identity. Repetition, therefore, is not merely a mechanical act but a complex interplay between language and experience.

Ultimately, Kaye’s poem encourages us to be mindful of the power of words and how we use them. It reminds us that repetition can be a double-edged sword, capable of both healing and harming. It invites us to reflect on our own relationship with language and to consider how our personal experiences shape our understanding of the words we use. By acknowledging the complex interplay between repetition and meaning, we can better understand ourselves and the world around us.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/track/77VXhtYllTumIwyXP0ONsW?si=Ed7a1kJlS36xicC_GIPsFA

YouTube (Spoken Word Performance): https://youtu.be/8vqbo1FuoLQ?si=HDWCj0Cn-akR5HxJ

Image Credit: Photo by Kevin Turcios