Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Kenneth Koch's prose poem "On Happiness" delves into the nebulous concept of happiness by contrasting different perspectives on what constitutes this elusive emotional state. Through discussions with various characters and considerations of renowned writer Yasunari Kawabata's own take on happiness, the poem both simplifies and complicates the understanding of what it means to be truly happy.

Koch opens with the perplexing notion that Kawabata, who committed suicide, once defined happiness as "drinking a scotch and soda at the Tokyo Hilton Hotel." This straightforward yet superficial answer invokes conflicting feelings, as it disrupts conventional wisdom about the depth and substance often associated with happiness. While it's distressing to some, it appears simple and attainable to others. By introducing this division of opinion right at the beginning, Koch establishes the subjectivity and contextual variability of happiness.

The poem then shifts to a personal anecdote involving the poet and a friend discussing happiness while sitting in the Place de la République in Paris. The setting is ordinary, almost drab, yet the poet experiences a moment of happiness. This seemingly inconsequential episode serves as a catalyst for a more in-depth exploration of happiness, where the friend explains her theory about a "happiness base." According to her, this base consists of four pillars: good health, good work, good friendship, and good love. While these elements might not guarantee happiness, they provide the foundation upon which "moments of true happiness could occur."

What's fascinating is that even within the parameters of these 'good' elements, happiness is described as elusive. You can have all these things and still not be happy because, according to the friend, one also needs to be "lucky." This introduces an element of randomness or unpredictability to the attainment of happiness, complicating its definition even further.

Lastly, the poem concludes with a rhetorical exchange where Kawabata asks the acquaintance how he would define happiness, eliciting the response, "How can anyone answer a question like that?" This concluding dialogue highlights the difficulty in pinning down a singular or universal definition of happiness, reinforcing the poem's initial premise that happiness is inherently subjective and contextual.

The use of the prose poem format in "On Happiness" serves multiple purposes that align with the poem's thematic concerns. Prose poetry blurs the line between traditional verse and narrative text, making it an ideal choice for tackling a subject as nuanced and multi-layered as happiness. In using the prose poem format, Koch invites the reader to approach the topic of happiness without preconceived notions. The form reflects the fluid, complex, and deeply personal nature of happiness, inviting readers to engage in their individual contemplations on the subject.

Koch's "On Happiness" challenges us to question our own assumptions and definitions of happiness. It presents a rich tapestry of thoughts and theories surrounding the subject, inviting us to ponder its complexity. In doing so, the poem itself becomes a mirror reflecting our own quest for happiness, fraught with doubts, hopes, and the often inexplicable moments when we do, in fact, feel truly happy. Whether it's a glass of scotch at a luxurious hotel or a simple beer in a nondescript café, happiness emerges as a deeply personal experience that defies easy categorization.

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