Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Kevin Young's poem "Cotillion," the speaker explores themes of risk, rebellion, and the quest for a sense of self amidst the backdrop of a train station at night. The title itself, "Cotillion," denotes a formal dance, often signifying a rite of passage into adulthood for young men and women. The setting and circumstance presented in the poem, however, are far from formal, pointing to an alternative rite of passage that defies societal norms.

The poem opens with the bold statement, "Tonight I am a man," which suggests that the speaker is claiming his own definition of manhood, one that doesn't rely on conventional markers. This proclamation is immediately followed by an act of daring: "tap-dancing the train tracks / red light--red-- / while the 10:50 nears." The red light and the approaching 10:50 train symbolize danger and the forbidden, yet the speaker chooses to dance on the tracks. His dance isn't one of heedless recklessness but an assertion of agency, and perhaps even a test of fate. The phrase "sweet horn blowing" lends a sense of music and rhythm to the scene, transforming it into a stage of sorts where the speaker performs his rite of passage.

The speaker's dance moves, "jitterbug" and "Charleston bound," are evocative of the Jazz Age, a period known for its exuberance, excess, and rebellion against traditional moral standards. These dance moves are not just mere physical actions but are imbued with historical and cultural weight. They embody defiance and the reshaping of identity, much like the speaker's actions.

The line "take down / the tarnished stars, my breath / shining them up new" suggests that the speaker wants to redefine or reclaim celestial symbols often associated with fate. By breathing on them and making them shine anew, he is taking control of his destiny, however momentarily. The act of wanting a tongue "stuck to the wintry track" adds another layer of daring, coupled with the assurance that "I'll yank my thick head back" just in time. This act of daring punctuates his coming-of-age story, setting it apart from traditional rites of passage.

The final stanza of the poem centers on solitude, where the speaker decides to dance alone: "Tonight I tango / alone." The striped arm of the crossing bar becomes his dance partner, its inanimate nature underscoring his solitude. Yet this solitude isn't a sign of loneliness; it is a space where the speaker finds himself. He allows it to "dance me / round real slow," relishing in the moment and the choices that have led him there.

"Cotillion" offers a nuanced exploration of the complexities involved in becoming a man, especially one who defies conventional paths. In a way, the poem itself is like a dance-each line, each word, each image leading to the next, collectively forming a rhythm that captures the essence of a young man's struggle and triumph in defining his identity. The speaker's dance may be risky, but it's also transformative, granting him a hard-won autonomy and self-assurance.

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