Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Aubade on East 12th Street" is a poem written by August Kleinzahler. It was first published in his poetry collection, "Green Sees Things in Waves," in 1998.

Explanation:

The poem is a reflection on the speaker's experience of waking up early in the morning on East 12th Street in New York City. The speaker describes the street as quiet and empty, with no one around except for a woman walking her dog. The speaker observes the details of the cityscape, from the street lamps to the buildings and the sky. The poem ends with the speaker reflecting on the impermanence of life and the fleeting nature of beauty.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no consistent rhyme or meter.
• Imagery: The poem uses vivid and detailed descriptions of the speaker's surroundings to create a strong sense of place and atmosphere.
• Personification: The city is personified as "the sleeping beast of commerce," emphasizing its power and vitality even in the quiet of the morning.
• Metaphor: The city is also compared to a "tapestry of streets," highlighting the intricate and interconnected nature of urban life.
• Theme: The poem explores themes of transience, impermanence, and the fleeting nature of beauty in the face of mortality.

Conclusion:

"Aubade on East 12th Street" is a contemplative and introspective poem that reflects on the speaker's experience of the city in the quiet of the morning. The poem's use of imagery and personification creates a vivid sense of place, while its themes of transience and impermanence speak to the universal human experience of confronting the fleeting nature of life.

Poem Snippet:

"The city wrapped around me

like a grief,

its streets empty,

its back turned to the sun."