Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Broadway" is a poem by Mark Doty that was first published in 1993 in his collection of poetry "My Alexandria." The poem is a nostalgic reflection on the sights and sounds of New York City's iconic Broadway avenue.

Explanation:

The poem opens with the image of a lone pedestrian walking down Broadway in the early morning hours. As the sun rises, the street comes alive with the sounds of traffic, construction, and people going about their day. The speaker marvels at the "pungent glamour" of the city, which seems to him like a "splendid ghost" rising from the pavement.

The poem then shifts to a more personal reflection as the speaker thinks back to his own experiences on Broadway. He remembers the excitement and energy of his youth, as well as the sense of loneliness and isolation that he felt. Despite this, he finds comfort in the fact that he is now a part of the city's history and collective memory.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: free verse
• Imagery: The poem is filled with vivid imagery that captures the sights and sounds of Broadway, such as the "golden muck" of the sunrise and the "cacophony" of traffic and construction.
• Tone: The poem has a nostalgic and reflective tone, as the speaker looks back on his experiences with a mix of longing and acceptance.
• Figurative language: The poem contains several metaphors, such as comparing the city to a "splendid ghost" and the "bodies on the sidewalks" to "offering[s] to the great hungry God of the city."
• Repetition: The poem repeats the phrase "I love this city" several times throughout, emphasizing the speaker's emotional attachment to New York.

Conclusion:

"Broadway" is a poignant tribute to New York City and the enduring memories and emotions that it evokes in those who have experienced it. The poem's vivid imagery and figurative language capture the essence of the city, while its nostalgic tone invites the reader to reflect on their own experiences of this iconic place.

Poem Snippet:

"I love this city,

its variousness, its implications

of anonymity and community; the boisterous

confidence of life here, the body heat

of the sidewalks, the stray beauty of the river.”