Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Amusing Our Daughters" by Carolyn Kizer is a reflective and poignant poem that intertwines themes of family, poetry, and the passage of time. Written in the style of Po Chü-i and dedicated to Robert Creeley, the poem captures a moment of communal gathering among poets, highlighting the shared experiences of parenthood and the inevitable changes that come with it.

The poem begins with an almost melancholic observation of the Northern coast's population: "We don’t lack people here on the Northern coast, / But they are people one meets, not people one cares for." This sets a tone of isolation, suggesting that true connections are rare and cherished. The speaker then describes bundling her daughters into the car to visit a fellow poet, creating a sense of anticipation and camaraderie: "And with my brother poets, go to visit you, brother."

As they arrive, the scene becomes lively with the presence of "a swarm of strangers and children," emphasizing the communal and familial nature of the visit. The mention of daughters being "like yours" indicates a shared understanding and experience of raising children among the poets. The imagery of everyone bedding down in a house surrounded by "burly old fruit trees in mist and rain" creates a cozy, almost idyllic atmosphere.

Kizer continues to describe the mundane yet tender moments of the visit: "We waken and count our daughters. Otherwise, nothing happens. / You feed them sweet rolls and melon, drive them all to the zoo; / Patiently, patiently, ever the father, you answer their questions." These lines underscore the routine aspects of parenting, where love is demonstrated through simple acts of care and patience.

The poem then takes a subtle turn towards introspection and sorrow with the acknowledgment of the poet's loss: "You have three daughters / Who last year had four. But even death becomes part of our ease." This line quietly introduces a theme of grief, showing how the poets have learned to integrate loss into their lives, finding solace in their shared experiences and poetry.

The closing lines of the poem reflect on the future, hinting at the inevitable separation from their daughters as they grow up: "In time we will lose all our daughters, you and I, / Be temperate, venerable, content to stay in one place, / Sending our messages over the mountains and waters." These lines suggest an acceptance of life's natural progression, where the poets envision themselves growing old and finding contentment in their memories and continued communication through poetry.

"Amusing Our Daughters" by Carolyn Kizer beautifully captures the intersection of daily life, the solace found in artistic companionship, and the quiet acceptance of life's inevitable changes. Through vivid imagery and heartfelt reflection, Kizer weaves a narrative that celebrates the bonds of family and friendship, the shared love for poetry, and the resilience that comes from facing sorrow together.