"An American Beauty; For Ann London" by Carolyn Kizer is a heartfelt tribute to a lifelong friend, capturing the essence of a deep and complex friendship through vivid memories and poignant reflections. The poem intertwines themes of resilience, personal growth, and the intimate bond between two women who shared many adventures and life experiences. The poem begins with a stark image of vulnerability and strength: the friend baring her chest to reveal the scar from a mastectomy. The speaker's reaction, calling her friend an "Amazon," highlights both admiration and a recognition of the friend's strength and bravery. This moment sets the tone for the poem, underscoring the friend's resilience in the face of adversity. Kizer reminisces about their youth, describing carefree days of climbing Mount Tamalpais and getting "high" from the sheer joy of each other's company. This imagery evokes a sense of freedom and the unbreakable bond forged in their shared adventures. The mention of the "impossible guy" and the "No Name bar" further illustrates their rebellious and playful spirits during their younger years. The poem transitions to various stages of the friend's life, including a brief and tumultuous marriage in Mexico and a stint in Albany pursuing a Ph.D. The friend's unconventional approach to life and motherhood is highlighted through anecdotes, such as raising her child on "Beowulf and Grendel" and feeding him peanut butter directly from the jar. These details paint a picture of a fiercely independent and intellectually driven woman. Kizer then moves to a later period in New York, where the friend's charisma and beauty shine through, likening her to the actress Anouk Aimee. The friend's involvement in the Women's Movement and her role in writing the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) reflect her dedication to social change and her significant contributions to the feminist cause. The poem takes a somber turn as it addresses the friend's battle with cancer. Despite the illness, the friend remains strong and public about her experience, appearing on talk shows to discuss her lack of fear or faith. The image of the friend as a "witty wraith" on her deathbed captures the blend of humor and poignancy that defined her character. In the final stanzas, Kizer reflects on the aftermath of the friend's death. Cleaning out her friend's belongings, she discovers an assortment of wigs and prosthetic breasts, symbolizing the friend's attempts to maintain her dignity and appearance despite the ravages of cancer. The bequests left to friends, including a snapshot of the two women barefoot and laughing amid blossoms on the friend's last wedding day, serve as lasting reminders of their bond and the joyous moments they shared. "An American Beauty; For Ann London" is a moving tribute that captures the essence of a vibrant, complex, and resilient woman. Through vivid imagery and personal anecdotes, Kizer honors her friend's legacy, celebrating the strength, intellect, and indomitable spirit that defined her life. The poem is a testament to the enduring power of friendship and the profound impact one person can have on another's life. |