Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"From an Artist's House" by Carolyn Kizer is a contemplative poem dedicated to Morris Graves, capturing the essence of an artist's space through a series of vivid, detailed observations. Each stanza focuses on a different object or scene within the house, emphasizing the interplay between art, nature, and the artist's touch.

In the first stanza, the poem opens with a simple yet evocative image: "A bundle of twigs / On the roof. We study pictures: / Nests of hern and crane." The twigs on the roof evoke the nests of herons and cranes, linking the constructed environment of the house to the natural world. The artist's intentional placement of the "faggots" (bundles of twigs) suggests a desire to blur the boundaries between nature and artifice, creating a space where art and nature coexist harmoniously.

The second stanza shifts to a more intimate and mysterious scene: "In the inlaid box / With a gilt hasp concealing / A letter, a jewel? / Within, a bunch of feathers, / The small bones of a bird." Here, the inlaid box symbolizes the hidden treasures and secrets of the artist's world. The expectation of finding a letter or jewel contrasts with the reality of discovering feathers and small bird bones, highlighting the artist's appreciation for the delicate and ephemeral aspects of nature. This juxtaposition also reflects the idea that beauty and value can be found in unexpected places.

In the third stanza, the focus is on a more vibrant and striking piece of art: "The great gold kakemono / With marvelous tapes and tassles, / Handles of pale bone, / Is a blaze on the wall. Someone / Painted an oak-leaf to the silk." The kakemono, a traditional Japanese scroll painting, becomes a focal point in the room, its golden hues and intricate details capturing the viewer's attention. The addition of an oak leaf painted onto the silk further emphasizes the blending of natural elements with artistic expression, reinforcing the theme of nature's integration into the artist's work.

The final stanza presents a scene of quiet decay and immortality: "Full of withered oranges, / The old, lopsided compote / Reposes on the sill. / Poor crockery, immortal / On twenty sheets of paper." The withered oranges in the old compote (a dish used for serving fruit) signify the passage of time and the transient nature of life. However, the mention of the compote being "immortal / On twenty sheets of paper" suggests that art has the power to capture and preserve moments of beauty, giving them a form of eternal life despite their physical decay.

"From an Artist's House" is a meditative exploration of the spaces and objects that define an artist's world. Through detailed and thoughtful descriptions, Kizer invites readers to consider the relationship between art and nature, the value of seemingly mundane or overlooked items, and the ways in which art can immortalize fleeting moments. The poem's quiet, reflective tone mirrors the contemplative nature of observing and appreciating the artistry embedded in everyday life.