Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Reunion" by Carolyn Kizer is a succinct yet profound exploration of the dynamics of a long-separated relationship, marked by the passage of time and the evolution of personal perspectives. The poem opens with a reflective acknowledgment of the long hiatus between meetings: "For more than thirty years we hadn’t met." This immediately sets a nostalgic tone, inviting readers to ponder the changes and constants in both individuals over such an extended period.

The speaker vividly recalls the distinctive features of the person they are reuniting with: "I remembered the bright query of your face, / That single-minded look, intense and stern." These lines paint a picture of someone deeply engaged and serious, whose intense demeanor made a lasting impression. This memory is not merely superficial but tied to a deeper recognition of the person's character and influence.

Central to the poem is the speaker's acknowledgment of what they learned from this person, albeit inadvertently: "Was what you taught me inadvertently / (tutored by books and parents, even more / By my own awe at what was yet to learn): / The finest intellect can be a bore." This reflection reveals a nuanced understanding of the complexities of admiration and disillusionment. The speaker admired the person's intellect and passion for teaching, but over time, they also recognized the potential for such intensity to become tedious or overbearing.

The poem's structure, composed of two quatrains, underscores its concise and direct exploration of the reunion. In the second stanza, the speaker confronts the present moment, possibly their last encounter: "At this, perhaps our final interview, / Still luminous with your passion to instruct." The word "luminous" suggests that the person's zeal for teaching and sharing knowledge has not dimmed with time. However, the speaker's response to this passion has shifted; they now view it with a blend of nostalgia and relief.

As the person continues to speak, the speaker's internal monologue reveals a mix of polite engagement and a sense of escape: "You speak to that recalcitrant pupil who / Inhaled the chalk-dust of your rhetoric. / I nod, I sip my wine, I praise your view, / Grateful, my dear, that I escaped from you." These lines capture the delicate balance of maintaining social decorum while internally distancing oneself from the overwhelming influence of the other person. The metaphor of "inhaling the chalk-dust of your rhetoric" evokes the suffocating nature of their past interactions, contrasting sharply with the speaker's present freedom and autonomy.

Kizer's use of language is both precise and evocative, capturing the tension between admiration and the desire for independence. The poem’s brevity amplifies its emotional impact, as every word and line carries significant weight. The final line, "Grateful, my dear, that I escaped from you," serves as a poignant conclusion, encapsulating the speaker's complex feelings of gratitude and relief.

"Reunion" by Carolyn Kizer is a masterful meditation on the lasting impact of influential figures in our lives and the eventual need to carve out our own paths. Through vivid imagery and succinct expression, Kizer explores the dual nature of intellectual mentorship: its ability to inspire and, simultaneously, its potential to stifle personal growth. The poem's reflective tone and careful balance of nostalgia and independence make it a compelling commentary on the evolution of relationships and the pursuit of self-discovery.