Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Good Author" by Carolyn Kizer, dedicated to Bernard Malamud, delves into the complexities of authorship and moral integrity. The poem juxtaposes two contrasting figures: a fading Irish poet and Bernard Malamud, both offering different philosophies on writing and life.

The poem begins with a reference to the "views / A few days earlier / Of a fading Irish poet." This poet, described as having "Rimbaud round his shoulder" but also "with hair and spirit / Receding," embodies a romanticized yet deteriorating image. The poet's association with Rimbaud, a symbol of youthful rebellion and brilliance, contrasts starkly with his own waning vitality. His appearance and demeanor suggest a predatory nature, aware of his decline but still striving to maintain a facade of wisdom and experience.

In contrast, Malamud's advice to "be good" signifies a call for purity and integrity in both life and writing. His counsel, "to strive for purity," and the assertion that "an author / Is one who labors daily / Putting words to paper," underscores the importance of consistent effort and moral fortitude. Malamud's perspective is pragmatic and grounded, emphasizing the continuous, diligent work required to be a true author, rather than someone who simply "wrote a book." His demeanor is described as "quietly, gravely," suggesting a seriousness and sincerity in his approach.

The poem then shifts to a vivid, almost surreal scene on a snowy campus, where a game of "hare and hound" unfolds. This imagery introduces a narrative of pursuit and innocence lost. The "innocent one flying / From wily nose and jaws" symbolizes a vulnerable figure being hunted. The predator, presumably the fading Irish poet, "cracked the diameter, / And the only rule she knew, / To plunge her to the ground." This violent, predatory act serves as a metaphor for the destructive nature of certain types of artistic or personal pursuit, where innocence and purity are sacrificed.

The helplessness felt by the speaker and their companions is palpable: "We could not save her, nor / Quickly enough turn away." The visceral reaction, "Fists over ears, lids clenched / From the brilliant agony," conveys the profound emotional impact of witnessing such a brutal act. The "brilliant agony" juxtaposes the intensity of the suffering with a perverse kind of beauty, highlighting the complex interplay of pain and artistry.

Despite the haunting nature of the scene, the poem returns to Malamud's "calm tones," which linger but are now "tinctured with her cry." This suggests that even the wisdom and purity espoused by Malamud cannot completely escape the taint of the world's brutality and suffering. The final lines, "Though I shall not wed the image / To any word you say," reflect a determination to separate the traumatic experience from Malamud's teachings. It underscores the challenge of reconciling ideals of purity and integrity with the harsh realities of life and art.

"The Good Author" thus explores the dichotomy between idealism and realism, innocence and corruption, through the lens of authorship and moral philosophy. Kizer uses vivid imagery and contrasting characters to delve into the complexities of maintaining purity and integrity in a world that often demands compromise and witnesses suffering. The poem's rich metaphors and emotional depth offer a profound meditation on the nature of artistic and moral endeavor.