Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Stratagem" by Michael Anania is a poignant and contemplative poem that explores themes of memory, loss, and the passage of life against the backdrop of the American Midwest. The poem delves into the reflections and experiences of an individual, possibly a soldier, weaving together the landscapes of rural Ohio and the urban setting of Dayton.

The poem opens with a rhetorical question, "How can I be bitter?" This sets a tone of introspection and perhaps resignation, hinting at a struggle to come to terms with events or changes in life. The imagery of "fence-rows rolling with the land" in Ohio paints a vivid picture of the rural landscape, imbuing the poem with a sense of place and grounding it in a specific geographical context.

The line "I never knew him to be angry or afraid" suggests a reflection on someone's character, possibly the speaker's own or that of a friend or loved one. This line portrays an image of an individual who was at peace with the unpredictability of life and capable of navigating its challenges with a sense of assurance and calm.

The phrase "He glanced for an instant at his friends-for only an instant—and then he jumped" is powerful and evocative, capturing a decisive moment of action. This could be interpreted literally as a specific event or metaphorically as a symbol of life's sudden turns and the choices we make.

The description of a night in Dayton, with its neon lights and the atmosphere of the city, contrasts with the rural imagery of the poem's opening. The "evening blush of neon blooming" and the "blue clarity of mercury-lamp arcades" bring the urban landscape to life. The image of four individuals "slouched in a Chevrolet" captures a sense of youth and the waiting for life to unfold, a common feeling of anticipation and uncertainty experienced by many.

"A Stratagem" ultimately weaves together different strands of experience — rural and urban, reflective and active — to paint a picture of life's complexity and the varied landscapes, both literal and metaphorical, that it encompasses. The poem is a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion, inviting readers to ponder the nuances of life, memory, and the passage of time.