Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Smell of Gasoline Ascends in My Nose" by Yehuda Amichai is a poignant and evocative poem that explores themes of love, memory, and the inevitability of change against the backdrop of conflict. The poem juxtaposes intimate, personal experiences with the broader context of war and upheaval, creating a rich tapestry of emotion and imagery.

The opening line, "The smell of gasoline ascends in my nose," immediately sets a stark and somewhat jarring tone, contrasting the mundane with the foreboding. This sensory detail not only grounds the poem in a specific moment but also hints at the presence of conflict and its intrusion into everyday life.

The poet’s promise to protect his love "like an etrog in soft wool" is deeply symbolic. The etrog, a citron used in the Jewish festival of Sukkot, is traditionally kept safe and unblemished. This metaphor suggests a desire to preserve something precious and fragile amidst turmoil. The reference to the poet's deceased father adds a layer of nostalgia and continuity, linking past, present, and future.

The imagery of the olive tree, a symbol of peace and resilience, introduces a note of hope and acceptance. The tree’s acknowledgment of the seasons serves as a metaphor for the cycles of life and the inevitability of change. This acceptance is mirrored in the poet’s call to his loved one to smile "as if in a family photo," an attempt to capture a moment of normalcy and happiness in the midst of chaos.

The reference to "wrinkled shirts and my trouble" personalizes the conflict, showing how war permeates the fabric of daily life, leaving its mark on both the mundane and the profound. The poet’s vow to never forget his beloved underscores the enduring nature of love, even in the face of separation and uncertainty.

The final stanzas of the poem paint a picture of a landscape marked by war, with deserts "empty of windows, filled with war." The contrast between the desolation of the battlefield and the intimate space of shared love is striking. The beloved’s silence, once filled with laughter, reflects the sorrow and resignation brought about by the ongoing conflict.

The poem closes with a contemplation of the untouched raw materials of the earth, a metaphor for potential and unfulfilled promise. The "army jet" that makes peace in the heavens is a poignant reminder of the paradox of seeking peace through warfare. The final line, longing for a return to a time of shared intimacy, leaves the reader with a sense of longing and the unresolved tension between love and war.

In summary, "The Smell of Gasoline Ascends in My Nose" is a powerful exploration of the interplay between personal love and the impersonal forces of conflict. Amichai masterfully weaves together vivid imagery and emotional depth to create a moving portrayal of love in the shadow of war.