Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Variations for a Summer Evening" by Michael Anania is a nuanced and evocative poem that weaves together various scenes and emotions experienced during a summer evening. The poem is structured into seven distinct but interconnected sections, each contributing to the overall tapestry of images and sentiments that define a summer evening.

This first section captures a moment of farewell. The imagery of a woman turning away, her hair and skirt moving, set against the backdrop of peonies and a sunlit sidewalk, paints a vivid picture of a fleeting, yet poignant moment. Lester's entrance adds a sense of immediacy and motion to the scene.

The poem shifts to a more natural setting with references to flowering Cheyenne and ladyfingers. The presence of bees and butterflies amidst the white blossoms against the Chicago skyline creates a contrast between the natural and the urban. The mention of a "deuce-and-a-quarter" (a colloquial term for a Buick Electra 225 car) adds a touch of everyday reality to the idyllic scene.

The third section introduces a voice under a locust tree, expressing a desire for understanding and connection. The interruption of the El train and the movement of the trees set the stage for this intimate revelation, emphasizing the yearning for meaningful interaction.

Here, the evening cityscape is likened to music, suggesting an inherent rhythm and melody in the urban environment. The imagery of a saxophone and the anticipation of sound evoke the sensual pleasures of jazz, a fitting metaphor for the spontaneity and vibrancy of a summer evening.

This part reflects on the nature of America, hinting at the country's complexities and contradictions. The poem suggests that moments of beauty and connection, like those found in music, occur spontaneously and are essential to the national character.

The imagery shifts to a more intimate setting, with elm crowns and the Smoke King (possibly a reference to a jazz musician) creating an atmosphere of closeness and introspection. The mention of valve pads and brass instruments continues the musical theme, while a sense of sadness permeates the scene.

The final section brings the poem full circle, returning to the initial themes of longing and desire for connection. The repetition of "All I want" and "my sweet embraceable you" emphasizes the longing for closeness and understanding. The thickening night air and the sense of apprehension capture the complex emotions of a summer evening.

Overall, "Variations for a Summer Evening" is a richly textured poem that explores the myriad emotions and experiences of a summer evening through vivid imagery and a deep sense of longing and introspection.