Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer's "In the First Stanza" is a deeply reflective poem that explores themes of identity, the nature of the poet, the relationship between the poet and the reader, and the cyclical nature of life and death. The poem is structured in a way that each stanza builds upon the previous one, creating a layered understanding of the poet's essence and journey.

In the first stanza, the poet introduces herself with a sense of humility and simplicity: "first, I tell you who I am: / shadowed, reflective, small, / pool in an unknown glade." This imagery paints a picture of a quiet, introspective presence, akin to a serene pool in a secluded forest. The poet's identity is tied to nature, emphasizing transparency and calmness, with leaves symbolizing the passage of time and the natural cycles of life.

The second stanza shifts the tone as the poet interacts with the reader: "you laugh, / skipping pebbles across my surface / charmed by the spreading circles." This playful interaction reveals the reader's influence on the poet, creating ripples in her reflective nature. The "trees' perpetual twilight" suggests a setting of continuous contemplation, where the reader's presence is both a solitary and intimate experience. The stanza ends with the reader recognizing a deeper, more tumultuous aspect of the poet: "You know me as turbulent ocean / clouded with thunder and drama."

The third stanza takes a dramatic turn as the poet faces her mortality: "In the third stanza, I die. / Still, I insist on composing / as my throes go on and on." Despite the physical decline, the poet's creative spirit persists, symbolized by the "furious scratches" of the pen, which later transform into "graceful calligraphy." This transformation signifies the enduring impact of the poet's work, even as she grapples with death. The "drift of sails that sketch my horizon" suggests a final vision or legacy left behind.

In the fourth stanza, the poet's physical and emotional desperation is palpable: "My hands, in the fourth stanza, / with the agonized clutch of the dying, / draw your hand beneath the covers." The poet seeks a deep connection with the reader, inviting them to explore her innermost self, symbolized by the "forest glade." The imagery of the reader's hand being pulled into the pool signifies a merging of identities and a shared journey into the poet's reflective world.

The fifth stanza portrays the aftermath of the poet's death: "Then I die. I really die. / You pick up this piece of paper / You read it aloud and explain me, / my profile cast in prose." The reader is left to interpret and explain the poet's work, finding meaning in her words and preserving her legacy. The dropping of the paper "like a leaf" continues the motif of the natural cycle, indicating the continuation of life and the passage of time.

The final stanza returns to the poet's introduction, completing the cycle: "Then, in the final stanza, / I tell you who I am." This repetition reinforces the idea that understanding the poet's identity is an ongoing process, one that the reader participates in. The cyclical structure of the poem mirrors the natural cycles depicted within, emphasizing the enduring nature of the poet's spirit and work.

"In the First Stanza" is a profound exploration of the poet's identity, the intimate connection between poet and reader, and the eternal cycles of life, death, and rebirth. Carolyn Kizer masterfully uses vivid imagery and layered metaphors to convey the complexity of the poet's journey and the lasting impact of her words. The poem invites readers to engage deeply with the text, finding their own reflections and meanings within its lines.