Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer’s “For Jan, in Bar Maria” captures the essence of a lifelong friendship through a rich tapestry of imagery and sentiment, presented in a style reminiscent of the Chinese poet Po Chü-i. The poem seamlessly blends nostalgia, vitality, and a touch of rebellion, celebrating the enduring bond between two women who have shared both youth and the passage of time.

The poem opens with a reflection on the length and strength of the friendship: “Though it's true we were young girls when we met, / We have been friends for twenty-five years.” This establishes a sense of history and depth, immediately grounding the reader in the context of a long-lasting relationship. The physical vigor of the friends is emphasized with the lines, “But we still swim strongly, run up the hill from the beach / without getting too winded,” highlighting their continued vitality and shared joy in physical activity.

Kizer paints a vivid picture of their current life in Ischia, contrasting it with their colorless birthplace: “Here we idle in Ischia, a world away from our birthplace— / That colorless town!-drinking together, sisters of summer.” This juxtaposition underscores the transformation and freedom they have found in their new environment, far removed from the constraints of their origins. The phrase “sisters of summer” evokes a sense of warmth, leisure, and unbounded joy, reinforcing their deep connection and shared happiness.

The poem then delves into their playful and somewhat flirtatious interactions with younger men: “Now we like to have groups of young men gathered around us. / We are trivial-hearted. We don't want to die any more.” This candid admission of their desire for youthful company and their lighthearted approach to life speaks to their refusal to succumb to the typical expectations of aging. Their “trivial-hearted” nature suggests a deliberate choice to embrace joy and eschew the gravity that often accompanies growing older.

Kizer reminisces about a specific memory from their youth, painting a lively and carefree scene: “Remember, fifteen years ago, in our twin pinafores / We danced on the boards of the ferry dock at Mukilteo / Mad as yearling mares in the full moon?” This image of dancing wildly in the moonlight captures the essence of their youthful exuberance and the deep bond formed during those early years. The memory serves as a reminder of their unchanging spirit, even as time marches on.

The poem continues with a playful account of a recent adventure: “Here in the morning moonlight we climbed on a workman's cart / And three young men, shouting and laughing, dragged it up / through the streets of the village.” This act of climbing onto a cart and being pulled through the streets by young men encapsulates their continued defiance of social norms and their zest for life. The reaction of the locals adds a layer of humor and cultural contrast: “It is said we have shocked the people of Forio. / They call us Janna and Carolina, those two mad straniere.” The term “straniere,” meaning foreigners, highlights their outsider status and the amused, perhaps scandalized, view the locals have of their behavior.

In “For Jan, in Bar Maria,” Kizer beautifully captures the essence of a friendship that defies the passage of time and societal expectations. Through vivid memories and the portrayal of present-day escapades, the poem celebrates the enduring bond and the shared spirit of two women who choose joy, vitality, and companionship over conformity. The style, evocative of Po Chü-i, lends a timeless quality to their story, emphasizing the universality of friendship and the timelessness of youthful exuberance.