Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer’s poem "In the Night" is a contemplative and serene exploration of the moments that precede death, blending themes of acceptance, the passage of time, and the thin veil between life and the afterlife. Through gentle imagery and a calm, reflective tone, Kizer captures a sense of peace and introspection in the face of mortality.

The poem opens with an acknowledgment of the "spirit presences" around the speaker's bed, suggesting an awareness of the proximity of death: "There are spirit presences / Around my bed / Waiting for me to die." The spirits are depicted as patient and unhurried, mirroring the speaker's own lack of urgency: "They are in no great hurry / Nor am I." This mutual patience sets the stage for a quiet, contemplative meditation on the nature of life and death.

The speaker addresses their keepers, offering a profound piece of wisdom: "Do not fear death, / I whisper to my keepers. / Fear life if it goes on too long." This sentiment reflects a perspective that finds more concern in a prolonged, potentially burdensome life than in the inevitability of death. The line "For the lost losers / Make winners weepers" suggests that those who continue to struggle and suffer in life can cause sorrow for those who care about them, implying that there is a dignity in accepting the end when it comes.

The poem shifts to a sensory description of the night, emphasizing its stillness: "It’s so quiet tonight / I can hear the angels breathing." This imagery evokes a sense of deep tranquility and the presence of the divine. The transparency of their hands, "As veined as autumn leaves," symbolizes the fragility and ephemerality of life. The comparison to autumn leaves, with their delicate veins and transitory nature, underscores the natural progression toward the end of life.

In the final lines, the speaker finds solace in the embrace of the spirits: "I rest in their arms / And sense the mist rising." This image of resting in the arms of spiritual beings conveys a sense of comfort and protection. The rising mist suggests a transition, a gentle movement toward the other side, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the speaker's acceptance of death.

"In the Night" is a beautifully composed reflection on the end of life. Carolyn Kizer's use of serene imagery and a calm, introspective tone creates a sense of peace and acceptance. The poem invites readers to consider their own attitudes toward life and death, and to find solace in the natural cycle of existence. Through its gentle wisdom and evocative language, the poem offers a comforting perspective on the inevitability of our final transition.