Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Dangerous Games," Carolyn Kizer weaves a complex metaphorical narrative that delves into the dynamics of relationships, communication, and the illusions we create and chase. The poem's imagery is rich and symbolic, transforming seemingly simple actions into profound reflections on human interaction and self-perception.

The poem begins with the speaker describing the act of flying a black kite: "I fly a black kite on a long string. / As I reel it in, / I see it is a tame bat. / You say it's you." This imagery immediately sets up a sense of duality and transformation. The black kite, which initially seems to be an inanimate object, reveals itself as a living bat when reeled in, a creature often associated with darkness and mystery. The interlocutor's assertion that the bat represents them adds a layer of personal connection and interpretation, suggesting that they see themselves as something wild and perhaps misunderstood.

Conversely, the second stanza introduces a white kite flown by the interlocutor: "You fly a white kite, but the string snaps. / As it flutters down, / You see it is a cabbage butterfly. / I say it's I." The white kite, often symbolizing purity or simplicity, transforms into a delicate butterfly upon descent, which the speaker identifies with. The butterfly, a symbol of transformation and fragility, contrasts sharply with the earlier image of the bat, underscoring the differing self-perceptions and roles each person plays in the relationship.

The poem then shifts to an exploration of the game's origins and mechanics: "You invented this game, / Its terms, its terminology, / Supplied the string, / Giving you the frayed length / So I could escape." This passage suggests a power dynamic where the interlocutor controls the parameters of the interaction, providing the means for the speaker to 'escape,' albeit with a string that is intentionally flawed. This manipulation hints at underlying tensions and the precarious balance of control and freedom within the relationship.

As the poem progresses, the actions and consequences become more intricate: "I flew a black kite, let go the string, / But the thing darted down / Straight for my long hair / To be entangled there." Here, the black kite (bat) becomes entangled in the speaker's hair, a potent metaphor for how certain elements or people can become inextricably woven into one's life, creating a sense of entrapment or complexity that is hard to untangle.

In contrast, the interlocutor's experience is depicted as a futile chase: "You flew a white kite that ran away. / You chased it with your bat sonar. / But you found only a cabbage butterfly / Trembling on an aphid-riddled leaf." The white kite (butterfly) eludes capture, and the interlocutor, using 'bat sonar,' a metaphor for seeking or searching, finds only a fragile butterfly resting on a leaf infested with aphids. This ending underscores the fruitlessness of their pursuit and the disillusionment that comes from it, highlighting the ephemeral and often disappointing nature of their quests.

Kizer's poem, through its rich metaphors and vivid imagery, examines the complexities of relationships and the roles we assign to ourselves and others. The black kite and white kite, bat and butterfly, all serve as symbols of the intertwined yet divergent paths of the speaker and interlocutor. The poem's structure, with its alternating perspectives and reflections, mirrors the back-and-forth dynamic of their interaction, encapsulating the delicate balance between control and freedom, illusion and reality. "Dangerous Games" ultimately portrays the nuanced dance of human connections, where the outcomes are as unpredictable as they are inevitable.