Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Carolyn Kizer's poem "A Song for Muriel," the speaker navigates the complexities of self-perception, identity, and legacy with a blend of humor and poignant self-awareness. The poem addresses the challenges of being misunderstood or unappreciated during one’s lifetime, while contemplating the inevitability of posthumous recognition.

Kizer opens with the assertion that "No one explains me because / There is nothing to explain." This line sets a tone of straightforwardness and clarity, suggesting that the speaker’s nature and intentions are transparent and require no elaborate interpretation. This sentiment is reinforced with the lines, "It's all right here / Very clear," indicating a self-perception of simplicity and honesty. Yet, the following lines, "O for my reputation's sake / To be difficult, and opaque!" introduce a touch of irony, revealing a desire to be seen as more complex and enigmatic, perhaps to garner greater respect or intrigue.

The poem's repetition of "No one explains me because" serves as a refrain that underscores the speaker's recurring theme of being overlooked or misinterpreted. Despite the speaker's clarity of vision ("Though myopic, I see plain"), their straightforwardness is met with discomfort from others: "I just put down / With a leer and a frown... / Why does it make you sweat? / Is this the thanks I get?" These lines capture a sense of frustration and bewilderment at the negative reactions elicited by the speaker’s candidness. The mention of a "leer and a frown" hints at a self-deprecating acknowledgment of their own demeanor, which might be perceived as abrasive or unsettling.

The poem takes a more somber turn with the lines, "No one explains me because / There are tears in my bawdy song." Here, Kizer juxtaposes humor and sorrow, capturing the multifaceted nature of the speaker's expression. The "bawdy song" implies a robust, irreverent approach to life, while the "tears" suggest underlying vulnerability and pain. The contemplation of death in "Once I am dead / Something will be said" reflects the common notion that true understanding or appreciation often comes too late. The speaker anticipates posthumous recognition but also cynically notes, "How nice I won't be here / To see how they get it wrong." This wry observation points to the inevitability of misinterpretation even after death, emphasizing the persistent struggle for genuine understanding.

Emily Dickinson's "Some Keep the Sabbath Going to Church," which Kizer included alongside her poem, provides an interesting counterpoint. Dickinson's poem celebrates a personal, nonconformist approach to spirituality, where she finds divinity in nature and everyday life rather than in traditional religious practices. The lines, "Some keep the Sabbath going to church — / I keep it, staying at Home — / With a Bobolink for a Chorister — / And an Orchard, for a Dome —," highlight her preference for a direct, personal connection with the divine, free from institutional constraints. This mirrors Kizer’s speaker’s desire for straightforwardness and authenticity.

Both poems ultimately explore themes of individualism and the quest for genuine self-expression. Kizer’s "A Song for Muriel" emphasizes the difficulties of being understood on one's own terms, while Dickinson's poem illustrates a serene confidence in personal truth and spiritual fulfillment. Together, they create a dialogue about the nature of understanding and the ways in which personal truths are perceived and valued, both in life and after.