Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Subtropical Night" by John Updike captures the serene yet melancholic atmosphere of a night in Florida. This poem melds celestial imagery with the peculiarities of the local landscape, delivering a vivid portrayal of the region's unique charm and quietude. Updike's keen observations and rich descriptions provide a deep sense of place, making the setting almost palpable to the reader.

The poem begins with a striking astronomical scene: "Orion is upstanding overhead / and Venus does a dance of slow recession / with a thin new moon balanced on its back- / Artemis’s bow, aimed straight down." This celestial description not only sets the scene but also imbues the poem with a sense of ancient mythology brought into the modern subtropical setting. The stars and planets perform a quiet ballet in the vast sky, observed from the tranquility of a Floridian night.

The imagery continues with the static, almost stoic presence of the palms: "The palms don't deign to rustle in the dark," suggesting a certain aloofness or resignation in the natural world against the night that "falls with an intemperate speed." The darkness described as "a shade of silver-green" lends an otherworldly quality to the scene, in which "the oleander blooms burn black, like coals." This striking visual contrasts the vibrant life associated with Florida's flora with a more somber, almost burnt-out presence under the night sky, enhancing the poem's contemplative mood.

Updike then shifts focus to human-made elements: "So flat, this Florida has sidewalks that / seem made for wheelchairs and for shuffling steps / too old and slow to wear away concrete." This observation reflects on the aging population of Florida, characterized by slow movements and a lifestyle that leaves little impact on the robust paths they tread. It's a poignant commentary on aging and the passage of time, subtly embedded within the description of the landscape.

The poem closes with a return to the natural and a brush with the human: "The starlight walks upon the dimpled Gulf, / the banyans widen sideways while we watch, / a Cadillac prowls by, in search of sleep." The personification of starlight walking on the water adds a magical quality to the scene, while the banyans widening "sideways while we watch" suggest a slow, almost imperceptible growth that mirrors the gradual aging of the population. The final image of a Cadillac prowling "in search of sleep" adds a sense of restlessness to the otherwise static and serene night, hinting at the underlying currents of human activity and perhaps unease that pervade even such a tranquil setting.

Overall, "Subtropical Night" by John Updike is a beautifully crafted poem that uses vivid imagery and thoughtful observations to convey a deep sense of the stillness, beauty, and subtle melancholy of a night in Florida. Through a blend of celestial spectacle, natural tranquility, and human presence, Updike captures the complex essence of this unique geographical and cultural landscape.