Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Days of 1986" by Carolyn Kizer delves into the life and legacy of a poet whose reputation is marred by his personal transgressions. The poem navigates the dichotomy between the poet's public disgrace and the enduring value of his literary contributions. Through a narrative that balances condemnation and admiration, Kizer reflects on the complex interplay between an artist's life and work.

The poem opens with a stark acknowledgment of the poet's importance among his peers, immediately followed by the revelation of his "erotic obsession" that led to his downfall. The juxtaposition of his perceived importance and his moral failings establishes the central tension of the poem: "He was believed by his peers to be an important poet, / But his erotic obsession, condemned and strictly forbidden, / Compromised his standing, and led to his ruin." This swift transition from respect to condemnation encapsulates the fragile nature of reputations and the harsh judgments that follow public scandal.

As the narrative unfolds, the poet's actions become more explicit and reprehensible: "Over sixty, and a father many times over, / The objects of his attention grew younger and younger: / He tried to corrupt the sons of his dearest friends; / He pressed on them drinks and drugs, / And of course he was caught and publicly shamed." These lines detail the severity of his transgressions, painting a picture of a man whose desires led him to exploit those around him, ultimately leading to his public disgrace.

The ambiguity surrounding his death—whether it was a suicide—adds another layer of complexity to his story: "Was his death a suicide? No one is sure. / But that's not the whole story; it's too sordid to tell." This uncertainty mirrors the unresolved feelings his peers and the public may have about him, blending pity with revulsion. Kizer's decision to refrain from detailing the "sordid" aspects underscores the tension between the man's ignoble actions and his artistic legacy.

Despite the moral failings, the poem shifts to a consideration of his literary work: "Besides, the memory of his poems deserves better. / Though we were unable to look at them for a time / His poems survive his death." This shift suggests a separation between the poet's personal life and his creative output, allowing readers to appreciate his work independently of his actions. The endurance of his poetry, despite the scandal, highlights the timeless nature of art and its capacity to transcend the flaws of its creator.

Kizer continues to explore this dichotomy, acknowledging the challenge of reconciling the man's dual aspects: "There he appears as his finest self: / Attractive, scholarly, dedicated to love. / At last we can read him again, putting aside / The brute facts of his outer life, / And rejoice at the inner voice, so lofty and pure." These lines emphasize the poet's ability to capture beauty and profound truths in his work, inviting readers to appreciate the "inner voice" that remains "lofty and pure" despite the "brute facts" of his life. This duality resonates with the broader theme of the complex relationship between an artist's life and their creations.

In "Days of 1986," Kizer skillfully navigates the delicate balance between condemning the poet's moral failures and celebrating his artistic achievements. The poem serves as a meditation on the enduring power of art and the possibility of separating a creator from their creations. By acknowledging both the "sordid" reality and the "pure" inner voice, Kizer invites readers to reflect on the multifaceted nature of human beings and the legacy they leave behind.

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