Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer's "One to Nothing" is a vivid, sardonic portrayal of a day at the ball game, focusing on the interaction with a colorful, inebriated character. Through the use of rich, playful language and sharp observations, Kizer captures the quirks of human behavior and the often absurd pursuit of ego satisfaction.

The poem begins with the introduction of the "bibulous eagle," a heavily drunk man whose language and demeanor seem out of place, yet endearing in their own way: "The bibulous eagle behind me at the ball game: / 'Shucks a'mighty!' coming through the rye / And Seven-Up, 'I didn't mean to kick you, lady.'" This description immediately sets the scene and tone, showcasing the man's boisterous and unrefined nature.

Kizer's use of archaic and regional slang, such as "Shucks a'mighty!" and "The old ego curse," enhances the character's persona, making him appear as a relic from a bygone era or a figure out of an English novel. The man's attempt to fit into the event, despite his apparent out-of-placeness, highlights the universal struggle of trying to belong: "Forgive me. I'm from a small town."

The interaction between the man and his friend is both humorous and pathetic, as the friend nonchalantly responds to the man's drunken confusion: "'What happened?' 'Nothing!' says his friend." This exchange underscores the futility and triviality of their concerns, especially when juxtaposed with the more significant elements of the game and life itself.

Kizer captures the transient, almost surreal nature of the ball game through vivid, disjointed imagery: "Batters turn brown, curl at the edges, / Fan and fan, like girls in early English novels." The fading and curling images reflect the blurred perception of the drunken man and symbolize the fleeting nature of the game and perhaps life’s moments of clarity.

The climax of the poem comes as the game reaches its critical point, yet the drunken man is lost in his stupor: "But eagle sleeps; he dreams away the ball game." This line poignantly captures the irony of his presence—physically there but mentally absent, missing the excitement and drama unfolding around him.

The poem ends on a note of resigned humor and poignant reflection: "Shucks a'mighty. If you're an eagle, you just go." The final lines suggest a sense of inevitability and acceptance of one's flaws and limitations. The man's journey from loud exuberance to quiet oblivion mirrors a common human experience—the oscillation between seeking attention and retreating into oneself.

"One to Nothing" by Carolyn Kizer is a brilliant snapshot of human nature, capturing the idiosyncrasies of a drunken man's behavior at a ball game while subtly exploring deeper themes of ego, belonging, and the fleeting nature of life's moments. Through her keen observations and rich, evocative language, Kizer creates a memorable, multifaceted character and a reflective, humorous narrative that resonates with universal human experiences.

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