Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer's "Two Poets by the Lake" is a richly layered poem that explores themes of memory, artistic creation, and the complexities of human relationships. The poem is structured in three distinct sections, each delving into different aspects of the poets' interactions by the lake and their subsequent reflections.

In the first section, the poem sets the scene at a lakeside where the poets are feeding waterfowl. The imagery is vivid and tactile, with "Mud-hens, ducks and grebes" coasting near, and "aggressive gulls" snatching at stale loaves. This setting, imbued with a sense of cold and desolation, mirrors the emotional state of the poets. The description of "chrome-trimmed car" and "too-neat frozen lawns" contrasts sharply with the natural, albeit harsh, environment of the lake. The poets attempt to connect on a deeper level, as suggested by the line, "You shook off chrome, and crumbs, the century, / And bade me enter your chill pastoral." However, their efforts to transcend their emotional barriers are unsuccessful, as they remain "shaken, disconsolate" and unable to resolve their inner turmoil.

The imagery of the "raw scream of a gull" and the lake reflecting "various vain waterfowl" highlights the dissonance between their aspirations and reality. The speaker's inability to "mirror" the other poet underscores the disconnect in their relationship. The mention of "the word made visible, a trance, an ectoplasm" suggests the elusive nature of true understanding and communication between them.

The second section shifts to a reinterpretation of the scene through the lens of the other poet. This version of events is more idyllic and romanticized, as the poet transforms the setting into a "country lake" with "bedding grass upon the muddy shore." The couple is depicted as being "lost in love / Instead of simply lost," indicating a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship. However, this idealized version is achieved through selective artistry, erasing the less pleasant elements and reshaping reality to fit a more pleasing narrative. The speaker questions whether the other poet still seeks the unattainable "lady of the lake" or confronts the reality of their reflections and fractured selves.

In the final section, the speaker adds a "coda" to the other poet's pastoral poem, bringing the narrative back to a harsher reality. The lake is now a site of violent activity, with hydroplanes disrupting the serene waters and turning the bay into a "morass." This transformation from a tranquil to a chaotic setting symbolizes the passage of time and the inevitable changes in both the physical environment and the poets' lives. The description of pits dug for racing boats and the ensuing chaos contrasts sharply with the earlier peaceful scene, emphasizing the destructive potential of human endeavors.

The speaker reflects on the futility of their earlier attempts at connection and the eventual recognition of their shared, though flawed, humanity. The lines, "While we are true neither to life nor nature, / But perhaps to one another as we write," suggest a reconciliation through their art. Despite the imperfect nature of their relationship and their individual artistic visions, they find a form of unity in their shared creative expression.

Kizer’s poem is a meditation on the tension between reality and artistic representation, the struggle for genuine connection, and the passage of time that transforms both the physical world and personal relationships. The vivid imagery and shifting perspectives provide a deep exploration of the poets' inner lives and their interactions with each other and their environment. Through its nuanced portrayal of memory and artistry, "Two Poets by the Lake" offers a poignant reflection on the complexities of human experience and the enduring power of poetry.

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