Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ted Kooser's "Yevtushenko" offers a vivid and somewhat surreal account of the famous Russian poet Yevgeny Yevtushenko's visit to Nebraska. Through a series of stark and memorable images, Kooser captures the incongruity and cultural clash inherent in this encounter, while also highlighting the universal nature of artistic expression and celebrity.

The poem begins with a direct address to Yevtushenko, establishing an immediate connection between the poet and the reader. The repetition of "Yevtushenko" in the opening lines emphasizes the significance of his presence: "Yevtushenko, you came to Nebraska. / Yes, of all places, Nebraska— / cornfield, wheatfield, cow and college." The mention of Nebraska's agricultural landscape juxtaposed with Yevtushenko's international stature creates a striking contrast, setting the stage for the cultural dissonance that follows.

Kooser's depiction of Yevtushenko is both intimate and unflattering: "You had a sore throat and you smelled of camphor. / Your blue eyes were small in your face." These details humanize the renowned poet, stripping away the aura of celebrity and presenting him as a vulnerable, ordinary person. The use of sensory details, such as the smell of camphor, brings the scene to life and makes Yevtushenko's presence more tangible.

As Yevtushenko reads his poems, Kooser employs a powerful metaphor to describe his performance: "like a tree in the wind you read them, / waving your branches." This image conveys both the physicality and the dynamism of Yevtushenko's recital. The audience's reaction, "We sat back as far in our seats as we could, / frightened of Russia," reflects the political tensions of the time, with the Cold War casting a long shadow over the event.

After the reading, the narrative shifts to a more personal and informal setting: a visit to the Governor's house. The late-night scene is imbued with a sense of weariness and surrealism: "It was already late. / You wanted to sit in the Governor's chair / and he let you." This act of sitting in the Governor's chair symbolizes a fleeting moment of power and authority, a stark contrast to Yevtushenko's role as a guest and an outsider.

The poem's climax comes with the description of Yevtushenko's interaction with the Governor: "You drank his red wine and showed us / the long movie you'd made of your life. / You recited a list of the people you knew: / Kissinger, Nixon, Kennedy (Bob)." This litany of famous names underscores Yevtushenko's status as a global figure, while also highlighting the superficial nature of celebrity. The Governor's reaction, "His eyes were as hollow as Lincoln's," suggests a sense of detachment and emptiness, as if he is merely going through the motions of hospitality.

Kooser draws a parallel between the Governor and Abraham Lincoln, evoking a historical resonance that adds depth to the poem. The Governor's nodding, compared to Lincoln's response to Mary Todd's menu, conveys a sense of duty and resignation, underscoring the performative aspects of political life.

The poem concludes on a note of polite formalism: "At three in the morning, we finally left, / and when you thanked him, Yevtushenko, for his time, / he said it was all part of the job." This closing exchange highlights the transactional nature of the encounter, with the Governor's politeness masking a deeper sense of obligation and fatigue.

"Yevtushenko" is a masterful exploration of cultural exchange, the burdens of fame, and the often surreal nature of human interactions. Kooser's use of vivid imagery and precise language creates a rich, multi-layered narrative that captures the essence of a moment in time, while also reflecting broader themes of power, identity, and the passage of time. The poem's understated yet evocative style makes it a compelling and thought-provoking work, offering a nuanced perspective on the complexities of life and art.

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