Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Cheap Seats, The Cincinnati Gardens, Professional Basketball, 1959" by William Matthews reflects on the experience of attending a basketball game from the distant, high vantage point of the cheapest seats. The poem captures a sense of nostalgia and explores themes of loneliness, community, and the desire for heroes.

The poem begins by describing the physical setting: "The less we paid, the more we climbed." This line sets up the idea that those in the cheap seats are both literally and figuratively distanced from the action. The higher the climb, the cheaper the tickets, and thus the spectators are placed farther from the court. The imagery of "tendrils / of smoke lazed just as high and hung there, blue, / particulate, the opposite of dew" vividly conveys the hazy atmosphere in the upper reaches of the stadium, where cigarette smoke lingers in the air, creating a detached and dreamlike quality.

From their lofty perch, the spectators "saw the whole court." This elevated perspective provides a comprehensive view of the game, though it also underscores the physical and emotional distance from the players. The audience consists mainly of "numerous boys in molt / like me," suggesting a gathering of adolescents, perhaps awkward and transitioning into adulthood, much like molting animals shedding old skin. The use of "molt" hints at a time of change and uncertainty, paralleling the tumultuous emotions of adolescence.

The poem notes that "Our heroes leapt and surged and looped / and two nights out of three, like us, they'd lose." This comparison between the basketball players and the spectators suggests a shared experience of struggle and defeat, yet the players are still regarded as "heroes." The line "But 'like us' is wrong: we had no result / three nights out of three: so we had heroes" draws a distinction between the spectators' static existence and the dynamic, albeit often losing, efforts of the players. The athletes become aspirational figures, embodying action and potential that the spectators, especially the young narrator, long for.

The narrator reflects on the sense of isolation within the crowd: "And 'we' is wrong, for I knew none by name / among that hazy company unless / I brought her with me." This line reveals a deeper sense of loneliness, highlighting that despite being surrounded by people, the narrator feels a lack of connection with them. The "hazy company" reinforces the idea of a blurry, indistinct crowd, where individuals remain anonymous unless accompanied by someone familiar, like a girlfriend or friend.

The poem concludes with a poignant observation: "This was loneliness / with noise, unlike the kind I had at home / with no clock running down, and mirrors." The "loneliness with noise" contrasts with the silence and introspection of being alone at home. In the arena, the presence of others and the constant sound provide a distraction from personal introspection, but the narrator still experiences a sense of isolation. The mention of "no clock running down" at home suggests a timeless, monotonous existence, in contrast to the game, where time is a critical factor and everything is measured by the ticking clock. The "mirrors" symbolize self-reflection, implying that at home, the narrator is faced with their own image and thoughts, whereas the basketball game offers an escape from this self-awareness.

"Cheap Seats, The Cincinnati Gardens, Professional Basketball, 1959" captures the nostalgic and bittersweet experience of attending a game from the distant bleachers. Matthews uses the setting to explore themes of distance, both physical and emotional, as well as the human need for heroes and community. The poem subtly addresses the complex interplay of loneliness and connection, highlighting the ways in which public spaces and shared experiences can both alleviate and intensify feelings of isolation.

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