Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "On the Porch at the Frost Place, Franconia, N.H." serves as an introspective reflection on the life and work of Robert Frost, while also exploring the poet's own experience of solitude and observation at the famed poet's former residence. Dedicated to Stanley Plumly, the poem intertwines observations of nature, the legacy of Frost, and the speaker's personal insights into the creative process.

The poem opens with a reverence for Frost, described as a "great man" who stood on this very porch, cultivating both malice and poems. Matthews suggests that to truly understand Frost's work, one must approach it with a level of self-critique and intensity akin to Frost's own, as his poems are shrouded in complex disguises. This idea sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the depth and subtlety inherent in great poetry.

Matthews paints a vivid picture of the natural surroundings, noting the tamarack tree, which has grown significantly since Frost's time. This detail symbolizes the passage of time and the ongoing cycles of nature, contrasting with the stillness and isolation of Frost's chosen environment. The imagery of Frost staring through the morning fog until it clears is a metaphor for the clarity of vision required to pierce through life's complexities—a skill that Frost had honed in his solitary, rural existence. The mention of "Watching the dragon come out of the Notch" alludes to the local geography and the poet's engagement with his surroundings, capturing both the literal and metaphorical aspects of his observations.

The poem delves into Frost's choice of a harsh climate and isolated setting, which Matthews interprets as necessary for Frost's emotional landscape, characterized by wrath and pity. These emotions are likened to "survival skills" cultivated through practical experience, such as farming. Frost's "cash crops" are metaphorically represented as sweat, doubt, and moralizing rage—elements essential to the human condition and the creation of poetry. Matthews draws a parallel between the harshness of Frost's environment and the rigor of his poetry, suggesting that the challenges he faced were integral to his artistic output.

As the poem progresses, Matthews shifts focus to his own experiences, particularly the act of picking blackberries. The description of the berries—initially "acid" and distinct, then swelling with juices—mirrors the process of maturation and the fleeting nature of perfection. The transition from the berries' prime to their inevitable decay is a poignant metaphor for the passage of time and the transience of beauty and experience. This moment of tasting the berries and savoring their sweetness, while simultaneously sensing their impermanence, encapsulates a broader meditation on life's ephemerality.

In the final stanzas, Matthews reflects on the sensory experience of dusk and the onset of darkness. The increasing presence of mosquitoes and the description of night "restoring its opacities" evoke a return to mystery and uncertainty, much like the process of poetic creation. The speaker's moment of near-clarity, where the disparate elements of the landscape seem to separate and then merge seamlessly, mirrors the elusive nature of understanding and the crafting of poetry. Matthews suggests that great poems, including those of Frost, often conceal their deeper truths, presenting predicaments rather than resolutions.

The poem concludes with a meditation on the limits of perception and the acceptance of ambiguity. As darkness envelops the porch and the surrounding landscape, the speaker acknowledges the futility of attempting to capture or fully comprehend the experience. This relinquishment of control, letting go of sight, signifies a surrender to the unknown and the acceptance of life's inherent uncertainties.

"On the Porch at the Frost Place, Franconia, N.H." is a rich exploration of the interplay between nature, creativity, and the human condition. Through his reflections on Frost and his own observations, Matthews delves into the complexities of artistic expression, the passage of time, and the inevitability of change. The poem's detailed imagery and contemplative tone offer a profound meditation on the fleeting nature of life and the enduring power of poetry to capture and convey its many layers.

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