Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Affair" by David Baker is a nuanced and deeply evocative poem that delves into the complex emotional landscape of an illicit relationship, capturing the fleeting moments of intimacy and the inevitable return to isolation and self-awareness. Through a series of vividly depicted scenes and carefully chosen details, Baker explores themes of desire, transience, and the human capacity for connection and disconnection. The poem is structured in four distinct sections, each contributing to the overarching narrative and emotional arc of the affair.

The poem opens with an image of a "long fencerow" that has "heaved and buckled" over the years, now taking on a "copper shine / in the sunset, the dew." This setting introduces the theme of transformation and decay, suggesting the passage of time and the changes it brings. The "garlic haze / of cut pastures" evokes a sense of the earthy and the sensual, setting the stage for the exploration of physical and emotional landscapes.

The second section shifts focus to the aftermath of a sexual encounter, with the participants "flushed from sex," still bearing the traces of their intimacy. The mention of "that other body, just parted" highlights the physical and emotional closeness of the moment, yet also foreshadows the separation to come. The waiting "in the length of first fall" suggests a transition, both in the season and in the affair, as the initial passion gives way to contemplation and realization.

Here, Baker explores the ephemeral nature of desire and the return to individuality after the intimacy of the affair. The skin, once "delible as ash to a trembling fingertip," regains its autonomy, symbolizing the end of the shared experience and the reassertion of self. The appearance of "One star, three" in the sky signifies the onset of night and perhaps the loneliness and uncertainty that accompany it. The phrase "Nothing good was going to happen" captures the resignation and foreboding that pervade the relationship.

The final section depicts the physical and emotional distancing of the participants. The act of turning "elsewhere" and the woman's gesture of gathering her collar and putting on a scarf—even though "It was not even cold"—are laden with symbolism. These actions represent a protective instinct, an attempt to cover and reclaim oneself after vulnerability. The coolness of the evening contrasts with the earlier warmth of their connection, underscoring the cooling of emotions and the inevitable separation.

"The Affair" is a masterful portrayal of the fleeting moments of connection and the subsequent return to solitude that characterizes the human experience of love and loss. Baker's use of natural imagery, the changing seasons, and the nuanced details of the characters' interactions enrich the poem's exploration of the complexities of illicit relationships. Through this intimate glimpse into the aftermath of an affair, Baker invites readers to reflect on the transient nature of desire, the search for meaning in connection, and the resilience of the self in the face of emotional upheaval.

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