Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alice Fulton's "What I Like" poignantly explores the complex nature of friendship and the often unspoken emotions that define it. Through introspective and evocative language, the poem delves into themes of longing, vulnerability, and the difficulty of expressing affection.

The poem opens with the line "Friend—the face I wallow toward through a scrimmage of shut faces," immediately conveying a sense of yearning and isolation. The word "wallow" suggests a deep emotional engagement, a struggle to connect amid a sea of indifferent or unresponsive faces. This image sets the tone for the exploration of the intimate yet often challenging dynamics of friendship.

"Arms like towropes to haul me home" evokes the comforting and supportive nature of a true friend, someone who can provide a sense of safety and belonging. The metaphor of "aide-memoire" and "my lost childhood docks, a bottled ark in harbor" conjures nostalgia and the idea of friendship as a vessel that holds cherished memories and offers refuge.

Fulton reflects on the inherent vulnerability in the word "Friend," noting how "even the word contains an end." This line underscores the fragility of relationships and the ever-present possibility of loss or separation. The phrase "We circle each other in a scared bolero" captures the cautious dance of emotions, where both parties are wary of making the first move.

The poem delves into the hesitation and self-protection that often accompany deep connections: "imagining strategems: postures and imposters. / Cold convictions keep us solo." This suggests that fear and past experiences can lead to guarded interactions, preventing genuine closeness. The speaker acknowledges their own reluctance to fully express their feelings: "I ahem / and hedge my affections."

The question "Who'll blow the first kiss, land it like the lifeforces we feel, tickling at each wrist?" highlights the uncertainty and anticipation in taking emotional risks. The simile of a kiss as a "lifeforce" conveys the profound impact that such an act of affection can have, likening it to the pulse of life itself.

The speaker muses that it "should be easy easy to take your hand," yet the simplicity of the action contrasts with the internal barriers that complicate it. The desire to "whisper down this distance labeled hers or his" reflects the challenge of bridging the emotional gap that labels and boundaries create.

The poem concludes with an unfinished thought: "what I like about you is." This open-ended line invites the reader to consider the myriad qualities that define a valued friendship, emphasizing the difficulty of articulating what makes a connection special. The lack of a concluding phrase also underscores the ongoing nature of affection and the complexities involved in expressing it.

In "What I Like," Alice Fulton captures the intricate dance of emotions that defines friendship, highlighting the interplay of longing, fear, and the desire for closeness. Through her nuanced and introspective language, Fulton invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the challenges and beauty inherent in forming deep connections. The poem resonates with a sense of both yearning and hope, recognizing the effort required to nurture and express true friendship.

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