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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Later in Life" by Jorie Graham captures the essence of summer with its sensory-rich language and contemplative tone. The poem paints a vivid picture of a summer morning, evoking the changes and sensations that come with the season. Through this exploration, Graham delves into themes of time, existence, and human connection. The poem opens with the arrival of summer heat, which lowers "the pitch of the / cry—human—cast up / as two words by the worker street level." This line sets the stage for a scene of human activity, highlighting the interaction between two workers communicating across a distance. The clarity and efficiency of their communication are emphasized by the stillness and heat of the morning air, which allows sound to travel unimpeded: "One / call. They hear each other! / Perfectly!" This moment captures the synchronicity and harmony possible in human interactions. Graham uses the summer heat as a backdrop to explore the nature of sound and its ability to connect people: "as the dry heat, the filled-out leaves thicken the surround, the warming / asphalt, & the lull in growth / occurs." The thickening of the air and the environment enhances the crispness of sound, making it "bamboo-crisp." The description of the cry traveling "up like a thing / tossed without warp of weight or evidence of / overcome / gravity" conveys a sense of lightness and effortless movement, as if the very elements of summer are facilitating communication and connection. The poet then shifts to a more personal reflection: "I step out and suddenly notice this: summer arrives, has arrived, is arriving." This realization prompts an awareness of the season's impact on both the natural world and human emotions. The comparison between birds and leaves, where "birds grow / less than leaves although they cheep, dip, arc," underscores the stillness and fullness that characterize summer. The call from an "invisible neighbor to his child" is described with a sensitivity to the emotions embedded in it, capturing the nuances of human relationships and the desire for connection and approval. Graham's exploration of summer extends to a philosophical reflection on time and existence: "the future is a superfluity I do not / taste, no, there is no numbering / here." The present moment is portrayed as complete and sufficient, a "gorgeous swelling" that encompasses all of existence. This timeless quality of summer suggests a suspension of normal temporal concerns, where "all / there ever was is / us, now." The poem's conclusion delves into the structure of freedom and the nature of human experience: "what / is the structure of freedom but this, & grace, & the politics of time." The lines "look south, look / north—yes—east west compile hope synthesize / exceed look look again hold fast attach speculate drift drift recognize forget" evoke a sense of boundless exploration and the freedom to experience and interpret the world in myriad ways. The final lines bring a sense of personal affirmation and presence: "my / name is day, of day, in day, I want nothing to / come back, not ever." This declaration emphasizes the completeness of the present moment and the acceptance of existence as it is. The poet concludes with a celebration of the power of words: "these words praise be they can for now be / said. That is summer. Hear them." This closing statement underscores the importance of expression and the transient yet profound nature of the moment. "Later in Life" by Jorie Graham masterfully captures the essence of summer through its rich imagery and contemplative tone. The poem invites readers to reflect on the fullness of the present moment, the nature of human connection, and the timeless quality of existence that summer brings. Through her nuanced exploration of these themes, Graham offers a meditation on the beauty and complexity of life.
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