Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Hall's "Closings" is a poignant and multifaceted exploration of life, death, friendship, and the enduring impact of creative and personal relationships. Through a series of interconnected vignettes, Hall weaves a narrative that is both intimate and universal, capturing the complexities of human experience and the inevitability of mortality.

The poem begins with a reference to the adage “Always Be Closing,” typically associated with sales and business but here applied to various aspects of life, including poetry. This phrase sets the tone for the poem, hinting at the constant process of endings and the necessity of closure in different contexts. Liam, described as a dandy with a penchant for stylish attire, embodies this principle in his life and relationships. The image of Liam and the speaker wearing burgundy high-tops on Liam's wedding day introduces a blend of whimsy and tradition, suggesting a deep personal bond and shared moments of levity.

As the poem progresses, Hall shifts to a more somber reflection on the passage of time and the deaths of poets from previous generations. The reading of T.S. Eliot’s "Quartet" during a rainy wedding reception underscores the theme of aging and the inevitability of death. Hall lists poets like Frank O’Hara, Jim Wright, Sylvia Plath, and others, each associated with their unique yet tragic endings, weaving a tapestry of loss that underscores the fragility of life and the legacy of art.

In the third section, Hall recounts a conversation with Liam in a New York bar, where Liam shares stories of joy and abundance in his marriage to Tree. This moment of happiness contrasts sharply with the earlier reflections on death, highlighting the dual nature of life’s experiences. Tree’s declaration of love for Liam, even years after their wedding, adds a layer of enduring affection and commitment, enriching the narrative with a sense of enduring love amidst the backdrop of inevitable loss.

The fourth and fifth sections delve deeper into Liam’s personality and his relationship with the speaker. Liam’s exuberance and inventive obscenities, as well as his critical eye for poetry, paint a picture of a vibrant, larger-than-life character. The speaker’s acknowledgment of Liam’s revisions to his own poetry illustrates the profound impact of their friendship on his creative process. The description of the speaker's physical decline due to age, juxtaposed with Liam's seemingly unchanged vitality, poignantly captures the passage of time and the contrasting fates of friends.

Hall continues to explore the depth of their correspondence and intellectual exchanges in the sixth and seventh sections. Their discussions range from class structure to free speech, reflecting the broad scope of their intellectual camaraderie. Liam’s dark humor about suicide, presented through one of his "eighty-one notions," adds a layer of complexity to his character, revealing a man who grappled with heavy existential themes even as he engaged deeply with life.

The eighth section recounts a poignant visit from Liam and Tree during Jane’s final days. The act of choosing a Caillebotte painting for Jane’s book cover serves as a metaphor for finding beauty and meaning amidst impending loss. The scene underscores the supportive nature of their friendships and the shared sorrow of parting.

The final section delivers the poem’s most devastating revelation: Liam’s suicide. The description of Liam dancing with Tree in a tuxedo the night before his death is both haunting and beautiful, capturing a final moment of grace before the tragic end. Tree’s understanding of Liam’s actions, devoid of anger, speaks to the depth of their connection and the complexities of love and loss.

In "Closings," Donald Hall masterfully intertwines personal memories, literary reflections, and existential musings to create a rich, multilayered narrative. The poem explores the enduring impact of friendships, the inevitability of endings, and the ways in which love and creativity persist even amidst the harsh realities of life. Through his vivid imagery and poignant storytelling, Hall invites readers to reflect on their own relationships and the profound moments that shape our lives.

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