Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Superbly Situated" by Robert Myles Hershon is a delightful exploration of the desires and insecurities inherent in forming and maintaining relationships. Through a blend of humor, sincerity, and a touch of whimsy, Hershon navigates the complexities of human connection, using the metaphor of being "superbly situated" to delve into what it means to be loved for one's inherent qualities versus superficial or conditional reasons.

The poem opens with a conversational exchange that sets a tone of mutual respect and understanding, establishing a relationship that values the simplicity of being. The speaker expresses a wish to be loved for basic, unremarkable traits, such as "breathing regularly" and not being prone to accidents, underscoring a desire for acceptance in their most natural state, without the need for extraordinary achievements or characteristics.

Hershon ingeniously weaves the iconic Empire State Building into the poem as a symbol of admiration and love. This comparison not only adds a layer of charm and wit but also illustrates the speaker's longing to be cherished as part of their partner's world, as seamlessly and significantly as the landmark fits into the New York City skyline. The fear that the building could one day be demolished and replaced with something mundane echoes the speaker's deeper anxiety about change and loss in the relationship—fears that love might be as conditional and transient as the city's ever-changing landscape.

The poem then shifts to address the speaker's concerns more directly, voicing worries about failing to live up to their partner's expectations or changing in ways that might diminish their affection. This vulnerability reveals a universal fear of not being enough or becoming less than what our loved ones initially admired.

In the concluding stanzas, Hershon's speaker makes a bold, imaginative leap, aspiring to embody entities that are inherently valuable and irreplaceable—a public beach, an opera house, a scheduled flight. These comparisons serve as a poetic assertion of self-worth and a desire to be indispensable and perfectly "situated" in the partner's life. The imagery of departing on a flight with the Empire State Building fading into the distance symbolizes an adventurous leap into the unknown, together, affirming a commitment to the journey of love despite uncertainties and fears.

"Superbly Situated" offers a nuanced, affectionate look at the dynamics of love and acceptance. Hershon's playful yet poignant language invites readers to reflect on the foundations of their relationships and the simple, profound reasons we choose to love and be loved.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/49234/superbly-situated

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