Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Letter to Kizer from Seattle" by Richard Hugo is a candid and introspective piece that reveals the poet's vulnerabilities, struggles, and reflections on his life and career. Written in the form of a letter to fellow poet Carolyn Kizer, Hugo's poem combines personal confession with observations about the changing landscape of Seattle, his memories of the past, and his current emotional state.

The poem opens with Hugo expressing gratitude to Kizer for her supportive phone call from North Carolina, which provided comfort during a time of distress. Hugo's self-awareness is evident as he admits to feeling ashamed of his recent breakdown in Iowa, where he struggled with the fear of impending success and the pressure that comes with it. This fear manifests as a voice in his head, warning him not to believe in his own worth, which leads to self-destructive behavior, such as alienating the women he likes most and criticizing a student's poems without justification. The repetition of the phrase "I'll be all right" reflects his attempts to reassure himself and others, even as he grapples with his inner turmoil.

Hugo then shifts to describing his return to Seattle, where he finds solace in familiar elements like the wind, sea, and rain, as well as the vibrant environment of the market. He mentions the ongoing election to decide the fate of the market, framing it as a battle between the "forces of evil" and the "forces of righteousness." Hugo's identification with the latter group suggests his attachment to preserving the market, a symbol of the city's character and history. His hope for a storm to bring clarity to the electorate underscores his belief in the power of nature to restore sanity and order.

The poem also touches on Hugo's role as the last poet to hold the Roethke chair at the University of Washington under Heilman, who is retiring after 23 years. This reference to his academic career highlights the passage of time and the inevitable changes that come with it. Hugo reflects on the aging and changing population of his hometown, White Center, where the people he once knew are now balding and polite, a stark contrast to the memories of his youth.

As Hugo recounts his visits to old haunts and his interactions with colleagues like J. Hillis Miller, the poem conveys a sense of nostalgia and longing for a simpler time. His description of catching one trout, one perch, and writing one poem during a trip to Kapowsin emphasizes the small but meaningful moments that punctuate his life.

Throughout "Letter to Kizer from Seattle," Hugo's tone is conversational, blending humor, melancholy, and honesty. The poem captures the complexities of a poet's life, where the pressures of success, the passage of time, and the search for meaning are intertwined. Hugo's letter to Kizer serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of friendship, memory, and the small victories that sustain us.

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