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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

ON A NEW YEAR'S EVE, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

June Jordan's "On a New Year's Eve" contemplates the significance of temporality and personal connection in a world often overwhelmed by notions of infinity and permanence. The poem begins with a declaration that infinity no longer holds the same allure, reflecting a shift in focus from the eternal to the ephemeral, from the vast and unchanging to the intimate and fleeting.

Jordan expresses a desire for what is transient, highlighting the value found in temporary moments and experiences. The line "what can go away / (as easily as love)" emphasizes this preference for the fleeting over the infinite. This sentiment is reinforced by the imagery of children running on one-way streets, symbolizing the inevitable passage of time and the transient nature of life.

The poet dismisses the grandeur of sunrise and the excitement of the sky, stating that they are insufficient to satisfy her deep admiration for a simple, tangible moment—like the sight of a loved one's brown arm before it moves. This specific, personal detail encapsulates the sacredness Jordan attributes to the temporary, suggesting that these small, intimate experiences hold more meaning than any grand, infinite phenomena.

Jordan reminisces about past experiences that are both personal and profound, such as a first bike ride or an encounter with a possum. These memories are described with a sense of wonder, emphasizing their lasting impact despite their transitory nature. The phrase "the temporary is the sacred" captures the essence of Jordan's argument, suggesting that what is temporary holds a unique and irreplaceable value.

The poem then shifts to a broader critique of societal values, rejecting the abstract notions of beauty and magnificence often associated with natural wonders or material wealth. Jordan emphasizes that these abstractions are meaningless without the context of personal experience and connection. The imagery of the ocean's soft push at the shore, which is conventionally considered beautiful, is deemed insignificant unless it is accompanied by a personal interaction, such as a dog walking on the beach or a bird seizing sandflies.

In the final stanzas, Jordan reflects on the precariousness of life and the environment, acknowledging the finite nature of resources like oil, oxygen, and trees. This recognition of scarcity parallels the poet's view of human life as equally fragile and irreplaceable. The repetition of the phrase "all things are dear / that disappear" underscores the central theme of the poem: the inherent value in the temporary and the transient.

Jordan concludes with a powerful affirmation of the importance of the present moment and personal history. The poet's attention to the movement of a loved one's arm becomes a metaphor for cherishing the here and now. By focusing on these intimate details, Jordan emphasizes that it is the moments we share and create together, no matter how fleeting, that truly matter.

"On a New Year's Eve" thus serves as a meditation on the beauty and significance of the temporary. Jordan invites readers to find meaning and value in the small, personal moments that make up our lives, challenging the conventional emphasis on the eternal and the grand. The poem is a reminder to cherish the present and recognize the profound importance of our fleeting experiences and connections.


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