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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Ted Kooser's "Self-Portrait at Thirty-Nine" is a reflective and affectionate examination of self and aging. The poem’s intimate tone and vivid imagery create a compelling snapshot of a man at a particular stage in his life, celebrating both the physical signs of age and the deeper, enduring aspects of identity. The poem begins with the image of a barber cutting the speaker’s hair. The description is lush and sensory: "A barber is cutting the hair; his fingers, perfumed by a rainbow of bottled oils, blanket the head with soft, pink clouds." This initial scene sets a soothing and almost tender mood. The barber’s fingers, imbued with a "rainbow of bottled oils," suggest a spectrum of experiences and emotions, while the "soft, pink clouds" evoke a sense of comfort and care. Through these soft clouds, "the green eyes, from their craters, peer." The use of the word "craters" indicates the wear and depth that come with age, giving the eyes a sense of wisdom and experience. The phrase "there's a grin lost somewhere in the folds of the face, with a fence of old teeth, broken and leaning" adds a touch of humor and realism. The "grin lost" implies that joy and humor are still present but perhaps more hidden within the lines and wrinkles of the face, while the "fence of old teeth" conveys a sense of imperfection and resilience. The speaker’s casual asides to the barber, described as pouncing "catlike onto the air," add a playful and dynamic element to the scene. This personification of speech emphasizes the speaker's animated character and the lively interaction despite the weariness shown by the face. The poem then moves to a broader reflection on aging: "This is a face which shows its age, has all of the coin it started with, with the look of having been counted too often." This metaphor of a face as currency suggests a life fully lived, with experiences "counted too often," leaving visible marks. The speaker’s acknowledgment of age is neither regretful nor mournful; it is a statement of fact, with a sense of acceptance and even pride. The turn in the poem comes with a declaration of love for the self: "Oh, but I love / my face! It is that hound of bronze / who faithfully stands by the door." This metaphor transforms the face into a loyal, steadfast companion, likened to a "hound of bronze." The bronze implies durability and strength, suggesting that the speaker’s face, though aged, is resilient and dependable. The final lines, "to hold it open wide-on light, on water, on leafy streets / where women pass it with a smile," paint a picture of a life still engaged and appreciated. The face, like a faithful dog, opens up to the world, allowing the speaker to experience and enjoy the beauty around him. The repeated phrase "Good dog, old face; good dog, good dog," serves as a comforting and affectionate pat on the back, reinforcing the bond between the speaker and his visage. This repetition emphasizes a sense of companionship and loyalty, turning the face into a beloved friend that has weathered life’s storms alongside the speaker. "Self-Portrait at Thirty-Nine" is a celebration of aging and self-acceptance. Kooser's use of rich, evocative imagery and gentle humor creates a tender and intimate portrait of a man who has come to terms with his physical appearance and the passage of time. The poem’s warmth and affection highlight the beauty of embracing oneself fully, flaws and all, and recognizing the enduring qualities that make us who we are.
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