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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

GOOD, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

William Matthews' poem "Good" is a rich, contemplative exploration of various themes, including love, isolation, personal growth, and the mundane details of everyday life. Through a blend of vivid imagery, reflective narration, and philosophical musings, Matthews delves into the nuances of human experience, capturing moments of introspection and connection.

The poem begins with a childhood memory: "I'd seen wallpaper—I had buckaroos all over my / bedroom—but my friend the only child had ceiling paper; / in the dark he had a flat sky, if stars make a sky." This opening sets the stage for a comparison between the speaker's experiences and those of a friend, emphasizing the differences in their environments and, by extension, their perspectives. The ceiling paper, adorned with stars, symbolizes a contained, controlled version of the sky, contrasting with the speaker's more open and unrestricted view.

The speaker reflects on the isolation of the only child, who has "a phosphorous / future, a lifetime of good marks for being alone." This line hints at the loneliness and self-reliance that often accompany being an only child, as well as the societal rewards for solitude and independence. The speaker's own experience is different: "I slept with no lid, like a shoe left out- / doors or an imaginary friend, with no sky to hold / him down nor light by which to watch him drift away." This imagery evokes a sense of openness and vulnerability, suggesting a more carefree and less constrained childhood.

Matthews then shifts to a deeper reflection on love and loss: "Listen, my little mongoose, I know / the difference between this and love, / for I've had love, and had it taken away." The metaphor of a "little mongoose" conveys affection and tenderness, while the acknowledgment of love's transient nature introduces a note of melancholy. The speaker's introspection continues, exploring how desire manifests in different forms: "This feeling-sorry-for-ourselves-but-outward / is one of desire's shiftier shapes."

The poem touches on the complexities of romantic relationships: "see how the deep of night is crept upon our love- / making, and how we believe what we disbelieve, / and find in our hopeful arms what we'd thought / to have thrown away." These lines capture the paradoxical nature of love, where doubt and hope coexist, and where lost connections can unexpectedly resurface. The speaker grapples with the tension between reality and idealization, acknowledging the imperfect and often contradictory nature of human emotions.

Matthews also reflects on personal identity and the passage of time: "I shouldn't pick on myself, but I do: / pimples and scabs and wens, warts, pustules, / the duff of the body sifting out, the dust and sawdust of the spirit." This self-critical inventory of physical imperfections serves as a metaphor for the internal flaws and insecurities that everyone carries. Despite these imperfections, there is a sense of resilience and acceptance: "Deep in my body the future / is intact, in smolder, in the very bone, / and I dig for it like a dog, good dog."

The poem concludes with a moment of renewal and gratitude: "After a week of sullen heat, the drenched air / bunched as if it needed to sneeze but couldn't, / the sky gives up its grip on itself and—good— / rain swabs the thick air sweet." This imagery of a cleansing rain symbolizes a fresh start, a release from the oppressive weight of accumulated tension. The speaker expresses appreciation for the influences and relationships that have shaped him: "Hi Mom, as athletes say on TV, / and here's a grateful hello to my mild and courageous father."

In the final lines, Matthews articulates a sense of fulfillment and purpose in his creative work: "While I'm at it / I'd like to thank my teachers (though not some—they know who they are) and / my friends, who by loving me freed my poems from seeking love." This acknowledgment of support underscores the importance of community and connection in the speaker's life, allowing his poetry to flourish independently. The poem closes with a celebration of "the heart's good manners," guiding the speaker's journey through life and art.

"Good" by William Matthews is a nuanced and introspective meditation on love, identity, and the passage of time. Through its rich imagery and thoughtful reflections, the poem captures the complexities of human experience, inviting readers to consider their own relationships, aspirations, and moments of self-discovery. Matthews' masterful use of language and metaphor creates a poignant and resonant exploration of the ways in which we navigate the world and find meaning in our lives.


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