Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "For Kay Boyle" is a tribute to the eponymous writer, reflecting on themes of resilience, creativity, and defiance. The poem interweaves personal anecdotes with broader reflections on art and rebellion, capturing the essence of Boyle’s spirit and the tumultuous times they both witnessed.

The poem opens with a question: "What is the skill of this waking?" This line sets the tone for an introspective exploration of awareness and perception. The phrase "waking" suggests a conscious effort to confront reality, an act of mindfulness that permeates the poem. The subsequent image of "that man rambling up Frederick Street in music" introduces a character whose "repeated ecstasy" conveys a sense of passion and freedom, qualities that resonate with Boyle's own life and work.

Rukeyser continues with references to the passage of time and natural elements: "After many and many a February storm, cyclamen / and many a curtain of rain, the tearing of all curtains." The repetition of "many and many" emphasizes the relentless passage of time and the cyclical nature of storms and renewal. Cyclamen, a flower that blooms in winter, symbolizes resilience and beauty amidst harsh conditions. The "tearing of all curtains" suggests a revelation or uncovering of truth, echoing themes of exposure and vulnerability.

The poem then recalls a specific memory: "and, as you said, making love and facing the police / in one afternoon." This juxtaposition of intimate and confrontational acts encapsulates the complexity of life during turbulent times, where personal and political struggles intertwine. It highlights Boyle's courage and defiance, facing both love and authority with equal intensity.

Rukeyser uses vivid imagery to paint a portrait of Boyle: "A few bright colors in permanent ink: / black sea, light like streetlight green, blue sees in you / the sun and the moon that stand as your guardians." The "few bright colors in permanent ink" suggest indelible marks of identity and experience, while the specific colors evoke contrasts and dualities. The "black sea" may symbolize depth and mystery, "streetlight green" suggests urban vibrancy, and "blue" signifies tranquility and introspection. The personification of the sun and moon as guardians emphasizes their protective and illuminating roles, reinforcing Boyle's connection to these elemental forces.

The poem shifts to a broader commentary on rebellion and truth: "And the young bearded rebels and students tearing it all away, / all of it, down to the truth that barefaced naked act of / light, streamings of the courage of the sources." This imagery of "young bearded rebels and students" aligns with the historical context of the 1960s and 1970s, periods marked by student activism and social upheaval. The act of "tearing it all away" signifies a radical quest for truth and authenticity, stripping away illusions to reveal fundamental realities.

Rukeyser concludes by reinforcing the enduring presence of the sun and moon: "the sun and the moon that stand at your ears." This repeated motif serves as a reminder of the constancy and guidance provided by these celestial bodies, symbolizing enlightenment and eternal vigilance.

"For Kay Boyle" by Muriel Rukeyser is a powerful ode that captures the essence of Kay Boyle's life and spirit. Through evocative imagery and poignant reflections, Rukeyser celebrates Boyle's resilience, creativity, and defiance in the face of adversity. The poem not only honors Boyle’s legacy but also resonates with the timeless struggles for truth, freedom, and artistic expression.

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