Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's poem "After Disappointment" tenderly explores the themes of solace, reflection, and the contrasting experiences of adulthood and childhood. Through the intimate setting of a child’s bedroom, Jarman delves into the complex emotions that arise from seeking comfort in the familiar and the innocent, particularly after facing life's inevitable disappointments.

The poem begins with the image of the speaker lying in their child's bed, a simple yet profound act: "To lie in your child’s bed when she is gone / Is calming as anything I know." This immediate declaration sets a tone of seeking peace and retreat in a space associated with innocence and safety. The child's absence amplifies the sense of solitude and reflection, allowing the speaker to momentarily escape from their adult responsibilities and disappointments.

Jarman continues, "To fall / Asleep, her books arranged above your head, / Is to admit that you have never been / So tired, so enchanted by the spell / Of your grown body." Here, the act of falling asleep under the child's books symbolizes surrender and vulnerability. The speaker acknowledges a deep, pervasive tiredness, both physical and emotional, that contrasts sharply with the enchantment and wonder often associated with childhood. This juxtaposition highlights the stark difference between the burdens of adulthood and the simplicity of a child's world.

The next lines, "To feel small instead / Of blocking out the light, to feel alone, / Not knowing what you should or shouldn’t feel," capture the transformative effect of the child’s bed on the speaker's perception. In this space, the speaker feels "small," a poignant reversal from the typical adult experience of feeling too large or too responsible. This shift allows the speaker to reconnect with a sense of innocence and openness, confronting emotions without the usual constraints of adult rationalization and societal expectations.

The poem reflects on the broader implications of these feelings: "Is to find out, no matter what you’ve said / About the cramped escapes and obstacles / You plan and face and have to call the world." This line suggests a realization that the complexities and challenges of adult life, often seen as inescapable, are put into perspective by the simple act of lying in a child's bed. The "cramped escapes and obstacles" of the adult world seem less significant when contrasted with the purity and simplicity of childhood.

Jarman concludes with a powerful and tender moment: "That there remain these places, occupied / By children, yours if lucky, like the girl / Who finds you here and lies down by your side." The return of the child, who joins the speaker in the bed, symbolizes a reconnection with innocence, love, and comfort. This final image of the child lying down by the speaker's side encapsulates the profound solace and healing that can be found in moments of genuine connection and vulnerability.

Structurally, the poem’s free verse allows for a natural, contemplative flow that mirrors the speaker's introspective journey. Jarman's language is both precise and evocative, creating a vivid picture of the emotional landscape the speaker navigates.

In "After Disappointment," Mark Jarman masterfully captures the delicate interplay between the burdens of adulthood and the innocence of childhood. Through the simple, intimate act of lying in a child's bed, the poem explores themes of solace, reflection, and the transformative power of vulnerability and connection. Jarman’s reflective and tender tone invites readers to consider their own sources of comfort and the ways in which they navigate the disappointments and complexities of life.

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