Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Late History" by Weldon Kees is a poignant exploration of memory, time, and the passage of life, captured through a series of vignettes that blend personal reflection with historical and cultural allusions. The poem, structured in four parts, moves seamlessly between different times and places, creating a tapestry of experiences that reflect on themes of mortality, knowledge, and the fleeting nature of existence.

In the first section, Kees sets a somber, introspective tone: "Black, under the candlesticks, moving in harness / To a slow music, we hang the sepulchre / And hear the herald angels sing, 'He is not here.'" The imagery of blackness, candlesticks, and sepulchres evokes a sense of mourning and loss, while the reference to the herald angels introduces a spiritual dimension. The repeated phrase "mid-November" grounds the scene in a specific time, suggesting a period of reflection and decay as winter approaches. The act of eating black pudding, juxtaposed with the dove's descent, symbolizes the coexistence of earthly sustenance and spiritual symbolism. Dr. Rashdall's unmasking of Newman hints at the unveiling of truths and the complexities of faith and scholarship.

The second section shifts to a more pastoral setting: "In a hollow tree by the bridge, an owl awaits. / The moon is full and white. The stars are out." The serene, moonlit scene is contrasted with memories of the past, including a conversation about Rossetti and the boasting of Watts-Dunton. This section captures a sense of nostalgia and the passage of time, as well as the lingering impact of past interactions and friendships. The full moon and the white stars symbolize a moment of clarity and reflection amidst the encroaching shadows of time.

In the third section, the poem transports the reader to the "far end of Marseilles and the islands," where a dwarf climbs "where the waves are luminous / With phosphorescent lights." The dwarf's murmuring about the beauty of the world underscores the theme of appreciating life's fleeting moments. The subsequent mention of death by starvation and the dwarf's daily longing to be tall introduce a tragic note, highlighting the struggles and unfulfilled desires that often accompany life. Despite these struggles, the dwarf's paintings remain as a testament to his enduring spirit. This section emphasizes the contrast between the beauty of the world and the harsh realities of existence.

The final section brings the poem to a reflective, almost existential conclusion: "Now, now, if ever, love opening your eyes, / The great blind windows lifted toward the sun, the doors / Thrown open wide." The imagery of windows and doors being opened suggests a moment of enlightenment or revelation, yet it is quickly followed by the realization of impending closure and darkness. The speaker's repeated questioning—"Do I wake or sleep?"—captures the ambiguity and uncertainty of existence. The merging of "Now, Soon, and Later" into a single entity reflects the fluidity of time and the inevitability of all things coming to an end. The poem concludes with a profound acceptance of mortality: "It is late tonight as it will ever be," signaling a final, irrevocable closure.

"A Late History" by Weldon Kees masterfully intertwines moments of personal history with broader reflections on life and time. Through its rich imagery and shifting scenes, the poem evokes a sense of melancholy and contemplation, inviting readers to ponder the impermanence of life and the enduring impact of our memories and experiences. The blend of historical references, personal anecdotes, and philosophical musings creates a deeply resonant meditation on the passage of time and the human condition.

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