Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Small Room in Aspen" by William Matthews presents a quiet, introspective meditation on solitude, identity, and the unique ambiance of a resort town. The poem explores the subtle nuances of everyday existence and the protagonist's introspective reflections within the seemingly mundane setting of a small room.

The poem opens with a description of a simple, somewhat neglected room: "Stains on the casements, / dustmotes, spiderless webs." These details create an atmosphere of stillness and abandonment, suggesting a space untouched by recent activity. The lack of chairs and the ambiguous state of a man "waking up, / or he's falling asleep" emphasizes a sense of liminality, where the boundaries between consciousness and unconsciousness are blurred.

Matthews then reflects on the common literary trope of starting first novels with the protagonist waking up, commenting on the ease this provides to authors in avoiding the complexities of depicting sleep. This meta-literary observation introduces the theme of storytelling and the nature of personal narrative, subtly suggesting that every life is a story in itself, albeit often mundane.

The protagonist's life is described as "the only novel / about him," indicating a focus on his personal journey and self-awareness. His routine includes walking past a park where Tai Ch'i students practice, described as moving "like slow lorises." This simile conveys a sense of deliberate, graceful slowness, paralleling the protagonist's own contemplative pace.

The narrative shifts to the protagonist's dreams and aspirations, contrasting his current second-floor room with a desired ground-floor room, complete with an "insistent cat." The cat's mouth "pink / with wrath" represents unfulfilled desires or unresolved issues, leading to feelings of frustration and eventual hatred. The protagonist's inability to address or alleviate this wrath symbolizes a deeper struggle with unmet needs or unaddressed emotions.

The phrase "All afternoon / he's a cloud that can't rain" poignantly captures a sense of impotence and stagnation. The metaphor suggests an inability to release or express something essential, much like a cloud unable to shed its burden of rain. This image encapsulates the protagonist's internal state—a mixture of potential and unfulfilled action.

The poem touches on the protagonist's perception of life in a resort town, initially dismissing the possibility of an "ordinary life" amidst the transient presence of tourists. However, Matthews quickly challenges this notion, acknowledging that ordinary life "laces / through the silt of tourists / like worm life." This line suggests that even in places defined by their appeal to outsiders, there exists a layer of regular, mundane existence intertwined with the ephemeral presence of visitors.

As dusk falls, the light in the protagonist's room rises, creating a serene and beautiful moment characterized by "laziness / and surface." This description emphasizes a simplicity and purity in the experience of the day, untainted by deeper complexities. The protagonist's reflection, "Wherever I go / I'm at home," reveals a sense of comfort and acceptance in his solitude, even as it is tinged with a mixture of pride and fear.

The poem concludes with a contemplation of elevation—both literal and metaphorical. At "8,000 feet above sea level," the protagonist experiences a unique perspective, feeling as though the descending darkness has already passed him by, leaving him in a state of ascension. This sensation of rising after the light mirrors the feeling of being slightly detached from ordinary concerns, as if poised to keep watch over the descending night.

The final lines, "as if he and it were each / other's future and children," suggest an intimate relationship between the protagonist and the approaching darkness. This imagery portrays the darkness not as a threatening force but as a companion in the cycle of day and night, implying a deep connection and mutual dependency.

"A Small Room in Aspen" captures the introspective experience of an individual in a quiet, transient environment. Matthews uses rich imagery and contemplative language to explore themes of solitude, the passage of time, and the delicate interplay between light and darkness. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own perceptions of place, identity, and the subtle beauty found in the quiet moments of life.

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