Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Cannibal Beach," Edward Field presents a nostalgic yet poignant reflection on a past era of sexual liberation and hidden desire. Through a candid depiction of gay cruising culture in the mid-20th century, Field explores themes of freedom, risk, and longing, all set against the backdrop of a now-eroding beach landscape.

The poem opens with a reference to the titular "Cannibal Beach" and its companion beach: "I heard that the wide beach of my childhood has been almost washed away, / even the wild dunes of nearby cannibal beach." Here, the beach symbolizes a lost world of sexual exploration and liberation, while the imagery of it being "almost washed away" evokes a sense of irreversible change and nostalgia. The name "Cannibal Beach" itself is provocative and playful, hinting at the predatory undertones often associated with cruising culture while suggesting a world that is both exotic and dangerous.

Field provides a vivid description of Cannibal Beach's vibrant past: "famous for gay hanky panky in the reeds, and waterfront drag shows fathers took their children to / 'if they promised to be good.'" This passage paints a picture of a lively, permissive space where even fathers would bring their children to see drag shows, providing an ironic twist on societal norms. However, this arena of "sex and fun" is also marked by tension: "battered by years of storms / and even the unnoticeable wear and tear of wavelets we once frisked bare-ass in, watching for the police."

The mention of police surveillance reveals the precarious nature of these sexual encounters: "We were always watching for the police, / and you never could be sure when you reached for a prick / that he wasn't a dick and handcuffs wouldn't be snapped on you." Here, Field plays on the double meaning of "dick" to underline the inherent risk of police entrapment, highlighting the vulnerability of gay men seeking sexual expression in a hostile environment. The line "It used to cost a couple of hundred for the lawyer to pay off the judge" adds a layer of corruption and injustice to the narrative, emphasizing the systemic discrimination faced by LGBTQ+ individuals.

Field's personal recollection takes center stage in the next stanza: "When I discovered cannibal beach, / I'd ride my bicycle the ten miles from home— / 'what I did for love,' as the song goes." His youthful determination and longing are evident in his willingness to cycle long distances to reach this place of freedom. His discovery of Cannibal Beach becomes a rite of passage, offering a refuge where he could explore his desires.

The poem then shifts to a more intimate encounter behind the dunes: "Behind the dunes I came upon the beer-bellied Irishman of my dreams, / clutching his fat prick in the bullrushes." This scene captures the mix of excitement, desire, and apprehension that often accompanies first sexual experiences. The Irishman "put my bike in the trunk of his car" and drove the young Field home to Queens, "where holy pictures on the walls and a wedding photo of stiff parents / watched us from the dresser." The intrusion of religious imagery and familial expectations creates a stark contrast with the sexual encounter unfolding, reflecting the tension between societal norms and personal desires.

Field concludes the poem by acknowledging the lasting impact of these memories: "as they would for many a year, / mess up their chenille bedspread." This closing line encapsulates the enduring nature of these encounters, suggesting that despite the erosion of the physical landscape, the memories and emotions associated with Cannibal Beach remain vivid and significant.

Structurally, the poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to recount the story in a conversational and flowing manner. This structure mirrors the narrator's stream of consciousness and enhances the intimacy of the personal reflections. The language is straightforward yet evocative, blending humor, irony, and nostalgia to capture the complexity of the narrator's emotions.

"Cannibal Beach" ultimately serves as a nostalgic tribute to a bygone era of gay culture while also reflecting on the risks and joys of sexual exploration. By juxtaposing the carefree encounters with the looming threat of police surveillance and societal condemnation, Edward Field captures the tension between liberation and repression that characterized mid-20th-century queer life. Through his candid and poignant storytelling, he invites readers to reflect on the enduring impact of these formative experiences.

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