Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tess Gallagher’s poem “Crepes Flambeau” encapsulates a fleeting yet intimate moment shared among three women and a young waiter in a restaurant. Through vivid imagery and nuanced reflections, Gallagher explores themes of connection, performance, and the transience of pleasure. The poem's setting and interactions reveal deeper insights into the nature of service, societal roles, and the subtle power dynamics at play.

The scene is set in a restaurant that could be anywhere in America, yet is specifically located in Texas. This ambiguity in the setting underscores the universality of the experience described. The waiter, Jerry, is introduced with a casual familiarity that highlights the American custom of informal interactions with service staff. His description—“pink and young, dressed in soft denim with an embroidered vest”—paints a picture of youthful exuberance and innocence. The friend’s comment on his “nice butt” adds a layer of casual, playful intimacy to the scene, reinforcing the informal and personal nature of their interaction.

The act of ordering and observing the preparation of crêpes flambé becomes a focal point of the poem. The crêpes, described as “little fans folding into the juice,” and the brandy aflame with “a low blue hush and golden now and red,” evoke a sense of culinary artistry and delicate beauty. The process is both mesmerizing and precarious, reflecting the tension between control and unpredictability inherent in such a performance. Jerry’s task is to please the women, to perform this small act of culinary theatre perfectly.

Gallagher deftly captures the precariousness of Jerry’s position. He must navigate the potential pitfalls of too much or too little brandy, or the fire becoming a hazard rather than a spectacle. This precariousness mirrors the broader human condition—our attempts to balance and satisfy, often under scrutiny, in our various roles. The women's response—acknowledging Jerry’s skill with “that was wonderful”—validates his effort, yet their amusement and casual judgment hint at the deeper power dynamics at play. Despite his success, Jerry remains an object of their pleasure and scrutiny.

The poem's climax is marked by the imagery of the women's lips “red with fire and juice,” a symbol of indulgence and fleeting satisfaction. Jerry’s blush, described as that of a “russet young girl,” further emphasizes his vulnerability and the inversion of typical gender roles. He has pleased them, albeit briefly, and this transient success is acknowledged with a mix of gratitude and inevitability. The phrase “he has pleased us, briefly, like all good things, dying away at the only moment, before we are too happy, too glad” encapsulates the ephemeral nature of pleasure and satisfaction.

The pioneer décor of the restaurant, with its “rough boards, spotted horses in the frame,” adds a final layer of irony and historical resonance. This setting evokes a sense of rugged simplicity and a bygone era, contrasting sharply with the sophisticated yet fleeting pleasure of the crêpes flambé. It serves as a reminder of the transient nature of all experiences, no matter how meticulously crafted or momentarily satisfying.

“Crepes Flambeau” is a beautifully crafted poem that uses a simple dining experience to explore complex themes of human connection, performance, and the ephemeral nature of pleasure. Gallagher’s keen observations and rich imagery invite readers to reflect on the fleeting moments of beauty and satisfaction in their own lives, and the subtle power dynamics that underpin our interactions. Through the lens of this intimate moment, she captures the essence of human experience—fragile, performative, and profoundly transient.

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