Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tony Hoagland's "The Collaboration" delves into the intertwining of literature and seduction, using the sophisticated poetry of Rainer Maria Rilke's *Duino Elegies* as a means to an intimate end. Hoagland skillfully examines themes of desire, art, and human connection, juxtaposing the lofty aspirations of poetry with the raw realities of physical love.

The poem opens with the speaker recalling a summer when he used Rilke's *Duino Elegies* in his romantic pursuits: "That was the summer I used The Duino Elegies / in all of my seductions." By likening the act of pulling Rilke's poetry from his briefcase to breaking out "candlelight and wine," Hoagland sets the stage for an intellectual approach to seduction. The speaker believes that Rilke himself would have approved, suggesting that "the means / justified the end."

As the speaker begins to read, he describes the effect of his low voice, which "forced my audience / to lean a little closer." This physical closeness is mirrored in the metaphor of Rilke as a "limestone bench / stationed on a hillside / where lovers gathered to enjoy the vista / of each other listening." The bench symbolizes a place of contemplation and connection, a fitting backdrop for the unfolding seduction.

The poem becomes more personal with the mention of "Susan" and a specific moment during the reading of the "great Ninth Elegy." The speaker notes how "her tanned and naked knee / seemed the perfect landing platform / for any angels in the vicinity." This vivid image blends the divine with the sensual, capturing the tension between spiritual aspirations and physical desire. The speaker imagines Rilke himself witnessing this scene, seeing "the outline of an angel / in the space between our bodies / just before we kissed."

The climax of the poem arrives as the speaker and Susan "clashed together / and commenced our collaboration." This collaboration refers not only to their physical union but also to their participation in "another chapter / of the famous, familiar and amusing / saga of human relations." The choice of words highlights the cyclical nature of romantic encounters and the recurring themes of love and desire.

Hoagland contrasts "heat instead of grace" and "possession over possibility," underscoring the tension between the transcendent ideals found in poetry and the tangible realities of human relationships. The speaker acknowledges the trade-off, choosing the "kingdom of heaven" one more time for "two arms full / of beautiful, confusing earth." This final image encapsulates the poem's central conflict: the longing for something greater and the inevitable pull towards the physical and imperfect.

"The Collaboration" masterfully explores the interplay between high art and human desire. Hoagland uses Rilke's poetry as a metaphor for the eternal struggle between the spiritual and the sensual, highlighting the beauty and complexity of human connections. Through vivid imagery and introspective reflection, the poem invites readers to consider the delicate balance between aspiration and reality, and the ways in which we navigate this terrain in our pursuit of love and meaning.

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