Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's poem "Facing Into It; For Larry Levis" is a poignant meditation on desolation, memory, and the persistence of life in the face of inevitable decay. Through a series of vivid images and allusions, Wilner creates a rich tapestry that explores the intersections of personal loss, historical legacy, and the natural cycles of life and death.

The poem begins with the arrival of autumn, a season often associated with decline and preparation for winter. Wilner sets the scene with the turning of leaves and the burrowing of small creatures, suggesting a world instinctively preparing for the hardships to come. This imagery establishes a somber tone, reflective of a world where "the flea-ridden bitch of desolation" returns home to find its bowl empty, symbolizing the stark realities of loss and the stripping away of life's comforts.

Wilner's description of desolation as a "thin dog with its ribs exposed like a lesson / in mathematics, in subtraction" underscores the relentless, calculating nature of decay. This imagery not only conveys physical frailty but also evokes a sense of emotional and spiritual depletion. The poet contrasts this stark imagery with the ephemeral beauty of autumn leaves, creating a tension between the fleeting beauty of life and the enduring presence of death.

As the poem progresses, Wilner introduces the metaphor of October as the season when "Death / goes public, costumed," tying the personal experience of loss to the broader cultural rituals of confronting mortality. The reference to "talking heads / on the TV screen" with a "strange glow" akin to that of decomposing fish adds a layer of contemporary relevance, critiquing the superficial and desensitized ways in which society often engages with suffering and catastrophe.

The poem then shifts to a personal reflection on the poet Larry Levis and his Caravaggio painting of David with the Head of Goliath. Wilner uses this reference to delve into themes of identity and transformation, contemplating the ways individuals carry the burdens of their past selves. The image of boys walking the streets "each carrying the severed head of the man / he will become" poignantly captures the inevitability of change and the struggle to reconcile past and present identities.

In the latter part of the poem, Wilner introduces the metaphor of a cart pulled by horses through a storm, symbolizing the journey through life's trials and uncertainties. The horses' indifferent wisdom and musical hoofbeats suggest a stoic acceptance of the natural order, contrasting with the human inclination to find meaning and purpose in suffering. The image of the cart moving through the storm, with a "soft glowing green" traffic light offering a spectral promise of safety, evokes a sense of hope and resilience amidst adversity.

The poem concludes with a return to the natural world, envisioning a barn "where the soul— / that magician—can wallow / and winter in straw." This final image offers a glimpse of solace and renewal, suggesting that even in the darkest times, there remains a space for rest and recovery, where the essence of life can persist and find warmth.

"Facing Into It; For Larry Levis" is a richly layered poem that weaves together personal reflection, cultural critique, and natural imagery to explore the complexities of existence. Wilner's use of vivid metaphors and allusions invites readers to contemplate their own experiences of loss and resilience, finding beauty and meaning in the cyclical nature of life and death.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...