Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Barbara Guest’s poem "Homage" intricately explores themes of transformation, aspiration, and the artistic evolution of the human spirit. The poem reflects on the transition from traditional art forms to the avant-garde, celebrating both the endurance and the revolutionary potential of creativity.

The opening lines, “‘A New Era of the Plastic / Arts has begun.’ / — Kiesler,” immediately set the tone for a discussion on innovation in the arts. Frederick Kiesler, an Austrian-American architect and artist known for his futuristic designs, symbolizes the forward momentum and the breaking away from conventional forms. The poem begins with an image of the world "going upstairs," signifying an upward, progressive movement, while "some people / of whom Frederick Kiesler / didn’t approve / are sitting in the basement," suggesting a division between the avant-garde and the traditionalists.

The repetition of "galaxies galaxies" emphasizes the vastness and the boundless potential of this new era. These galaxies are described as "our last jewels," precious remnants of a bygone time, akin to treasures preserved from the past. The reference to "the ones the Czar gave us / and we preserved / in our ateliers" hints at the cultural and artistic heritage carried forward by those who now face the future with hope and ambition.

Guest reflects on the resilience of these artists, who, despite "Preferring to drive / taxicabs / and knowing / we had a secret," managed to live gracefully in modest circumstances. This secret is their ability to "live gracefully / in tenements," suggesting an inner richness and creativity that transcends their physical surroundings. The poem’s tone is one of patient optimism, as they "simply waited / a fresh morning / that was bound one day / to open / over the roofs."

The image of dawn as a palace symbolizes a new beginning, a realm of endless possibilities. "Having in sleep / experienced / original dreams / which now become / an environment," the poem underscores the transformative power of dreams and imagination. These dreams are not merely figments of the subconscious but become the very fabric of their reality.

The phrase "trusting to place / one foot on / ‘the cornerstone of the edifice’" conveys a sense of cautious optimism. The edifice represents the new structures of thought and creativity they are building, grounded in their dreams and aspirations. The poem celebrates this shift away from being "‘traditional’ / or ‘isolated’" to embracing a new form that is as "accurate as stone."

Guest vividly describes the transition to this new scale with imagery of galaxies and palatial dawns, emphasizing the grandeur of this new era. "Galaxy I see you hanging / from the ceiling" transforms the celestial into the terrestrial, making the sublime accessible. The galaxy, now a "bartered bride," carries a regal and transformative aura, signifying both a union and a division into "weightless halves."

The final lines, "Making your entrances / from the moon," encapsulate the ethereal and aspirational nature of this new era in the arts. The moon, a symbol of mystery and inspiration, serves as the backdrop for these new beginnings. Guest’s use of celestial imagery underscores the limitless potential and the transcendent beauty of this artistic evolution.

"Homage" by Barbara Guest is a celebration of artistic transformation, a tribute to the resilience and innovative spirit of those who dare to dream and create anew. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, Guest captures the essence of this shift from the old to the new, from the traditional to the avant-garde, illustrating the boundless possibilities that lie ahead.

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