Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"A Handbook of Surfing" by Barbara Guest is a rich, layered poem that explores themes of nature, human connection, and the fluidity of experience through the metaphor of surfing. The poem is divided into sections, each with its distinct imagery and focus, creating a tapestry of thoughts and reflections that invite the reader into a meditative journey.

The opening lines, "It is time to find the peak the rosy trimmings are sliding up / toward you whose fingers reach over the balcony the flowers / and trees are damp morning up breaks differently each sibilant / wavering the night closet shut seeks," set a contemplative tone. The imagery of the peak and the rosy trimmings evokes a sense of anticipation and the natural beauty of a new day. The mention of fingers reaching over a balcony suggests a human desire to connect with the world around us, while the damp flowers and trees remind us of the freshness and renewal that comes with morning.

As the poem progresses, Guest introduces the theme of the sea and surfing. She writes, "A circular moon continued; ideal these conditions a settled air on its five or six feet the wave rocks early over the coast foam line spews." The description of the wave and the ideal conditions for surfing create a vivid picture of the sea's power and beauty. The moon, waves, and foam line all contribute to the sense of movement and the natural cycles that surfers engage with.

The poem then shifts to a more technical discussion of surfing, blending poetic language with instructional content: "Since there are probably no two surfers in the world who will agree one hundred percent on the techniques of advanced surfing, we would like to deal only with the basic principles of learning to surf." This blending of styles reflects the complexity of surfing as both a physical activity and a meditative practice. The instructions for paddling, standing, and turning are interwoven with reflections on the act of surfing as a metaphor for navigating life's challenges and changes.

Guest continues to explore the spiritual and emotional dimensions of surfing, writing, "we would like to tell here about paddling, standing and turning, straightening out or pulling out, we shall discuss the effect of tides and bottom conditions." These instructions, while practical, also serve as metaphors for the choices and adjustments we make in life. The tides and bottom conditions represent the external factors that influence our journey, while paddling, standing, and turning symbolize our responses and actions.

The poem's third section, "Paddling out: / Tributes must be paid that this waterway be freed," suggests a sense of ritual and respect for the sea. The act of paddling out is not just a physical effort but a tribute to the power and mystery of the ocean. This section also introduces the idea of the sea as a space of freedom and exploration, where surfers can find a sense of liberation and connection with nature.

Guest’s use of vivid imagery and lyrical language continues throughout the poem, creating a rich sensory experience for the reader. The description of the surfers as "hot dogging the shore break" and the reference to legendary surfers like Duke Kahanamoku add a sense of history and tradition to the poem. The line, "Today I shall walk the board my teak sandals on the wax the surf's down waterwheel furled," evokes the tactile sensations of surfing and the intimate relationship between the surfer and the board.

The final section of the poem, "Rolling through: On the way to line up it's under the soup / you with your immaculate verb sense the indicative clause so under control," returns to the theme of language and control. The sea and surfing become metaphors for the creative process and the challenges of writing. The mention of "character plot action" and "the splitting sensitivity of Balzacian Frabrizio" reflects the poet's awareness of the complexities of storytelling and the interplay between imagination and reality.

"A Handbook of Surfing" by Barbara Guest is a multifaceted poem that explores the physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions of surfing. Through rich imagery and a blend of poetic and instructional language, Guest invites readers to contemplate the beauty and challenges of the sea and the human experience. The poem serves as a meditation on the fluidity of life and the importance of finding balance and harmony in our interactions with the natural world.

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