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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Tennis Ball" by Donald Hall is a candid and humorous poem that juxtaposes the solemnity of a graveyard visit with the unexpected and lively interruptions of everyday life. The poem's casual tone and vivid imagery capture the surprising moments that can arise even in the most contemplative settings. The poem begins with a visit to a grave in September, described with a sense of routine and familiarity: "I parked by the grave in September, under oaks and birches, and said hello again." The presence of "markers, roses, and the grave with plastic chickens" adds a touch of personalization and whimsy to the graveyard, hinting at the unique ways people commemorate their loved ones. The mention of plastic chickens evokes a story of someone who cherished something unconventional, suggesting the individuality and quirks that persist beyond death. The narrative takes a turn when Gus, presumably the poet's dog, notices an unexpected scene: "A woman's long bare legs stretched up at the edge of the graveyard, a man's body / heaving between them." The depiction of a couple engaged in a private moment within the public and sacred space of a graveyard introduces a jarring but humorous contrast. Gus's curiosity about the scene reflects a dog's natural instincts, while the poet's attempt to distract him with a soft click of the fingers introduces an element of human discomfort and social decorum. The poet becomes "the unintending source of coitus interruptus," highlighting the inadvertent intrusion into the couple's intimate moment. This blend of the sacred and the profane, the living and the dead, underscores the unpredictability of life and the intersections of different human experiences. As they walk back to the car, the poet sneaks a peek, observing the woman "restarting him, her / head riding up and down." This continuation of their activity despite the interruption underscores the resilience and persistence of human desire. The scene is set against the backdrop of a "fine day, leaves red," enhancing the contrast between the beauty of the natural world and the mundane realities of human behavior. Gus, "healthy and gay, refusing to give up his tennis ball," represents the unchanging constancy of a pet's focus and joy. The tennis ball becomes a symbol of simple, enduring pleasures amid the complexities and absurdities of life. "Tennis Ball" by Donald Hall captures the interplay of life's solemn and playful moments, illustrating how the unexpected can intrude upon the predictable. Through its candid narrative and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on the unpredictable nature of human experience and the ways in which mundane realities persist even in the most hallowed settings. The poem's humor and warmth provide a counterpoint to its setting, celebrating the continuity of life and the small joys that accompany it.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...IN THE CREVICE OF TIME by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN THE SURVIVOR AMONG GRAVES by RANDALL JARRELL SUBJECTED EARTH by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE GRAVE OF MRS. HEMANS by CECIL FRANCES ALEXANDER THOSE GRAVES IN ROME by LARRY LEVIS NOT TO BE DWELLED ON by HEATHER MCHUGH ONE LAST DRAW OF THE PIPE by PAUL MULDOON ETRUSCAN TOMB by JOHN FREDERICK NIMS ENDING WITH A LINE FROM LEAR by MARVIN BELL |
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