Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Linda Pastan's poem "At My Desk" reflects on the often difficult process of writing poetry, as well as the shared experiences of two poets—Pastan herself and William Stafford. The poem captures the struggle of confronting the blank page, the tension between language and the natural world, and the perseverance required to find meaning and expression through words.

The poem begins by setting a scene familiar to many writers: "How many times I have sat this way / with the poem's intractable silence / between me and the world." This line conveys the sense of frustration and isolation that can accompany the writing process, where the desire to create is met with silence, an unyielding barrier that separates the poet from the outside world. The "intractable silence" suggests a stubborn resistance, as if the poem itself is withholding its voice, leaving the poet to wrestle with the challenge of finding the right words.

The speaker then turns their attention to the natural world outside the window, specifically a tree whose "leaves are more than syllables." The tree refuses "translation," implying that the natural world, in its raw and unmediated form, resists being reduced to mere words or syllables. The tree's leaves represent something beyond language—something that cannot be fully captured or expressed through poetry. This acknowledgment of the limitations of language adds to the sense of struggle the poet faces, as the task of translating the world into words is fraught with difficulty.

The poem then shifts to a reflection on William Stafford, who is described as "miles west / floating on the tide of language so easily." This image of Stafford as a poet who moves gracefully through the currents of language contrasts with the speaker's own struggle. The "tide of language" suggests a natural, effortless flow, as if Stafford is in harmony with the words he chooses, requiring only "a scissor kick now and then" to keep moving forward. The phrase "coming to shore / some unexpected but hospitable place" evokes the idea that Stafford's writing process is one of discovery, where he is often led to places of inspiration and insight with ease.

Despite this apparent difference in their experiences, the speaker finds common ground with Stafford: "Still we share between us / a certain stubbornness." This stubbornness refers to the determination both poets have to continue writing, to rise "each morning to the blank page" despite the challenges they face. The image of "climbing the ladder of light at the window all day" suggests a persistent effort to reach for inspiration, to ascend toward clarity and understanding through the act of writing. The ladder of light symbolizes both the passage of time and the poet's quest for enlightenment, as they work tirelessly to bring their thoughts and feelings into the light of day.

The poem concludes with the notion that both poets are "listening, / as hard as we can." This listening is not just to the world around them, but to the inner voice that guides their writing. It is a deep, attentive form of listening that requires patience, focus, and a willingness to engage with the silence that often accompanies the creative process. The phrase "as hard as we can" emphasizes the effort and intensity involved in this act of listening, suggesting that for both poets, writing is not just an art, but a discipline—a practice that demands perseverance and dedication.

"At My Desk" by Linda Pastan is a thoughtful exploration of the challenges and rewards of the writing process, as well as a tribute to the shared experience of poets who, despite their different approaches, are united by their commitment to the craft. Through her vivid imagery and introspective tone, Pastan captures the tension between the desire to express and the limitations of language, while also celebrating the stubborn persistence that drives poets to keep writing, keep listening, and keep reaching for the light.

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