Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Parents: People Like Our Marriage, Maxie And Andrew" by Gwendolyn Brooks delves into the nuanced realities of long-term relationships, particularly marriage, through the metaphorical lens of domesticity and suburban life. Brooks, known for her incisive commentary on social norms and the complexities of human relationships, paints a picture of a marriage that has settled into the comfort and predictability of routine, losing some of its initial passion and spontaneity over time.

The poem begins with a vivid description of "Clogged and soft and sloppy eyes," immediately setting a tone of weariness and a loss of vibrancy. This imagery suggests that the couple, Maxie and Andrew, have become so accustomed to each other and their life together that they no longer see things with the clarity or intensity of their earlier years. The "light that bites or terrifies" is gone, replaced by a comfortable but perhaps less exciting existence. This transition reflects a common evolution in long-term relationships, where the initial excitement gives way to a more stable, if somewhat less thrilling, companionship.

Brooks’s choice of symbols, "There are no swans and swallows any more. / The people settled for chicken and shut the door," further emphasizes the theme of settling into domesticity. Swans and swallows, often associated with beauty, freedom, and transcendence, are contrasted with the more mundane and domesticated image of chicken. This shift from the exotic to the everyday serves as a metaphor for the transition from the passionate beginnings of a relationship to a more settled, routine domestic life. The closing of the door symbolizes the couple's retreat into their private world, a common phase in the deepening of a marital relationship, but also a potential closing off from the wider experiences of life.

The poem then shifts to a more active tone, "But one by one / They got things done," acknowledging the accomplishments and progress made through the partnership. This line reflects the practical and often rewarding aspects of shared life, where the mundane tasks and challenges are faced together, leading to a sense of achievement and security. The imagery of "Watch for porches as you pass / And prim low fencing pinching in the grass" evokes a quintessential image of suburban life, highlighting the stability and orderliness that can come from a long-term, committed relationship.

The final lines, "Pleasant custards sit behind / The white Venetian blind," conjure an image of serene domesticity and contentment, albeit within a very controlled and predictable environment. The pleasant custards, a symbol of the comforts and pleasures of home life, are viewed from behind Venetian blinds, suggesting a separation or barrier from the outside world. This imagery encapsulates the essence of the poem: a life that is comfortable and satisfying in many ways, yet perhaps insulated from the unpredictability and excitement of the wider world.

Through "Parents: People Like Our Marriage, Maxie And Andrew," Brooks offers a nuanced exploration of marriage and long-term relationships, acknowledging both the losses and gains that come with time. She paints a picture of a relationship that has transitioned from passionate beginnings to a more settled and domesticated phase, suggesting that while some of the initial spark may be dimmed, there is value and beauty in the shared experiences and accomplishments that come with building a life together. The poem invites reflection on the balance between the comfort and predictability of domestic life and the desire for growth, excitement, and connection with the broader world.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetrypedagogy.com/uploads/8/9/3/8/89385582/brooks_annie_allen.pdf

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