Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Calvin Forbes’s poem "Picture of a Man" beautifully captures the tender, complex relationship between a father and his son through everyday interactions and intimate moments. The poem explores themes of love, fear, innocence, and the profound connections that bind us.

The poem begins with a childlike creativity and innocence, as the son draws a man using "bright swirls of red." When the father asks for a tree, the child playfully points to the middle of his red drawing and declares, "There's a tree!" This interaction highlights the imaginative world of the child, where anything is possible and simple requests lead to unexpected and whimsical outcomes. The red swirls suggest vitality and a dynamic presence, painting a vivid picture of youthful energy and perception.

As the poem progresses, we move into a more reflective and intimate nighttime scene. The son prepares for bed and engages with his father about the curiosities in his world, pondering why big boats have little boats. This question symbolizes the child's growing understanding of the world around him and his quest for knowledge. The father's response is not recorded, suggesting that it’s the questioning itself, not the answers, that matters in their interaction.

The son’s reluctance to turn off the light reveals his vulnerability. One night, he is "plain scared," while another night, he claims he "can't see without the light." These excuses not only highlight the common fears experienced by children but also depict the son's evolving reasons, showing his development and how he communicates his needs and feelings.

Forbes uses a poignant simile, describing the son’s face as "soft as a breast" when he sleeps. This comparison not only evokes a sense of deep tenderness and comfort but also parallels the child’s innocence and need for nurturing, reminiscent of an infant. This moment is a quiet reflection for the father, who is moved to consider the nature of his love.

The closing lines of the poem deepen the emotional resonance as the father reflects on a quote from another man: "maybe I could have loved better but I couldn't have loved more." This statement reflects the father's profound and all-consuming love for his son, mingled with a hint of regret or wonder if his love was manifested in the best way possible. The mention of thinking of a woman "like that once" introduces a sense of past love and loss, suggesting that the child is what remains of that love.

Ultimately, "Picture of a Man" is a meditation on the nature of paternal love, the innocence of childhood, and the deep, often unspoken bonds that shape our most important relationships. Forbes's use of simple yet powerful imagery and everyday dialogues opens a window into the complexities of love and parenting, resonating with anyone who has experienced the profound impact of caring deeply for another person.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Shine_Poems/HK0SeAHPGGsC?q=calvin+forbes+%22The+year+of+the+drummer%22&gbpv=1&bsq=PICTURE%20OF#f=false

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