Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "Day of the Body: 1." delves into the relationship between an artist and their subject, exploring themes of light, flesh, beauty, and the interplay between sensuality and chastity. Through a nuanced portrayal of the artist's perspective, the poem captures the complexity of artistic creation and the dual nature of admiration and restraint.

The poem opens with a conditional statement: "If a model is posed by a sunny window and the artist is in love with light, he draws the white white vitals of her body in sweeping unbroken curves as if she were made of threads." This line sets the scene with a model positioned in natural light, suggesting an intimate and serene setting. The repetition of "white" emphasizes the purity and clarity of the light, while the description of the body's "sweeping unbroken curves" conveys a sense of fluidity and grace. The comparison to being "made of threads" suggests a delicate and intricate beauty, highlighting the artist's focus on the interplay of light and form.

The poem then introduces an alternative perspective: "but if the artist is in love with flesh and wishes to remain chaste, she possesses for him all her animal beauty in a belly and hips that are lit as if by wingfuls of warm air a day-sparrow caught in the sheaves." Here, the artist's appreciation of the model's physical form is contrasted with a desire for chastity. The phrase "in love with flesh" suggests a deep appreciation for the tangible, corporeal aspects of the body, while the desire to "remain chaste" indicates an internal conflict between sensual attraction and moral restraint.

The description of the model's "belly and hips that are lit as if by wingfuls of warm air" evokes a sense of warmth and natural beauty, akin to the delicate and fleeting presence of a "day-sparrow caught in the sheaves." This imagery combines elements of nature and the human form, emphasizing the organic and ephemeral qualities of both. The "day-sparrow" symbolizes lightness and freedom, capturing a moment of stillness and beauty within the artist's gaze.

Overall, "Day of the Body: 1." by Carol Frost is a reflective and evocative meditation on the artistic process and the nuanced relationship between the artist and their subject. The poem explores the tension between the appreciation of physical beauty and the desire for purity, using rich imagery and delicate contrasts to convey the complexity of this dynamic. Through its exploration of light, form, and the interplay of sensuality and chastity, the poem invites readers to consider the intricate and often conflicting emotions that underpin artistic creation.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Love_and_Scorn/asOTz7mTOdcC?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=DAY%20OF%20THE%20BODY#f=false

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