Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alice Fulton's "Ornamental" presents a thought-provoking meditation on the nature of grief, beauty, and the interplay between human emotion and the natural world. Through her characteristic use of rich imagery and philosophical inquiry, Fulton juxtaposes the ornamental beauty of a weeping cherry tree with the raw, often stigmatized expression of human sorrow.

The poem begins with an observation about the weeping cherry tree, whose "anguish with pink hair" suggests a personification of the tree’s drooping branches and delicate blossoms. This imagery immediately sets up a contrast between the tree’s visually appealing sorrow and the often messy, unappealing nature of human grief. The phrase "pastel hemorrhage" beautifully encapsulates this paradox, as it combines the violence of "hemorrhage" with the softness of "pastel," highlighting the simultaneous beauty and tragedy in the tree's display.

Fulton’s reflection on how the tree's "fair unbitterness" meets human grief despite the "scads of aspirations" that divide them introduces a scientific perspective: "Fractal science says surfaces / in contact are not in contact everywhere." This notion suggests that while there may be points of connection between the ornamental tree and human experience, they remain fundamentally distinct in other areas. The tree, a "mindmade" symbol of sorrow, becomes a "lovely home for brokenness," providing a safe, aesthetically pleasing representation of an emotion that is often difficult to bear.

In stark contrast, human weeping is described as "an ugly oozing out," raising questions about the utility and evolutionary purpose of tears. The rhetorical question, "what use are tears, what is their niche in the big revolve all things evolved to fit?" challenges readers to consider the role of emotional expression in human life. This inquiry is followed by a poignant reference to Rainer Maria Rilke’s line, "And if I cried, who’d listen," further emphasizing the isolation and potential futility felt in moments of deep sorrow.

Fulton suggests that humans must "lapse into the opposite of live," perhaps meaning that in their most vulnerable states, people must abandon their usual awareness and self-control to fully experience and express their emotions. This act of relinquishing control and "give without knowing what or that they give" places humans above suspicion, making their grief a genuine, uncalculated act.

The poem then circles back to the weeping cherry, noting that "no one calls the weeping cherry silly, despite her drippy crinolines." This acceptance of the tree’s ornamental sorrow contrasts with the judgment often passed on human tears. Fulton observes, "Nature is incapable of kitsch. / That’s nature’s limitation." This statement subtly critiques human constructs of beauty and authenticity, suggesting that nature’s inability to be inauthentic is both a limitation and a virtue.

Ultimately, Fulton concludes with a recognition of the reverence humans have for nature: "And we worship it. We drink it in." This closing line acknowledges the deep connection and admiration people have for natural beauty, even as they grapple with their own complex emotions and the sometimes ungraceful ways those emotions manifest.

"Ornamental" by Alice Fulton is a nuanced exploration of the intersection between natural beauty and human grief. Through its vivid imagery and philosophical musings, the poem invites readers to reflect on the ways in which we express, perceive, and validate sorrow, both in ourselves and in the world around us.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=40031

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