Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Joanne Kyger was an American poet associated with the San Francisco Renaissance. "Wonderful Focus of You: 1977" is a reflective and introspective poem that explores the themes of love, connection, and the passage of time.

Context:

"Wonderful Focus of You: 1977" was published in 1977, a time when the United States was going through significant social and cultural changes. The poem reflects the sense of introspection and reflection that characterized the era, as well as the tension between the desire for intimacy and the fear of losing oneself in the process.

Content:

"Wonderful Focus of You: 1977" is a poem that reflects on the complexities of love and the ways in which it can impact our lives. The speaker reflects on their relationship with a loved one and the ways in which it has changed over time. The poem explores themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and the passage of time.

Form:

"Wonderful Focus of You: 1977" is a short poem consisting of one stanza. The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. The use of free verse creates a sense of fluidity and movement within the poem, reflecting the themes of love and connection.

Poetic Elements:

Kyger employs a variety of poetic techniques in "Wonderful Focus of You: 1977," including vivid imagery and metaphor. The use of imagery helps to create a vivid and evocative picture of the emotional and physical landscape, while the use of metaphor helps to convey the complexities of the speaker's feelings and experiences.

Summary:

"Wonderful Focus of You: 1977" is a reflective and introspective poem that captures the complexities of love and the ways in which it can impact our lives. The use of vivid imagery and metaphor creates a vivid and evocative picture of the emotional and physical landscape, while the use of free verse gives the poem a sense of fluidity and movement. The poem's exploration of themes of intimacy, vulnerability, and the passage of time make it a relevant and engaging work that continues to resonate with readers today.

Poem Snippet:

The wonderful focus of you

brings me to this

a quiet porch

late in afternoon

with birds

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