Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anthony Hecht’s “Late Afternoon: The Onslaught of Love” captures a moment steeped in sensual beauty and quiet, reflective love. The poem unfolds in a tranquil scene by the water, where the sounds, smells, and sights of the environment merge to create an atmosphere of serene, almost timeless reverie. Hecht's meticulous attention to detail and vivid imagery evoke a sense of intimacy and peace, inviting readers to immerse themselves in the sensory experiences of the late afternoon.

The poem begins by setting the scene in a dockyard at dusk. The "caulking irons sound / Against the hulls," and "tar smoke rose between trees," anchoring the poem in a maritime environment. These initial lines establish a rhythm and a texture to the setting, where the sounds of labor and the sight of rising smoke create a backdrop for the unfolding moment. The "large oily patches floated on the water," described as "undulating unevenly / In the purple sunlight," introduce a visual richness that permeates the poem. The comparison to "Florentine bronze" underscores the beauty and craftsmanship evident in the natural world, linking the scene to art and human creation.

Hecht then transitions to the characters within this setting, highlighting their emotional states and interactions with their surroundings. "It was lovely and she was in love." This simple, declarative statement encapsulates the essence of the poem, situating love as the central experience against the backdrop of the natural and industrial landscape. The couple has taken "a covered boat to one of the islands," distancing themselves from the noise and bustle of the city. The faint sounds of the city—"Rattling of carriages, tumult of voices, / Yelping of dogs on the decks of barges"—serve as a distant reminder of the world they have momentarily left behind.

The poem's sensory details intensify as the afternoon progresses into evening. The "Sunlight empurpled the world," casting a regal hue over the scene. The poplars "darkened in ranks / Like imperial servants," personifying the trees and imbuing them with a sense of grandeur and order. The water's gentle "lapped and lisped / In its native and quiet tongue," suggesting a peaceful, almost whispered communication between the elements.

Hecht further enriches the scene with olfactory details: "Oakum was in the air and the scent of grasses." These smells blend with the promise of a simple, yet perfect meal: "There would be fried smelts and cherries and cream." The anticipation of this meal, humble yet exquisite in its simplicity, mirrors the perfection of the evening itself.

The poem concludes with a return to the visual marvels of the setting. "Nothing designed by Italian artisans / Would match this evening's perfection." This line elevates the natural beauty of the scene above even the most skilled human craftsmanship, suggesting that the moment transcends artistic achievement. The "puddled oil," described as "a miracle of colors," encapsulates the blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary that characterizes the entire poem.

In “Late Afternoon: The Onslaught of Love,” Anthony Hecht crafts a scene where love and nature intertwine seamlessly. The poem's sensory richness and evocative imagery create a vivid tableau that captures the fleeting, yet profound, beauty of a shared moment. Through this detailed and reflective portrayal, Hecht invites readers to appreciate the quiet wonders of the world and the deep connections that can emerge within them.

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