Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's "Poem for Haruko" is a poignant exploration of memory, longing, and the way intimate moments become etched into the fabric of our lives. The poem begins with an admission of surprise: “I never thought I’d keep a record of my pain / or happiness.” This sets the tone for the reflective and deeply personal journey that follows.

The imagery of “candles lighting the entire soft lace / of the air” evokes a sense of delicate beauty and warmth, reminiscent of cherished moments. The description of Haruko’s hair as “a shower / organized by God / in brown and auburn / undulations luminous like particles / of flame” conveys a reverence and admiration for the subject. The hair, depicted with divine orchestration, symbolizes an almost sacred memory, emphasizing its significance in the poet's life.

Jordan then transitions to a specific memory: “an afternoon of apricots / and water interspersed with cigarettes / and sand and rocks.” The sensory details—taste, touch, sight—immerse the reader in the scene, creating a vivid snapshot of a shared experience. The ease with which Haruko held the poet’s hand “beside the low tide / of the world” suggests a deep connection and a sense of tranquility amidst the vastness of existence. The “low tide” metaphorically represents a calm, introspective state where the world seems to slow down, allowing the two individuals to exist solely within their shared moment.

The poem continues with a recollection of an evening: “an evening of retreat / a bridge I left behind.” This line hints at a moment of transition or separation, perhaps a physical or emotional departure. The “solid heat / of lust and tender trembling” captures the intensity and duality of passion—both “cruel and kind.” The word “tergiversations,” meaning evasions or changes in loyalty, underscores the complexities and shifting nature of passion and desire.

The concluding lines, “Alone and longing for you / now I do,” bring the reader back to the present. The poet, now alone, finds solace in these memories, acknowledging how they have become a part of their ongoing narrative. The repetition of “now I do” emphasizes the realization and acceptance of how these moments of happiness and pain are intertwined, forming the essence of the poet’s emotional landscape.

In "Poem for Haruko," Jordan masterfully captures the interplay between memory and longing, illustrating how past experiences shape and define our present selves. The poem’s rich imagery and evocative language create a tapestry of intimate moments that speak to the universal human experience of love, loss, and the enduring power of memory.

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