Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Justice’s “Portrait with Brown Hair” is a contemplative reflection on time, memory, and the passage of life. The poem, through its vivid imagery and conversational tone, explores the nuances of solitude and the interplay between past and present.

The poem opens with a sense of exclamation and immediacy: “The days, the days!” This repetition underscores the relentless passage of time, capturing a sense of urgency and fleetingness. The subsequent line, “And the scissors you cut / Your hair with-oh, how dull,” introduces a mundane yet symbolic act. Cutting one’s hair with dull scissors suggests an attempt at change or renewal that is hindered by ineffectual tools, metaphorically reflecting the struggle against the dullness or monotony of life.

The speaker advises, “Time to change the needle. / Put on another record (No, something baroque) / And think of the good times.” Here, changing the needle and putting on another record signify a shift in perspective or attitude. The choice of baroque music, known for its complexity and emotional depth, implies a desire for richness and beauty in contrast to the dullness previously mentioned. Reflecting on “the good times” serves as a reminder to focus on positive memories and experiences.

The poem continues with sensory details that evoke a specific atmosphere: “Think of lakes and rivers. / It’s hot. Let in some air. / Let the smell of leftovers / Be one with the perfume / Of cooling asphalt, leaves.” These lines create a vivid picture of a hot day, blending natural and urban scents. The imagery of lakes and rivers suggests a longing for natural beauty and tranquility, while the mention of leftovers and asphalt grounds the scene in everyday reality. The fusion of these elements highlights the interconnectedness of past memories and present experiences.

Justice then shifts to the nights, describing them as “Ah, wonderful- / You alone, / Alone with the slums, / The flowerpots, the stars.” The nights are portrayed as both wonderful and solitary, indicating a complex relationship with solitude. Being “alone with the slums” juxtaposes the harsh reality of urban life with the beauty of flowerpots and stars, suggesting a coexistence of beauty and desolation. This duality reflects the speaker’s acceptance of their circumstances and the ability to find moments of wonder even in less than ideal settings.

The poem takes a more intimate turn with the lines, “Think of the sea. Unzip, / Just as though someone were / Around to be made love to / Or anyway to pose for.” This shift introduces themes of intimacy and desire, blending the physical and emotional aspects of solitude. The act of unzipping and imagining someone to be intimate with or pose for emphasizes the human need for connection and the ways in which we cope with loneliness through imagination and memory.

The concluding lines, “The mysteries of sex! / One day you’ll wake up / Back on that Christmas morning / In Mexico, still a virgin,” bring the poem full circle to a specific memory. The mention of “the mysteries of sex” acknowledges the complexity and profound nature of human relationships and desires. The nostalgic return to “that Christmas morning / In Mexico” symbolizes a yearning for innocence and a simpler time. The phrase “still a virgin” suggests a longing for purity and a fresh start, free from the complexities of adult life.

“Portrait with Brown Hair” thus becomes a meditation on the passage of time, the interplay of memory and reality, and the human condition. Through its vivid imagery and reflective tone, the poem captures the nuances of solitude, the beauty found in everyday moments, and the deep-seated longing for connection and renewal. Justice’s ability to weave together these elements creates a rich tapestry that resonates with the complexities of the human experience, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and memories.

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