Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jane Kenyon’s poem “On the Aisle” captures the transitional experience of leaving a tropical paradise and returning to the ordinary world, juxtaposing moments of personal introspection with observations of fellow travelers. Through vivid imagery and a narrative rich in detail, Kenyon explores themes of departure, human connection, and the contrast between outward appearances and inner realities.

The poem begins with a farewell to the idyllic setting of Maui: “Goodbye to Maui—to orchids on our plates, whales seen from the balcony at cocktail hour, and Mai Tais bristling with fruit.” This opening paints a vivid picture of a lush, sensory-rich environment filled with natural beauty and luxurious indulgence. The imagery of orchids, whales, and Mai Tais evokes a sense of leisure and exoticism, setting a stark contrast to the upcoming journey.

As the speaker climbs to thirty-two thousand feet, the scene shifts to the mundane reality of air travel: “We climb through thirty-two thousand feet with retired schoolteachers, widows on tours, and honeymooners.” This line introduces a diverse cast of fellow passengers, each with their own stories and reasons for travel. The speaker’s keen observation highlights the collective experience of flying, where people from different walks of life are momentarily brought together.

The focus then narrows to the couple seated next to the speaker: “The man and woman next to me, young, large, bronze, and prosperous, look long without fear or shame into each other's faces.” The description of the couple emphasizes their vitality and confidence, creating a sense of contrast with the speaker’s own feelings of anxiety. The speaker finds solace in rum, a remnant of the island’s influence, and the physical reassurance of “the circulation of the blood.”

Kenyon then introduces a literary element, as the speaker begins reading Gogol’s story about a painter whose love of luxury destroys his art. This choice of reading material reflects the speaker’s introspective mood and perhaps serves as a subtle commentary on the fleeting nature of material indulgences. The act of reading becomes a form of escape and contemplation amidst the distractions of the flight.

The poem captures the dynamic environment within the airplane: “People pull down their window shades, shutting out the sun, and a movie called Clue comes on.” This shift to an artificial, dimly lit space filled with passive entertainment contrasts with the speaker’s active engagement with literature. The “pillar of light” from the reading lamp isolates the speaker, likening her to “a village schoolmistress,” while the sounds of kissing from the couple beside her add a layer of human intimacy and connection.

Kenyon reveals the speaker’s curiosity and the gap between appearance and reality: “It would be a lie if I said I didn’t sneak a look.” This confession adds a human touch, acknowledging the natural inclination to observe and speculate about others. As the plane approaches San Francisco, the speaker overhears a snippet of conversation: “Don’t worry, ok? He’s still out of town.” This revelation shifts the speaker’s understanding of the couple, transforming them from idealized figures into real people with complex lives and relationships.

The poem concludes with the jarring reality of landing: “We hit the runway and bounce three times. After what seems too long the nose comes down; I feel the brakes go on.” The physicality of the landing mirrors the return to reality from the flight’s suspended state. The final image of the couple parting at the gate, with the man running for a close connection to Tucson, underscores the transient nature of human connections and the inevitable return to individual paths.

In “On the Aisle,” Jane Kenyon masterfully weaves together sensory detail, personal reflection, and keen observation to create a richly textured narrative. The poem captures the bittersweet nature of departure, the complexity of human relationships, and the contrast between moments of indulgence and the return to everyday life. Through her evocative language and insightful commentary, Kenyon invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of transition and the fleeting yet impactful connections made along the way.

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