Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Four Poems About Jamaica: 1. Montego Bay, 10:00 P.M.," William Matthews evokes a vivid nighttime scene in Montego Bay, capturing both the allure and ambivalence of travel and departure. The poem paints a picture of a moment steeped in reflection and metaphor, exploring themes of identity, escape, and the nature of travel.

The poem begins with the image of "A chandelier, a tiara, / a hive of lights," suggesting a dazzling, ornate spectacle. These metaphors convey a sense of opulence and beauty, perhaps referring to the brightly lit cruise ship, which stands out in the dark, tranquil night. The mention of "a chandelier" and "a tiara" evokes images of grandeur and elegance, while "a hive of lights" suggests bustling activity and life aboard the ship.

The ship is named "the S.S. Jesus," an interesting choice that immediately infuses the scene with religious or salvific undertones. This name hints at themes of salvation, journey, and perhaps a promise of a new or better place. The line "again, the only ship that comes / here" suggests a regularity to the ship's visits, and possibly a limitation in the options for departure, indicating a sense of inevitability or routine in the journey it represents.

As the speaker watches the ship depart, they reflect, "If I watch the ship go / long enough I become the ship." This line delves into the concept of identification with the vessel, suggesting a deep connection or empathy with the idea of leaving, traveling, or escaping. The act of watching the ship can almost transport the observer, mentally and emotionally, into the experience of the journey, blurring the lines between the observer and the observed.

The speaker, however, chooses to "look away" rather than follow the ship with their gaze. The reason given is that "the sea is a foreign country / and I love to travel, but not / like a faltering heart / set on fire and pushed out to sea / not like a birthday cake." These lines convey a complex relationship with the idea of travel and departure. The sea, as a "foreign country," represents the unknown and the allure of adventure. Yet, the speaker expresses a reluctance to embrace this journey in a manner that feels forced or inauthentic.

The simile "not like a faltering heart / set on fire and pushed out to sea" suggests a violent, involuntary departure, akin to being forced into a situation unprepared. It conveys a sense of vulnerability and fear associated with the unpredictability of the journey. Similarly, the comparison "not like a birthday cake" adds a touch of irony and lightness, contrasting the celebratory nature of a birthday cake with the potential dangers and uncertainties of being "pushed out to sea."

Overall, the poem captures a moment of contemplation and the tension between the desire for exploration and the fear of the unknown. The S.S. Jesus, as the only ship that comes to Montego Bay, symbolizes a singular path or opportunity for departure, laden with potential spiritual or existential connotations. The speaker's decision to "look away" reflects a nuanced understanding of travel and change—not rejecting the idea entirely, but acknowledging the complexities and emotions involved.

"Four Poems About Jamaica: 1. Montego Bay, 10:00 P.M." offers a reflective exploration of identity, travel, and the allure of the unknown. Matthews uses rich imagery and thoughtful metaphors to convey the ambivalence and emotional depth of contemplating departure, capturing the tension between the allure of adventure and the comfort of familiarity.

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