Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Frederick Nims’ "Portrait" is a deft and affectionate character sketch, capturing a woman’s vibrant, mercurial presence through a sequence of deftly rendered moments. The poem unfolds like a series of snapshots, each image revealing a different facet of the subject’s personality, from her graceful clumsiness to her ability to command attention in any setting. Through careful use of rhythm, enjambment, and contrast, Nims creates a portrait that feels dynamic and alive, reflecting both the lightness and depth of the woman he describes.

The opening lines place the reader in a bustling restaurant, where the one you love makes her entrance. The second-person perspective allows the reader to step into the poet’s point of view, enhancing the sense of immediacy and admiration. The phrase tall girl in imperious fur conveys an air of confidence and glamour, as if she is both commanding and effortlessly stylish. Her approach is animated, bumping waiters, dropping a glove, a mix of elegance and disorder that suggests both poise and spontaneity. The phrase arriving soft with affectionate slur introduces an element of warmth and familiarity, indicating both physical closeness and a relaxed intimacy.

The second quatrain highlights her effect on the room: As ladies half-turn, gazing, and men appraise, she captures attention, a figure of admiration and curiosity. The listing of purse, scarf, cigarettes, lighter creates a sense of casual disorder, as if her presence itself disrupts the scene with charm. Her speech, described as some instantaneous droll phrase, suggests wit and spontaneity, and her presence is likened to sudden sun, brightening the table, illuminating the gathering with an effortless charisma.

The second half of the poem shifts from public admiration to a more nuanced and private appreciation of her character. The phrase all moods suggests a breadth of personality, moving beyond the glamorous and confident figure of the opening to explore her versatility. She is everybody’s delight at a party, the center of attention, yet also capable of deep focus, intent while brown curls shadow the serious page. This contrast between sociability and introspection deepens the portrayal, moving beyond the surface charm to reveal a woman of substance.

The most striking contrast comes in the next couplet, where the poet juxtaposes her maturity with a childlike stamp and turn on heel of a little girl’s rage. This sudden shift in tone suggests a certain impetuousness, a refusal to tolerate the stuffy and self-important, reinforcing her independence and defiance of convention. This detail adds depth to the portrait, preventing it from becoming an idealized or one-dimensional celebration.

The final couplet elevates the subject beyond individual moments, evoking a more timeless and elemental presence. The phrase but woman mostly serves as a kind of resolution, a distillation of all her qualities into something essential. The images of winter moonlight and the dune’s dark trees suggest beauty that is both luminous and enigmatic, wild yet controlled. The comparison to nature implies a quiet power, a presence that is not just socially captivating but deeply resonant.

Throughout "Portrait", Nims constructs an image of a woman who is vibrant, intelligent, and complex, simultaneously commanding the admiration of a crowd and embodying a deeper, more intimate allure. The poem’s seamless movement between public and private moments, between admiration and affection, results in a depiction that is rich with warmth and nuance. It is a portrait not just of physical beauty or charm, but of personality, depth, and emotional presence, making it a compelling celebration of the woman at its center.

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