Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Summer Solstice, New York City" by Sharon Olds captures a moment of intense drama and emotional tension as a man stands on the brink of suicide, contemplating ending his life on the longest day of the year. The poem is a vivid narrative that explores the delicate balance between despair and hope, the role of law enforcement, and the shared humanity that emerges in moments of crisis.

The poem begins with a description of the man at the climax of his despair, having ascended "the iron stairs through the roof of the building" to reach the edge, where he threatens to jump. This physical ascent mirrors his emotional descent into hopelessness. The "soft, tarry surface" of the roof and the "complex green tin cornice" emphasize the urban setting and the precariousness of his situation. His stance, with "one leg over the complex green tin cornice," symbolizes his position at the threshold between life and death, a moment teetering on the edge of existence.

Olds then shifts focus to the response of the police, described as "the huge machinery of the earth" working to save his life. The officers arrive "in their suits blue-grey as the sky on a cloudy evening," blending into the somber atmosphere. One officer dons a "bullet-proof vest," signifying the seriousness and potential danger of the situation, while another, "slung with a rope like the sign of his bounden duty," represents the commitment and preparedness required in their line of work. The imagery of the rope, likened to "the gold hole they say is in the top of the head," suggests a spiritual or metaphysical connection, hinting at the gravity of life-and-death situations.

The tension escalates as the tallest cop approaches the man, "softly, slowly, talking to him, talking, talking," attempting to connect and dissuade him. This repetitive and gentle approach underscores the delicate nature of the intervention, where words are carefully chosen to reach a person in crisis. The description of the man's "leg hung over the lip of the next world" poignantly captures the thin line between life and death, emphasizing the critical nature of the situation.

The crowd's silent gathering below reflects the communal witness to this moment, a shared human experience that binds strangers together in concern and anticipation. The "hairy net with its implacable grid" being unfolded near the curb serves as a metaphor for both safety and the potential consequences of a fall, akin to a "sheet... prepared to receive at a birth," suggesting the delicate care and preparation required to potentially save a life.

The narrative reaches a turning point as "everything stopped" and the man, after a moment of bodily tension, "stepped down from the parapet and went toward them." The tension dissipates as the police move to secure him, not with violence but with compassion. The line "I thought they were going to beat him up, as a mother whose child has been / lost will scream at the child when it's found" reveals the complex emotions at play—anger, relief, and love often intermingled in moments of high emotion.

The resolution is marked by an act of shared humanity: the tall cop lighting a cigarette for the man, and the group of officers then lighting their own cigarettes. This moment of camaraderie, symbolized by the "red, glowing ends" of their cigarettes, evokes the "tiny campfires we lit at night / back at the beginning of the world." This imagery connects the contemporary scene to ancient, primal rituals of gathering and comfort, suggesting a timeless quality to human solidarity and care.

"Summer Solstice, New York City" beautifully captures the intensity of a life-threatening moment, the compassionate efforts to prevent a tragedy, and the profound human connections that arise in crisis. Sharon Olds masterfully uses imagery and narrative to explore the complex emotions surrounding despair and rescue, highlighting the fragility of life and the deep, often silent, connections that bind us in our shared humanity. The poem leaves readers with a sense of quiet relief and a poignant reminder of the small acts of kindness that can make a profound difference.

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