Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with Bly acknowledging Williams' death, yet in the dream, Williams appears "sleek and darkly calm," a depiction that conveys a peaceful, almost dignified acceptance of death. This serene acceptance contrasts with the common fear or anxiety associated with death, suggesting a transcendence or evolution beyond life, perhaps hinting at the enduring nature of one's literary legacy.

Williams' wife's assertion of "a big change" in response to Bly's observation of some change introduces a tone of transformation. This change could be interpreted as the transition from life to death, from physical presence to enduring influence, or perhaps the evolution of poetic form itself. The presence of a third, unspecified person laughing about form adds to the dream's ethereal quality, emphasizing the communal joy found in the exploration of poetry's structures.

The breaking of Williams' rocker while he laughs about form symbolizes the fragility of conventions and perhaps the poet's departure from traditional forms, which was a hallmark of Williams' style. Bly's shout, "You fell out of it!" is a playful acknowledgment of Williams' innovative break from established poetic forms, yet it also reflects Bly's surprise and maybe his own contemplation about the role of form in poetry.

Williams' subsequent question about form in Bly's poems, as they walk out "The back door and down the wooden stoop," represents a moment of introspection and mentorship. It’s a metaphorical step away from the safety of the familiar into the uncertainty of the new. Bly's admission of lying about his disinterest in form reveals a complex relationship with poetic structure. This confession not only highlights the internal conflict poets often face between form and freedom but also pays homage to Williams' influence on Bly and his wrestling with the concept of form in his work.

The dream setting allows Bly to explore these themes with a fluidity and openness that might not be possible in a waking dialogue. It reflects the subconscious mind's role in processing influences, fears, and aspirations. Through this dream conversation, Bly pays tribute to Williams not just as a figure of literary importance but as a continuing presence in the lives of poets who came after him, influencing their thoughts and practices in deeply personal ways.

This poem, then, becomes a meditation on legacy, influence, and the ever-evolving discourse on poetic form. It underscores the personal connections that form between poets across generations, mediated through their works and the shared challenges of articulating experience through poetry. "A Dream of William Carlos Williams" invites readers to consider how the past informs the present, how mentors and their philosophies continue to shape artistic expression, and how the dialogue about form is both a personal and collective journey in the world of poetry.

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