Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Unexpected Holiday" by Stephen Dobyns presents a creative and whimsical intertwining of two mythological narratives—Orpheus from Greek mythology and Lot's wife from the Biblical story of Sodom and Gomorrah. Through this unexpected meeting, Dobyns explores themes of longing, regret, and the potential for new perspectives that can arise when one is removed from familiar circumstances.

In this poem, Orpheus and Lot's wife encounter each other under surprising circumstances, each having looked back in their respective stories, but now facing entirely unexpected figures. Orpheus, known for his tragic journey to the underworld to retrieve his beloved Eurydice, instead meets an older woman who turns out to be Lot's wife. Lot's wife, who famously turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back at the burning cities of Sodom and Gomorrah, sees not her past but a handsome young man with a lyre.

Their dialogue is tinged with a wistful sense of what each has lost or left behind. Orpheus expresses his melancholy, hinting at his recent trials in the underworld and his loss. Lot's wife comments on the dullness of her life with Lot, suggesting a dissatisfaction with her domestic situation. This unexpected encounter allows both characters to reflect on their past with someone who is removed from their personal narratives, providing them an "objective eye" to each other's stories.

The setting is serene and detached from their tumultuous pasts: they sit beside a warm, rippling stream, a natural scene that contrasts sharply with the underworld and the fiery destruction of cities. This peaceful environment, coupled with their conversation, facilitates a moment of respite from their legendary roles, allowing them a chance to rediscover themselves outside of their myths.

Orpheus and Lot's wife, "released from their passions," begin to appreciate the simple beauty around them—the song of a lark, the light on the water. This shift from their internal turmoil to an appreciation of the external world symbolizes a momentary liberation from their burdens. Orpheus even finds some solace in singing a light, reflective song about the natural beauty of spring, indicating a temporary reprieve from his usual themes of loss and love.

The ending of the poem is particularly poignant. As the sun sets, Lot's wife experiences a sensory reminder of her transformation into salt, touching her tongue to her lips and tasting the faint, yet distinct, taste of salt. This subtle moment serves as a powerful metaphor for the lingering impacts of our past experiences and the ways they permanently mark us, even as we try to move forward.

"Unexpected Holiday" is a meditation on the potential for human connection and understanding across different backgrounds and experiences. By bringing together these two mythological figures, Dobyns highlights the universal themes of loss and the search for meaning, while also celebrating the small, often overlooked moments of beauty and connection that life offers. The poem suggests that while the past may never fully leave us, there can be moments of relief, new understandings, and even joy amidst the continuing journey of life.

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