Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Irving Feldman’s poem "The Gymnasts" is a celebration of human achievement, community, and the transformative power of physical activity. It explores how gymnasts embody unity and grace through their synchronized movements, offering a contrast to the self-focused world of bodybuilding. Through rich imagery and metaphor, Feldman illustrates the beauty of collective human effort and its ability to create meaning in the world.

The poem begins with a vivid image: "Legs v-ed out from the groin's nugget / —the many figured as a single man." This striking visual captures the gymnasts' synchronicity, portraying them as a unified entity rather than individuals. The phrase “groin’s nugget” draws attention to the core of their strength, emphasizing the centrality of their shared purpose. The gymnasts appear as "the milling centipede of crossed purposes pulling itself together and rising from the ground up, in honor of itself." Here, Feldman uses the metaphor of a centipede to convey how their individual movements come together in harmonious coordination. The imagery suggests a process of self-creation, as the gymnasts build themselves up "in honor of itself."

Feldman then shifts focus to describe the gymnasts not just as structural forms but as a presence: "And not to form the structures only, but to be present in the flesh and confirmed by others present equally to them." This line highlights the importance of recognition and validation among the gymnasts, who derive meaning not just from their physical forms but also from the acknowledgment of their peers. The communal spirit is reinforced by the gymnasts' daily routines: "leaving as early almost as the sun, / they come down from separate rooms, / starting from Elizabeth or Hoboken or the Bronx." These different locations represent the diverse urban environments from which they come together, united by a shared purpose.

The poem continues with a description of their gymnastic feats: "walking on their hands among us now / or spelling out with their spinning persons / leaping sentences of cartwheels and vaults." Feldman likens their movements to language, with the gymnasts "spelling out" sentences through their acrobatic performances. The metaphor captures the expressive nature of their movements, which communicate a message of unity and strength.

Nearby, Feldman contrasts the gymnasts with the bodybuilders, who are "defining their 'pecs,' biceps, 'glutes'—glowing maps of somber worlds in single display." The bodybuilders, focused on individual muscle groups, represent a more isolated pursuit of physical perfection. Their "glowing maps" are described as "somber worlds," suggesting a more self-centered and less dynamic form of physical expression. The bodybuilders "sink slowly into the background of every sky," emphasizing their lack of collective presence.

In contrast, "the gymnasts build themselves together, embody what they illustrate: / serenity of power in action, strength moving in matters of common concern." The gymnasts' unity and fluidity embody a harmonious blend of power and serenity. Their movements represent "strength moving in matters of common concern," emphasizing their collective focus on achieving shared goals.

Feldman concludes the poem with a series of metaphors that highlight the various forms the gymnasts create: "by wall or mound or pyramid, / by honeycomb, womb, huddle, swarm and tower." These metaphors suggest that the gymnasts create structures that embody sociability and community. The reference to "honeycomb" and "womb" evokes nurturing and interconnectedness, while "huddle" and "swarm" suggest teamwork and collective energy.

The final lines affirm the gymnasts' ability to create meaning in the world: "these sociable forms, forms of habitation / —in the middle of nowhere bestow a sense to everything." Feldman argues that the gymnasts’ unity and creativity imbue their surroundings with meaning and purpose. Even "in the middle of nowhere," their sociable forms transform the space into a place of habitation and connection.

Structurally, the poem flows in free verse, allowing Feldman to move seamlessly between vivid imagery and philosophical reflection. The language is rich and evocative, blending the physical and metaphorical to capture the gymnasts' dynamic energy and communal spirit.

Overall, "The Gymnasts" is a celebration of collective human achievement, illustrating how unity and grace can transform the world around us. Through the gymnasts’ synchronized movements, Feldman shows that shared purpose and creative expression can create meaning even in the most desolate places, offering a hopeful vision of human potential.

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