Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field’s poem “Colombian Joke” is a witty, satirical exploration of the imperfections of human nature, set against the backdrop of creation myths. Inspired by a Colombian joke, the poem blends biblical imagery, humor, and irony to examine the disconnect between the beauty of a place and the flaws of its inhabitants.

The poem is divided into two parts, each offering a different variation of the joke involving God and angels.

Part 1 opens with a scene of celestial celebration: “On the day God created the earth, all the angels flew round and round, singing chorales of praise.” This idyllic image sets a divine tone as the angels marvel at the beauty of the newly created world. Over one particular location, they become particularly enamored: “Here alone, they trilled, is paradise on earth and it's called Colombia!” The angels' unanimous declaration establishes Colombia as a utopia.

However, God’s response, “Yes, God said, beaming at them wickedly, / but wait till tomorrow / and see who I'm going to populate it with,” introduces a twist. The phrase “beaming at them wickedly” implies a mischievous intent, suggesting that the paradise of Colombia is destined to be spoiled by its future inhabitants. This juxtaposition between the paradise-like beauty of the land and the imperfections of its people satirizes the contradiction between natural resources and human nature.

Part 2 shifts to another divine creation narrative, this time focusing on Washington, D.C.: “On the day / God created the planet, all the angels / flew round and round, singing chorales of praise.” Once again, the angels are in awe of God’s creation as “day after day they celebrated as God produced from his fingertips plants and creatures.” The imagery emphasizes the wonder of creation, culminating in a "diadem of cities."

The angels are particularly impressed by Washington, D.C., which is described as “God’s masterpiece, a perfect gem of a city / with domed capitol, and avenues radiating like the rays around the crown of Athena, Goddess of Wisdom.” The mythological reference to Athena highlights Washington, D.C.'s association with wisdom, justice, and democracy. The angels proclaim: “Hail to the city of Washington, the angels sang, / from whose marble temples and pillared halls / the people will be justly governed, and an eternity of goodness reign over the earth.”

God’s response, however, mirrors the twist in the first part: “Don’t be too sure, said God with his slyest grin. / Wait till tomorrow / and see who I populate it with.” He adds, “And then I’m going to / do nothing for the rest of time but sit back and laugh, watching what happens.” This variation on the joke further emphasizes the satire, suggesting that even the most carefully planned cities can become flawed due to the imperfect nature of their inhabitants.

Structurally, the poem is written in free verse, allowing Field to weave the narrative in a conversational and playful manner. The repetition of certain phrases, such as “wait till tomorrow,” creates a rhythm that ties the two parts together, while the direct speech of God and the angels adds a humorous and ironic tone.

Field’s use of biblical imagery, combined with mythological references, elevates the satire, making the contrast between divine ideals and human shortcomings all the more striking. The poem’s humor lies in the irony that even God recognizes the flaws of humanity but finds amusement in watching it unfold.

In Part 1, Colombia serves as a symbol of natural beauty and paradise, only to be undermined by its future population. This reflects a broader critique of how human actions can degrade and spoil even the most idyllic places.

Part 2 similarly critiques the gap between ideals and reality. Washington, D.C., intended as a beacon of justice and democracy, is shown to be fallible due to its human inhabitants. God’s “slyest grin” and promise to “sit back and laugh” suggest a sense of inevitability to the flaws of governance and human nature.

Overall, “Colombian Joke” by Edward Field uses humor, irony, and religious imagery to explore the imperfections of human nature and the contrast between idealized visions and reality. By juxtaposing the beauty of creation with the imperfections of humanity, Field offers a satirical yet thought-provoking commentary on society.

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