Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "Patience" explores themes of time, observation, and the nuanced dynamics of human interaction through the lens of a dining experience. The poem juxtaposes the static presence of murals with the transient nature of the diners, creating a rich tapestry of moments suspended between past and present.

The poem begins by introducing a man who "raises his eyes from the table and gazes at the murals of women." This simple action sets the stage for a contemplative observation. The murals, depicting women with hairstyles indicative of an earlier era, serve as silent witnesses to the evolving scenes within the dining room. The detail that the hairstyles "tell by the styling of their hair how long ago they were painted" anchors the murals in a specific historical context, suggesting a long-standing tradition or establishment.

The women in the murals are described as being painted "beautifully, seductively for the roomfuls of diners to come afterward." Their depiction is intended to enhance the dining experience, to engage and possibly entertain those who come to dine. The women, though static, appear almost interactive, positioned "so close, large in their pastel dresses," as if they were meant to be part of the diners' conversations.

As the poem transitions to the scene at the table, the man is speaking to his companion, who "takes a swallow of cool wine." The timing of the waiter's approach, "full of tact," highlights the seamless choreography of the dining experience. The waiter arrives "precisely then," underscoring the attentiveness and subtlety required to enhance the diners' enjoyment without intrusion. This moment captures the delicate balance of service and personal interaction.

The poem then reflects on the shapes of "yearning and farewell," emotions that diners may repeatedly experience. The phrase "the same few shapes" suggests a universality and repetitiveness in human emotions and interactions, even as each dining experience is unique. The table is set with "precious ware" and occasionally with items that are "strange," like a marrow spoon or a bowl of pepper "for intensities," indicating a mix of tradition and novelty designed to stimulate the senses and provoke conversation.

As the guests arrive and the "long, slow meal ends," the poem shifts its focus to the vulnerability of human interactions. The "exposed speeches and gestures" emphasize the rawness and authenticity of the diners' exchanges, which unfold under the unchanging gaze of the murals. These painted women remain "patient and unchanged," offering a silent continuity amidst the flux of human presence and conversation.

"Patience" captures the essence of a dining experience as a microcosm of human life, where moments of connection, emotion, and ritual are observed and preserved. The murals serve as a metaphor for the enduring nature of art and history, providing a backdrop against which the ephemeral nature of human interaction is highlighted. Through its careful attention to detail and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to consider the interplay between permanence and transience, the past and the present, and the ways in which we engage with the world and each other.

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