Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Anthony Hecht's poem “Le Jet d’Eau” offers a delicate and evocative meditation on weariness, pleasure, and the quiet beauty of a night spent in intimate reflection. The poem's rich imagery and subtle rhythms capture a sense of languid serenity, drawing readers into a moment of peaceful contemplation.

The opening lines immediately set a tone of gentle intimacy: “My dear, your lids are weary, / Lower them, rest your eyes.” This invitation to rest is both tender and inviting, suggesting a respite from the day’s demands. The use of “dear” conveys affection, setting the stage for the personal and introspective mood that permeates the poem.

Hecht employs a vivid metaphor to describe the evening’s atmosphere, likening the restful state to “some languid pleasure / Wrought on you by surprise.” This comparison evokes a sense of unexpected delight, as though the tranquility of the night has caught the speaker and their companion off guard. The imagery here is rich with connotations of ease and gentle enjoyment, inviting readers to share in the quiet wonder of the moment.

The “tattling courtyard fountain” becomes a central image in the poem, its continuous flow mirroring the night’s “excess / In fervent, ceaseless tremors / Of murmur and caress.” The fountain’s sound is described as “tattling,” suggesting a kind of whispered conversation or soft gossip, which adds to the intimate and personal atmosphere. The “tremors / Of murmur and caress” further enhance the sensory experience, blending auditory and tactile sensations to create a full, immersive scene.

Hecht’s use of visual imagery is particularly striking in the description of the fountain: “A spray of petaled brilliance / That uprears / In gladness as the Moon- / Goddess appears.” The fountain’s water is likened to a spray of petals, which suggests both beauty and fragility. The “Moon-Goddess” appearing adds a mythic and ethereal quality to the scene, imbuing it with a sense of timelessness and magic.

The poem concludes with a poignant and evocative image: the falling water “like an opulent glistening / Of tears.” This simile captures the dual nature of the scene—the beauty and the sorrow intertwined. The “opulent glistening” suggests richness and abundance, while the comparison to tears introduces a note of melancholy. This final image encapsulates the poem’s exploration of the bittersweet nature of intimate moments, where joy and sadness coexist in a delicate balance.

In “Le Jet d’Eau,” Anthony Hecht masterfully weaves together themes of rest, pleasure, and the subtle interplay of emotions. The poem’s rich imagery and gentle rhythms create a vivid and immersive experience, inviting readers to pause and reflect on the quiet beauty of a night spent in the company of a loved one. Through his nuanced and evocative language, Hecht captures the essence of a moment that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

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