Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Hirsch’s "Apostrophe (In Memory of Donald Barthelme, 1931-1989)" is a heartfelt and intricately crafted elegy that honors the life and creative spirit of the renowned writer Donald Barthelme. Through a series of cascading images and vivid characterizations, Hirsch paints a portrait of Barthelme as a complex, multifaceted individual—a champion of the marginalized, an artist of the eclectic, and a master of irony. The poem captures both the profound admiration Hirsch feels for Barthelme and the enduring sense of loss in his absence.

Structured as a direct address to Barthelme, the poem adopts the form of an apostrophe, a rhetorical device that amplifies its intimacy and immediacy. By speaking directly to Barthelme, Hirsch conveys both his personal connection to the writer and his grief at his passing. The opening lines establish Barthelme as a "perpetual worrier" and "patron of the misfit and misguided," setting the tone for a celebration of the writer’s empathy and deep engagement with the complexities of human existence. Hirsch immediately aligns Barthelme with those who exist on society’s margins—the "oddball," the "long shot," and the "irreverent black sheep."

Hirsch’s characterization of Barthelme is a masterful blend of contradictions and nuances. He is both the "philosopher of acedia, of spiritual torpor" and the "connoisseur of mornings, of sunlight swinging into an open doorway." This duality highlights Barthelme’s capacity to embrace the paradoxes of life—its bleakness and its beauty, its absurdity and its profundity. The poem’s rhythm and syntax mirror this complexity, with its long, flowing sentences capturing the multifaceted nature of Barthelme’s personality and work.

The poem celebrates Barthelme’s literary contributions, describing him as a "collagist of that mysterious overcrowded muck we called a city" and a "master of the solo riff and the non sequitur." These phrases evoke the innovative and unconventional style for which Barthelme is known—his ability to blend disparate elements into a cohesive and thought-provoking whole. Hirsch praises Barthelme’s skill in navigating "sublime bewilderments and inexplicabilities" and his exploration of "the comedy of posthistorical desires and thwarted passions," acknowledging his unique ability to capture the absurdities and intricacies of modern life.

Hirsch also delves into Barthelme’s personal qualities, portraying him as "the most unlikely, tactful, and generous of fathers" and a man "subject to odd stabbing rages of happiness" and "weird bouts of pleasure." These intimate details humanize Barthelme, allowing the reader to glimpse the man behind the art. Hirsch’s tone oscillates between reverence and camaraderie, creating a sense of both admiration and kinship.

The poem’s conclusion is deeply poignant, as Hirsch expresses his wish to believe in "another world than this" so he might reunite with Barthelme. This longing underscores the finality of death and the ache of separation, while the image of Barthelme raising his wineglass to the "Holy Ghost" and praising "the mysteries, Love and Work" captures the essence of his creative and philosophical spirit. The repetition of "warmer, warmer and fair, most fair" in the closing lines evokes a sense of resolution and hope, suggesting that Barthelme’s legacy continues to radiate warmth and clarity.

Structurally, the poem’s free verse allows Hirsch to mimic the associative and layered quality of Barthelme’s own writing. The cascading descriptions and intricate syntax reflect the richness of Barthelme’s personality and work, while the lack of traditional stanza breaks creates a continuous flow that mirrors the uncontainable nature of his creativity.

"Apostrophe" is both an homage and a meditation on loss, capturing the brilliance and complexity of Donald Barthelme’s life and legacy. Through its vivid imagery, nuanced characterizations, and deeply personal tone, the poem celebrates Barthelme’s contributions to literature and the enduring impact of his spirit. Hirsch’s elegy is a testament to the ways in which art and memory sustain us, offering solace and connection even in the face of irreparable absence.

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