Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Galway Kinnell's "Memory of Wilmington" is a reflective and evocative piece that captures a fleeting moment from the poet's youth. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, Kinnell paints a portrait of a night spent with a hobo named Amos in Wilmington, Delaware, blending themes of transience, decay, and the innocence of youth.

The poem begins with a straightforward setting: "Thirty-some years ago, hitchhiking north on Route 1, / I stopped for the night / at Wilmington, Delaware." This opening situates the reader in both time and place, establishing a nostalgic tone. Wilmington is described as "one of those American cities that start falling apart before they ever get finished," a line that sets the stage for the poem's exploration of impermanence and decline.

Kinnell then introduces Amos, an "ancient hobo" whose appearance and mannerisms are vividly detailed. Amos's "great-brimmed hat, coat to his knees, pants dragging the ground, semi-zootish rig plucked off various clotheslines" paints a picture of a man who has pieced together his identity from discarded elements, much like the city itself. Amos teaches the young narrator how to catch a hen without alerting dogs, a skill that involves "breaking the neck, and also twisting silent any cry / of alarm it might start to utter." This act, while practical for survival, also serves as a metaphor for silencing fear and discomfort.

The narrative then shifts to the shared meal, where the rawness of the hen leads the young Kinnell to discard the undercooked parts "into the black waters of Delaware Bay." The physical act of rejection mirrors a deeper, emotional squeamishness—the difficulty of fully embracing the harsh realities of life. Despite this, the moment is marked by a sense of camaraderie and learning, as Amos "rasped out a song or two, his voice creaking more and more slowly, / like a music box when time slows itself down inside it." The image of Amos's voice, deteriorating like the city around them, encapsulates the themes of aging and decay.

Kinnell's use of sensory details brings the scene to life. The setting sun, the rocks, tin cans, feathers, ashes, and old stars create a vivid tableau that captures the transient beauty of the moment. The next day, as the narrator departs on the ferry, the sun is shining, symbolizing a new beginning and the continuation of his journey. Amos, waving from the decaying landing, embodies the past that Kinnell is leaving behind.

The final lines of the poem, "I was fifteen, I think. Wilmington then was far along on its way to becoming a city / and equally advanced on its way back to dust," encapsulate the duality of growth and decay. The city, much like Amos and the narrator, is caught in a cycle of becoming and disintegration. This observation underscores the central theme of the poem: the inevitability of change and the ephemeral nature of human experiences.

Kinnell's structure and style contribute to the poem's reflective tone. The free verse form allows for a natural, conversational flow that mirrors the act of reminiscing. The imagery is rich and layered, providing a sensory depth that enhances the emotional impact of the poem. The juxtaposition of the young narrator's innocence with the hobo's weathered experience creates a poignant contrast that highlights the passage of time and the lessons learned along the way.

"Memory of Wilmington" is a beautifully crafted poem that delves into the themes of transience, decay, and the fleeting nature of human connections. Through his evocative language and keen observations, Kinnell invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of growth and loss, and the memories that linger long after the moments have passed. The poem serves as a testament to the enduring impact of brief encounters and the way they shape our understanding of the world.

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