Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Before and After" by Clarence Major delves into the theme of delay and its implications in various aspects of life. The poem opens with the acknowledgement of postponement: "It'll take a while they say. / Postponement. / They mean delay." This simple statement sets the tone for a meditation on the nature of waiting and the inevitability of interruptions and setbacks. The use of different words to describe delay underscores the universality of the experience, suggesting that it is a common part of human existence, affecting everyone at some point.

The poem juxtaposes mundane and existential reflections, as seen in the lines: "The foot and the hand join the other foot and hand too quickly in celebration. / Waiting in hotel lobbies for contacts." This imagery contrasts the physical act of celebration with the passive act of waiting, highlighting how life is a mix of active engagement and enforced passivity. The mention of Kafka, a writer known for his explorations of bureaucratic absurdity and existential dread, further emphasizes the theme of delay as an inherent part of life: "Kafka wasn't the only one. / His day, and today stretched out." This reference connects the past to the present, suggesting that the experience of delay transcends time and is a shared human condition.

The poem then shifts to a more personal reflection, mentioning a "lady at the market, over her onions," who pragmatically accepts delay with the phrase, "That's life." This everyday wisdom encapsulates the resignation and acceptance that often accompanies life's inevitable postponements. The mention of Elmer, who "knew too" and "waited to return to the figure," adds a layer of personal anecdote or myth, illustrating how individuals cope with delay and ultimately find a way to resume their pursuits. The natural imagery of "crawling, as climbing, as rocks" suggests a return to fundamental, instinctual actions, emphasizing a sense of resilience and inevitability in the face of delay.

The poem's closing lines explore the idea that missed moments can disrupt the "tapestry of motion," likening delay to "that stretch in front of an earthquake." This metaphor conveys the tension and uncertainty that often precede significant events, highlighting the discomfort and anticipation inherent in waiting. The speaker's self-awareness is evident in the line, "There I go again," acknowledging a tendency to overthink or over-explain. The metaphor of descending "smooth as coming down in a balloon into a valley's lap" suggests a gentle acceptance of delay, as though surrendering to the natural course of events.

The final sentiment, "I could show you on a map of open space, but it wouldn't do any good now," encapsulates the poem's overarching message: while we can plan and map out our lives, delays and interruptions are inevitable and often beyond our control. This resignation to the unpredictability of life highlights the futility of trying to control every aspect of existence.

"Before and After" by Clarence Major offers a contemplative exploration of the theme of delay, using vivid imagery and philosophical musings to illustrate how it permeates all aspects of life. The poem reflects on the acceptance of postponement and the recognition that life is a series of moments, some of which are delayed or deferred. Major invites readers to embrace the uncertainty and unpredictability of life, acknowledging that, despite our best efforts, some things remain out of our control.

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