Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Hazard's Optimism" by William Meredith is a vivid and introspective poem that explores themes of risk, safety, and the human capacity for finding solace in precarious situations. The poem centers around a character named Hazard, who experiences a moment of liberation and reflection while parachuting, using this experience as a metaphor for broader existential insights.

The poem begins with a striking image of Hazard on "a bright / October day," setting the scene with a sense of clarity and freshness. The phrase "having lied to his wife" introduces an element of deceit or perhaps a desire for personal freedom, suggesting that Hazard's actions are not entirely transparent or conventional. The moment of the parachute opening is described with a tactile metaphor: "the silk spanks / open," capturing both the physical sensation and the sudden transition from free fall to controlled descent. This moment is pivotal, as it transforms a potentially dangerous situation into one of safety: "he is falling safely."

Meredith then delves into Hazard's artistic pursuits, noting that for "two years now / he has been painting" this exact sensation. The use of "a child’s palette" suggests a simplicity or innocence in his artistic expression, contrasting with the complex and potentially dangerous reality of parachuting. Rather than depicting the "plotted landscape" below, Hazard focuses on the "human figure dangling safe," emphasizing the theme of safety amidst danger. The repetition of "falling, and safe" underscores the paradoxical nature of his experience—Hazard is in freefall, yet secure.

The poem reflects on Hazard's possible past experiences with falling, suggesting that he may have been "caught and spanked... like this when he first fell." This could be an allusion to a childhood memory of being caught and protected, evoking a sense of care and reassurance. Hazard's vision, his artistic and philosophical perspective, is shaped by this experience of safety amidst peril. He becomes "in charge of morale in a morbid time," indicating that he plays a role in uplifting spirits or providing hope, perhaps through his art or demeanor.

As Hazard descends, he expresses a primal joy: "He calls out to the sky, his voice / the voice of an animal that makes not words / but a happy incorrigible noise." This spontaneous exclamation reflects an unfiltered, almost instinctual response to the exhilaration of the moment. The imagery of the "colors of autumn / becoming audible through the haze" suggests a synesthetic experience, where the beauty of the fall landscape is not just seen but felt in a deeply resonant way.

The poem contrasts Hazard's need for physical flight to experience this perspective with the "great masters," who could "see this without flight." This implies that while great artists can capture such experiences through pure observation and imagination, Hazard requires a literal, physical journey to reach similar insights. Despite this perceived deficiency, he still achieves a profound vision, even if it necessitates repeated ascents and descents: "while / dull Hazard must be taken up again and dropped."

In the final lines, Hazard gains a dual perspective: he sees himself "as he would look from the canopy above him," creating a meta-awareness of his situation. This moment of self-reflection is tinged with both confidence and caution, as he considers "closing safely (if he can remember / what to do) on the Bruegel landscape." The reference to Bruegel, a master painter known for his detailed and often chaotic scenes, suggests a complex, teeming world below. The phrase "inside the bug-like goggles, his eyes water" captures a physical reaction, possibly due to the wind or emotion, adding a touch of vulnerability to Hazard's otherwise controlled descent.

"Hazard's Optimism" captures the delicate balance between risk and security, the allure of danger tempered by the reassurance of safety. Meredith uses the act of parachuting as a rich metaphor for navigating life's uncertainties, highlighting the courage to engage with the world and the comfort found in moments of safety. The poem also reflects on the nature of artistic vision and the ways individuals seek and perceive beauty and meaning, whether through physical experiences or imaginative insights.

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