Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker's poem "His Speed and Strength" captures the exhilaration and innocence of youth, juxtaposed with the reflective nature of adulthood. Through the lens of a parent observing their child, the poem explores themes of vitality, independence, and the fleeting nature of time. Ostriker uses vivid imagery and classical allusions to create a rich narrative that celebrates the boundless energy of youth while subtly acknowledging the inevitability of growth and change.

The poem opens with a scene of playful competition between the speaker and their child, emphasizing the child’s "speed and strength, which is the strength of ten / years." This description immediately sets the tone, highlighting the child's youthful vigor and the parent’s admiration for it. The race from the pool becomes a metaphor for the broader journey of life, where the child’s speed and enthusiasm propel them forward, while the parent follows, both literally and figuratively, in their wake.

As the speaker rides ahead on their bicycle, they embody the figure of Niké, the Greek goddess of victory, symbolizing a fleeting moment of triumph. The image of riding "no hands" with "the Times crossword tucked in my rack" conveys a sense of freedom and confidence, suggesting that the speaker, like Niké, is momentarily in control, navigating life with ease. However, this moment is short-lived, as the child, likened to "the Green Hornet," overtakes the speaker, buzzing with energy and speed. The playful competition between parent and child reflects the natural cycle of life, where the younger generation inevitably surpasses the older one.

The poem then shifts to a moment at the pool, where the child demonstrates their "neat / one-and-a-half flips off the board." The child’s bravery and desire for approval are evident in the line, "Oh, brave. Did you see me, he wanted to know." This moment captures the universal need for recognition and validation, particularly from a parent. The speaker, meanwhile, is engaged in their own activity, doing backstroke laps, and imagines themselves as Juno, the Roman queen of the gods, and Oceanus, the god of the sea. These allusions to powerful deities reflect the speaker’s connection to the natural world and their role as a guardian or protector.

While swimming, the speaker observes "some black / and white boys wrestling and joking, teammates, wet / plums and peaches touching each other as if / it is not necessary to make hate." This image of boys of different races interacting harmoniously contrasts with the divisiveness often present in the world, suggesting a utopian vision where the innocence of youth transcends societal boundaries. The reference to "Whitman" and the idea that "there is no death" further reinforces this idealistic view, echoing Walt Whitman’s belief in the interconnectedness of all life and the continuation of the human spirit beyond physical death.

The poem concludes with the speaker and their child riding with "a big wind at our backs," a metaphor for the forces that propel us forward in life. The image of "maple boughs / ride up and down like ships" evokes a sense of adventure and the ebb and flow of life’s journey. The child’s request, "Do you mind / if I take off," and the speaker’s response, "I'll catch you later," captures the bittersweet nature of parenting—acknowledging the child’s growing independence while accepting that they must eventually go their own way. The final image of the child "peeling away, pedaling hard, rocket and pilot" encapsulates the excitement and momentum of youth, ready to explore the world on their own terms.

"His Speed and Strength" is a celebration of the vitality of youth, the bond between parent and child, and the inevitability of change. Through its playful yet reflective tone, the poem conveys the joy of witnessing a child’s growth and the poignant realization that this phase of life is both exhilarating and transient. Ostriker masterfully blends classical references with everyday moments, creating a layered narrative that resonates with the universal experience of watching a child come into their own while recognizing the passing of time.

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