Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Theodore Roethke?s "A Rouse for Stevens" is an exuberant and playful homage to Wallace Stevens, celebrating the poetic genius and distinctive imagination of a literary titan. Presented in the form of a spirited, saloon-style chant, the poem is a blend of jovial admiration, communal celebration, and a touch of irreverent humor. It reflects Roethke’s deep respect for Stevens while acknowledging his idiosyncrasies, crafting a vivid portrait of Stevens as a creative force and an enduring influence on younger poets.

The poem opens with a direct invocation of Stevens’ name, immediately situating him as the focal point of this lively "saloon" scene. The question, "Wallace Stevens, what?s he done?" sets the tone for the poem?s playful exploration of Stevens’ achievements. Roethke quickly answers his own query, launching into a list of Stevens’ imaginative feats. Phrases like "He can play the flitter-flad" and "He can see the second sun / Spinning through the lordly cloud" evoke Stevens’ unparalleled ability to construct vivid, otherworldly images that expand the boundaries of perception. These whimsical, made-up terms ("flitter-flad," "skitter-bum") mimic the musicality and inventive spirit often found in Stevens’ work, reinforcing his reputation as "imagination?s prince."

Roethke celebrates Stevens’ mastery of language, emphasizing how "he rolls the vocables" and "brings the secret — right in Here!" These lines highlight Stevens? ability to manipulate words with precision and artistry, transforming abstract ideas into tangible, sensory experiences. The playful tone underscores the joy and vitality of Stevens? poetry, presenting him as a figure whose work is as dynamic and engaging as the festivities described in the poem.

The chorus-like interjections and participatory elements of the poem create a communal atmosphere, as if Roethke is rallying a group of fellow poets to join in praising Stevens. The German phrase "Wallace, Wallace, wo ist er?" ("Wallace, Wallace, where is he?") adds a touch of cultural playfulness, blending languages and underscoring Stevens’ universal appeal. The line "Never met him, Dutchman dear" introduces a note of personal distance, but this is quickly offset by the admiration that permeates the poem. Roethke imagines that living like Stevens — "If I ate and drank like him" — would make him a "chanticleer," a rooster, symbolizing confidence and assertiveness.

The communal refrain, sung "together," introduces a blend of humor and reverence: "Here?s a mensch but can sing dandy. / Er ist niemals ausgepoopen, Altes Wunderkind." The playful use of German phrases, including "niemals ausgepoopen" (roughly, "never pooped out" or "never worn out") and "Altes Wunderkind" ("Old Prodigy"), highlights Stevens? enduring creativity and vitality. These lines encapsulate Roethke?s admiration for Stevens as a poet who never lost his inventive spirit, even as he aged.

The poem?s climactic moment arrives with the audience?s chant: "Roar ?em, whore ?em, cockalorum, / The Muses, they must all adore him." This exuberant call celebrates Stevens as a favorite of the Muses, positioning him as a central figure in the poetic tradition. The concluding affirmation — "Wallace Stevens — are we for him? / Brother, he?s our father" — elevates Stevens to the status of a literary patriarch, a guiding figure for the next generation of poets.

Formally, "A Rouse for Stevens" mirrors the energy and rhythm of a drinking song or a chant, with its repetitive structures, call-and-response elements, and lively, colloquial diction. This form reinforces the communal aspect of the poem, inviting readers to join in the celebration of Stevens’ legacy. The playful tone and musicality reflect Roethke?s own stylistic tendencies while paying homage to Stevens? innovative approach to language and form.

At its core, "A Rouse for Stevens" is a tribute to the transformative power of Stevens’ imagination. Roethke captures the essence of Stevens as both a poetic pioneer and a figure of immense inspiration, presenting him as a larger-than-life presence whose influence resonates across time and space. Through humor, admiration, and a touch of irreverence, Roethke crafts a poem that not only honors Stevens but also embodies the vitality and creativity that define his work.

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