Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Schuyler's poem "The Edge in the Morning" is a poignant meditation on the nuances of daily life and the subtle shifts in emotion that accompany the passage of time. Schuyler's imagery, seemingly mundane, evokes a deep sense of reflection on relationships, memory, and the passage of time, all framed by the natural progression of a single day.

The poem opens with a juxtaposition between those who visit and those who do not, immediately placing the reader in a contemplative space about human connection and absence. This contrast, simple yet profound, sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which oscillates between moments of personal intimacy and the broader, impersonal movements of time and nature.

Schuyler's attention to detail, such as "The weather in the window" and "A pierced ear," grounds the poem in the physical world, yet these images carry emotional weight. The pierced ear, for instance, might suggest a vulnerability or an openness to the world, while the weather in the window could symbolize the external forces that affect our internal states. The poem’s imagery is delicate, like the "paper-lace doily on a small plate," and is imbued with a sense of nostalgia or longing, particularly in the mention of tangerines and heart-shaped cookies on St. Valentine’s Day—a day associated with love and affection, but also with the potential for unfulfilled expectations.

Schuyler's reference to "Christopher, a discarded saint," adds a layer of melancholy to the poem. Saint Christopher, once widely venerated, was removed from the official calendar of saints, making him a symbol of something once revered but now forgotten or overlooked. This might reflect the transient nature of recognition and memory, mirroring how people and experiences can fade from prominence over time.

The figure of "a tough woman with black hair" who declares, "I got to set my wig straight," introduces a moment of resilience and self-assertion amidst the more passive images of the poem. This character, though briefly mentioned, represents a form of strength and agency, contrasting with the more subdued tone of the rest of the piece. Her presence in the poem suggests a toughness or adaptability that is necessary to navigate the complexities of life.

As the poem progresses, Schuyler notes the "gold and silver day" beginning to wane, signaling the inevitable decline of daylight and, metaphorically, the passage of time. The appearance of a crescent moon further emphasizes the transition from day to night, light to darkness, and perhaps from activity to rest or from youth to age. The "ice on the window" reinforces this imagery of coldness and distance, yet it is a natural part of the cycle, much like the day's end.

The poem concludes with a simple, yet profoundly open-ended sentiment: "Give my love to, oh, anybody." This closing line captures a sense of resignation or acceptance, acknowledging the broad, sometimes impersonal nature of life and relationships. It speaks to the universality of love and connection, but also to the sense of loss or the fading of specific attachments over time. It’s as though the speaker is offering their affection into the void, without a clear recipient, suggesting both a generosity of spirit and a melancholic awareness of the fleeting nature of human connection.

"The Edge in the Morning" by James Schuyler is a subtle, richly textured poem that navigates the intersections of daily life, memory, and the passage of time. Through his careful use of imagery and his understated, conversational tone, Schuyler evokes the quiet complexities of existence, making the ordinary moments of a day resonate with deeper significance.

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