Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Updike’s poem "A Rescue" juxtaposes the seemingly monumental achievement of writing words that might last "forever" with a fleeting, yet profoundly impactful moment of rescuing a trapped goldfinch. Through this comparison, Updike reflects on the value and impact of different kinds of actions—those that are grand and lasting versus those that are small and momentary.

The poem begins with a contemplation of the writer’s profession—creating words intended to endure and influence. Updike muses about the longevity of his writing, suggesting a desire for permanence and recognition in the literary world. The notion of "forever" is quickly tempered by a more realistic and modest "more than ten years," indicating an awareness of the often transient nature of literary fame and the ephemeral quality of human creations.

This reflection on the life span of written words sets the stage for a starkly contrasting experience: the rescue of a goldfinch. The bird, having inadvertently flown into a potting shed, becomes a symbol of vulnerability and frantic life, "battering its wings unintelligently upon the dusty panes." The description of the bird’s desperate struggle against the "never-opened windows" evokes a sense of futility and panic that can be felt in any creature’s fight against invisible barriers.

The narrative then shifts from observation to action. Updike describes his intervention as unreflective and instinctual, driven by a spontaneous empathy rather than a calculated decision. The act of capturing the bird is portrayed as both delicate and awkward, as he uses "clumsy, soft hands" to carefully hold the "agitated essence of the air." This phrase beautifully captures the essence of the bird, emphasizing its natural affinity for flight and freedom, distilled into a frantic heartbeat and fluttering wings.

The climax of the poem is the bird’s release, which Updike compares to a "self-flung ball to all that lovely perishing outdoors." This simile conveys the release as both a liberation for the bird and a throw into the inevitability of nature’s cycle—where beauty and decay coexist. The word "perishing" underscores the transient nature of life, mirroring the fleeting impact of the writer’s words in the broader scope of time.

Overall, "A Rescue" is a reflective and subtly profound poem that questions the value we place on our actions, whether they be enduring attempts to create lasting art or spontaneous acts of kindness. Updike seems to find greater satisfaction in the tangible immediacy of the rescue than in the potential longevity of his written words, suggesting that the truest impacts we make, perhaps, are those felt by other living beings in moments of compassionate interaction. The poem is an elegant reminder of the power of small deeds and the beauty of life outside the confines of human ambition and creativity.

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