Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

John Updike’s poem "An Imaginable Conference" delves into a fictional meeting between two professionals from seemingly disparate worlds—Henry Green, an industrialist, and Wallace Stevens, a poet who also served as a vice-president of an insurance company. Updike crafts this encounter with a blend of business-like formality and poetic introspection, illustrating how the convergence of business and poetry might unfold in an unlikely yet conceivable scenario.

The poem begins by setting the stage for this meeting, emphasizing the polite but somewhat awkward initial interactions. The description of their handshake as "gentle grips" and their "courteous bumbling at the door" immediately sets a tone of restrained civility. The setting is an office space, described with a hint of mystique as "a rare room deep exists / on an odd floor, subtly carpeted." This description suggests a place that is both physically and metaphorically removed from the ordinary, where significant discussions take place away from the public eye.

Updike pays close attention to the ambiance of the room, noting how the "walls wear charts like checkered vests and blotters ape / the green of cricket fields." This imagery blends the mundane aspects of business—charts and blotters—with poetic comparisons that elevate the scene to something more visually and emotionally engaging. The mention of glass that "multiplies / the pausing men to twice infinity" adds a surreal quality, suggesting the endless possibilities or reflections that could arise from this meeting.

The poet’s eye for detail is further illustrated in the description of an "inkstand of blue marble" that is "discreetly veined," likening it to a young girl’s wrist. This comparison imbues the scene with a delicate beauty, contrasting the often dry and sterile environment of corporate meetings. The interruption by an "office boy misplaced and slack" who intrudes awkwardly adds a touch of reality, breaking the poetic reverie and reminding the reader of the everyday occurrences in a business setting.

The language and discourse between Green and Stevens are described as being "select and Sunday-soft," implying a careful, respectful exchange. Updike does not divulge the content of their conversation but suggests through "rumor" that their discussion, while centered on business ("hatched the deal"), was influenced by a poetic sensitivity ("vistas of lilac weighted their shrewd lids"). This line beautifully encapsulates the essence of the meeting—though it is a business deal at heart, it is permeated by a poetic awareness that adds depth and color to the interaction.

"An Imaginable Conference" is a fascinating exploration of how the realms of business and poetry might intersect, where corporate pragmatism meets the beauty and depth of poetic thought. Updike imagines a world where these two spheres blend seamlessly, each enriching the other in a subtle dance of commerce and creativity. The poem itself serves as a metaphor for the potential harmony between the practical and the poetic, encouraging readers to find beauty and meaning in all aspects of life, even in the most unlikely places.

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