Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Robert Desnos" by Dean Young is a vivid, surreal homage to the life and legacy of Robert Desnos, a prominent figure of the Surrealist movement in the 1920s. The poem seamlessly blends historical facts with imaginative flourishes, capturing the essence of Desnos's life, his artistic endeavors, and the tragic circumstances of his death. Through Young's lens, Desnos's story is not just recounted but reimagined, imbued with the same spirit of surrealism that Desnos himself championed.

The poem begins by highlighting Desnos's role as a surrealist, noted for his ability to produce epigrams in his sleep, a talent that André Breton, the leader of the Surrealist movement, admired. This opening sets the tone for the poem, emphasizing the surreal and dream-like quality of Desnos's work and life. The mention of a fallout with Breton over something as peculiar as "a description of the sex organs of a starfish" further underscores the absurdity and eccentricity that characterized the Surrealist movement.

Dean Young portrays a series of fantastical and bizarre images, such as "Gears made bouquets in the air until the clouds became grease," which evoke the innovative and unconventional nature of Desnos's work. The reference to Desnos writing radio plays for children and making himself "a vest of ice" highlights his creative versatility and perhaps his tendency towards self-destructive behavior, metaphorically suggesting a disregard for personal safety in pursuit of art.

The line "He'd forgotten he should have been screaming" could allude to Desnos's engagement with the political turmoil and impending doom of World War II, suggesting a momentary lapse in recognizing the severity of the situation until it was too late. The imagery of "chains and nets" forming "a cylindrical mass" around him may symbolize the oppressive forces that eventually led to his capture and imprisonment by the Gestapo.

Young poignantly refers to Desnos's contributions to the French Resistance, noting his theft of "small silver bells" as an act of defiance against the Nazi occupation. The metaphor of the gyroscope serves as a reflection on Desnos's efforts to maintain direction and momentum in his life and work, despite the chaotic forces acting upon him.

The poem concludes with the tragic end of Desnos's life, highlighting his death from typhus shortly after the liberation of Buchenwald concentration camp. The imagery of Desnos drowning "in the middle of a dirt road" and being identified by "the words shining on his forehead" serves as a powerful testament to the enduring impact of his poetry and the indelible mark he left on the world.

Through "Robert Desnos," Dean Young pays tribute to the poet's extraordinary life, blending elements of surrealism, history, and biography to create a portrait that is both fantastical and deeply human. The poem is a celebration of Desnos's spirit, his resistance to tyranny, and his unwavering commitment to art, even in the face of unimaginable adversity.

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