Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Blues" by Elizabeth Alexander is an introspective and candid poem that explores themes of self-indulgence, guilt, and the tension between personal desires and societal expectations. The poem is written in a confessional tone, where the speaker reflects on their own laziness and contrasts it with the industrious values instilled in them since childhood.

Embracing Laziness:

The poem opens with the speaker declaring themselves as "the laziest girl in the world," describing their indulgence in sleep and comfort foods. This admission sets a tone of self-awareness and a certain defiance of conventional productivity norms. The detailed description of sleeping until "my face is creased and swollen" and eating "cookies and milk after lunch" paints a vivid picture of indulgence.

Contrast with Past Diligence:

The speaker reflects on their diligent past, noting the missed opportunities for leisure and rest due to a rigorous schedule of school and ballet classes. This reflection reveals a shift from a life governed by discipline and hard work to one where the speaker allows themselves the freedom to be unproductive.

Family and Cultural Expectations:

The poem delves into the expectations imposed by the speaker's family and cultural background, which emphasize hard work and responsibility. The lines "the industry of my race / and of immigrants" and the admonition to "Work hard and do not shame your family" highlight the pressure to conform to a legacy of diligence and achievement.

Rebellion Against Societal Norms:

The speaker's current lifestyle is a form of rebellion against these ingrained values. The act of spending "my father's money" on trivial items at outlet stores further illustrates this rebellion, as does the description of writing poetry in a "lazy" manner, favoring syllabics and slant rhymes over more traditional forms.

Search for Meaning in Rest:

Towards the end of the poem, the speaker reflects on their avoidance of sleep due to fears and anxieties, suggesting a deeper reason for their current embrace of laziness. The final lines, where the speaker looks for poems in the "shape of open V’s of birds flying in formation, or open arms saying, I forgive you, all," indicate a yearning for creativity, forgiveness, and meaning that transcends conventional notions of productivity.

In summary, "Blues" by Elizabeth Alexander is a complex and nuanced poem that challenges traditional values of productivity and industry. Through the lens of personal experience, the poem explores the guilt and liberation associated with rejecting societal norms in favor of personal fulfillment and self-acceptance. The speaker's journey reflects a broader commentary on the pressures of family expectations, cultural norms, and the search for individual identity and meaning.

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