Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"AFTERNOONS" by Michael Anania is a succinct yet evocative poem that delves into the themes of memory, perception, and the fleeting nature of experience. The poem captures the essence of moments as they slip into memory, leaving behind a space that is at once empty and filled with the residue of the past.

The opening lines, "Quick passage into / memory and behind / only blank spaces," immediately establish a sense of transience. The imagery of something passing quickly into memory and leaving blank spaces behind suggests the ephemeral nature of moments and experiences. It reflects on how, as time passes, details fade, leaving only a vague impression or a feeling.

The phrase "blue stain on pink / litmus" evokes a scientific metaphor, suggesting a change or reaction that is both subtle and irreversible. This could symbolize how experiences or emotions alter our perceptions and leave a lasting impact, even if the precise details become blurred over time.

The line "known so closely / something falls away" speaks to the paradox of intimacy and distance. The closer we are to something, the more difficult it becomes to see it objectively or to retain it in memory. This speaks to the human condition of struggling to hold onto moments even as they slip away.

The imagery of agile water-fly "padding the surface / of what is seen" is particularly striking. It suggests a delicate, almost superficial interaction with the world, touching upon experiences lightly without fully grasping or altering them. This could be a metaphor for how we navigate our memories and perceptions, skimming the surface of our consciousness.

The poem concludes with a reference to the defractions and distortions in our perception, like a "bent pencil or warps / of a flat eye." This imagery suggests that our understanding of the world and our experiences is often skewed or incomplete. The "wide world circling" implies a continuous movement of time and experience, an endless cycle of moments becoming memories.

Overall, "AFTERNOONS" by Michael Anania is a contemplative piece that invites readers to reflect on the nature of memory, perception, and the fleeting moments of life. It captures the beauty and sadness of the ephemeral, and the human desire to hold onto the intangible.

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