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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"The Pleasures of Old Age" by Michael Blumenthal is a tender and vivid portrayal of longing, imagination, and the indomitable spirit of desire that transcends the boundaries of age. Through the story of his grandmother Lisette, who at ninety-nine years old remains captivated by the allure of romance and the company of men, Blumenthal explores themes of vitality, memory, and the enduring capacity for joy and anticipation that can flourish even in the twilight of one's life. The poem opens with the striking image of Lisette, deep in her advanced years, yet wholly consumed with thoughts of men—imaginary lovers who visit her in the "vast mixer of the mind," embodying a wild desire and a desperate love that rejuvenates her spirit. This vivid beginning sets the stage for a narrative that defies conventional expectations of old age, portraying Lisette as a figure of vibrant longing and romantic fantasy. Blumenthal masterfully uses the motif of romance magazines as a bridge between Lisette's daydreams and the realm of her dreams, where she can conjure these "beautiful men" back into her embrace. The transformation from day to night, from reading to dreaming, symbolizes the seamless continuity between desire and imagination, highlighting the power of the mind to create vivid, fulfilling experiences that counter the physical limitations of age. The depiction of Manhattan as an "island" teeming with potential suitors—"bachelors sprouted like dandelions in the field of her hunger"—lends a whimsical, almost magical quality to Lisette's world. Each man, with his own set of quirks and circumstances, represents not just a missed connection but a testament to Lisette's unyielding hope and her refusal to let the flame of desire be extinguished by time or societal expectations. The poignant scene of Lisette waiting by the phone, likened to "a young girl dateless at prom time," captures the universal longing for connection and the fear of being forgotten. Yet, in Lisette's resolve that her "double digitry would grow centuried in a whirl of romance," there is a powerful affirmation of life and the capacity to dream and hope against the odds. Blumenthal's choice to imagine Lisette's final thoughts as she falls from the stairs is both heartbreaking and beautifully hopeful. In envisioning that her last moments were filled with anticipation of who might enter her room that night, the poet pays homage to her unquenchable spirit and her "great joy in beautiful men." This closing reflection serves as a poignant reminder of the complexity of human desire, the resilience of the human heart, and the capacity for imagination to provide solace and joy in the face of life's ultimate conclusion. "The Pleasures of Old Age" is a moving and lyrical exploration of the themes of aging, desire, and the enduring pursuit of love and pleasure. Through the character of Lisette, Blumenthal offers a narrative that challenges stereotypes of old age, celebrating the richness of the inner life and the eternal nature of the human capacity for love and longing.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...YOU'RE THE TOP by TONY HOAGLAND KISS GRANDMOTHERS GOOD NIGHT by ANDREW HUDGINS KICKING THE LEAVES by DONALD HALL THE BOOK OF SCAPEGOATS by WAYNE KOESTENBAUM THE GREAT GRANDPARENTS by TED KOOSER THE WISE WOMAN by SARA TEASDALE MY PRETTY ROSE TREE, FR. SONGS OF EXPERIENCE by WILLIAM BLAKE |
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