Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Smokehouse Blues" by Madeline DeFrees offers a poignant narrative that weaves together themes of environmental advocacy, personal idiosyncrasy, and the complexities of friendship through the lens of a singular event. The poem portrays the paradoxical existence of a character deeply committed to the cause of fighting air pollution caused by woodstoves, yet finds herself enveloped in the very smoke she campaigns against. DeFrees skillfully uses the motif of the color blue to thread together different elements of happiness, activism, danger, and loyalty, creating a rich tapestry that reflects on the contradictions and challenges of modern life.

The poem opens with the hopeful image of the "bluebird of happiness" that rarely visits, setting a tone of elusive joy and the pursuit of well-being. This imagery is quickly contrasted with the setting of a smokehouse, where ash and smoke tarnish the physical appearance of the protagonist, symbolizing the pervasive and often unavoidable pollution she fights against. This setting serves as a metaphor for the broader environmental issues the character, and by extension, society, must confront.

The mention of CAWE, "Citizens Against Woodstove Fumes," introduces a specific cause that the protagonist champions, underscoring her commitment to environmental health and clean air. Her efforts to give lungs "a fighting chance" against pollution highlight the personal stakes involved in her activism, suggesting a deep concern for community well-being as well as personal health.

The narrative then shifts to a more intimate scene, recounting a dinner outing where the protagonist's environmental advocacy is momentarily celebrated by a stranger, illustrating the small victories and moments of connection that can sustain activists. However, this scene also foreshadows the protagonist's health challenges, hinted at by her prolonged absence and the narrator's anxiety over her well-being.

The poem subtly shifts to a darker tone with the reference to "blue Monday" and the protagonist's potential "cardiac arrest," indicating the physical toll that her environmental battles and personal habits may have taken on her. The mention of the "Blue Angels" and CPR procedures underscores the seriousness of her condition, blending concern with a sense of impending loss.

DeFrees concludes the poem with a striking image of the protagonist as a "sacrificial lamb" at a poetry reading, suggesting that her efforts and sacrifices for environmental causes are both noble and tragically overlooked. The final line, "It's a Blue Ribbon performance," serves as a bittersweet acknowledgment of her dedication and the paradoxes that define her life—celebrated yet endangered by the very cause she champions.

"Smokehouse Blues" navigates the intricacies of environmental activism, friendship, and personal health with empathy and nuance. Through vivid imagery and the recurrent theme of the color blue, DeFrees crafts a narrative that is both a tribute to the protagonist's commitment to a healthier world and a meditation on the costs of such dedication. The poem invites readers to reflect on the complex interplay between individual action, personal health, and the collective struggle for environmental preservation.

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