Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"This March Afternoon" by Edward Dorn is a reflective and personal poem that delves into the themes of pride, self-exploration, and perhaps regret or unfulfilled ambition. Through his vivid and introspective verse, Dorn explores the complex interplay between external influences and internal desires and the ways these forces shape one’s identity and experiences over time.

The poem begins with a straightforward yet profound admission: "Pride kept me away." This line sets the tone for the poem, indicating that the speaker's pride—perhaps a sense of self-importance or reluctance to be vulnerable—has led to separation or isolation from something or someone significant.

The next lines introduce a woman whose "eyes, indelicate as they were, were there nonetheless" and these eyes seem to have a compelling effect on the speaker. The description of her eyes as "indelicate" suggests a raw, perhaps unrefined or piercing quality that is nonetheless captivating or impossible to ignore. Her gaze draws the speaker "into the recesses of my own untrackable world," prompting a deep and perhaps uncomfortable self-reflection. This journey into the self is framed as both an involuntary reaction to her gaze and a necessary exploration of his inner landscape, highlighting the power of external influences to trigger internal discovery or confrontation.

Dorn then weaves a classical allusion into the speaker’s introspection by asking, "oh goddesses did I like Harpagus crave a future rule of this world as over the years I grow older?" This reference to Harpagus—a figure from ancient history who harbored ambitions of power—suggests the speaker's contemplation of his own ambitions and the nature of his desires. Have they been as grandiose, as driven by a wish to dominate or control, as those of historical figures known for their ruthlessness? This question indicates a self-assessment of the speaker’s motives and the evolution of his ambitions over time.

The poem concludes with a poignant image: "A bitter clot of time rides in my throat and Nay once again the Graces say." The "bitter clot of time" metaphorically captures a sense of accumulated grievances or regrets that have become hard to express or swallow, metaphorically stuck in the speaker's throat. The Graces, figures from Greek mythology who represent beauty and charm, here deny something to the speaker—perhaps forgiveness, peace, or acceptance—highlighting a sense of unresolved tension or unfulfilled longing.

Overall, "This March Afternoon" is a complex exploration of self-awareness, the impact of others on our personal journey, and the contemplation of one's life choices and desires. Dorn uses mythological references and vivid imagery to craft a deeply personal yet universally resonant narrative that examines the intersections of pride, ambition, and introspection.

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