Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Risk" by Robert Duncan is a contemplative and richly metaphorical poem that delves into the themes of chance, decision-making, and the inherent risks involved in pursuing beauty and meaning in life. The poem intertwines historical, mythical, and personal narratives to explore how humans confront and often recoil from the precipices of critical choices.

The poem begins with the notion of a "last chance," immediately setting a tone of urgency and potential finality. This idea that there might be a final opportunity to act or decide permeates the poem, highlighting the weight of moments when significant decisions are made. The reference to the immediacy of casting dice introduces the motif of gambling, which Duncan uses throughout the poem to symbolize the broader risks we take in life.

Duncan recalls an "old rite" associated with casting dice, suggesting that engaging with chance is a ritualistic and almost sacred act that he had once feared and avoided. This avoidance of risk is a central theme, as Duncan reflects on his personal reluctances and the consequences of playing it safe. The mention of H. Rider Haggard's character Ayesha, "She Who-must-be-obeyed," further enriches the narrative, symbolizing the compelling and often terrifying forces of fate and passion that demand our submission and challenge our autonomy.

The poem intricately explores the tension between the desire to possess beauty and the fear of the cost involved. Duncan reflects on the reluctance to pay the price for a vase, using this as a metaphor for broader hesitations we face when confronted with something beautiful yet costly—whether the cost is monetary, emotional, or existential. This metaphor is extended through references to historical and mythical trades and transactions, such as the traders in gold and amber and the precious objects like "Bubastis in faience" that evoke a sense of lost grandeur and the high stakes of ancient commerce.

The natural imagery in the poem, particularly the references to various plants like "Primrose, mary-gold, agapanthus," which "grow readily in my garden," contrasts with the rare and costly items that provoke a sense of risk. This juxtaposition highlights a tension between the easily attainable and the rare—between comfort and challenge. Duncan questions whether there is a "rare herb" that could disturb the mind towards darkness, suggesting a longing for experiences that push the boundaries of comfort and familiarity.

As the poem progresses, Duncan grapples with the allure of the unknown and the comfort of safety. The "grave Yew" symbolizes wisdom and a deep, almost mystical connection to nature and history, suggesting a reverence for things that endure and challenge us to look beyond the superficial.

Towards the end of the poem, Duncan reflects on the act of not buying the vase, using it as a symbol for his broader approach to life's risks. He contemplates the paths not taken, the decisions to play it safe, and the consequences of those choices on his sense of self and his life's trajectory.

Ultimately, "Risk" is a meditation on the human condition, caught between the desire to reach for the sublime and the fear of the costs involved. Duncan's use of gambling as a metaphor for life's choices challenges the reader to consider how we deal with the randomness of existence, the gambles we take, and the ones we avoid. The poem closes with an ambiguous reflection on the outcomes of these choices, leaving the reader to ponder the value of risk and the lure of potential rewards against the backdrop of inevitable uncertainties.

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