Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"December 2-3 1992" by Larry Eigner is a visually and thematically evocative poem that captures a moment of uplifting renewal following a disturbance. The poem, characteristic of Eigner's style, employs both the physical space of the page and the deliberate placement of words to deepen the impact of its imagery and to convey a sense of movement and emergence.

The poem starts with the phrase "the whole orchestra," spaced out across the line to suggest each element of the orchestra being distinct yet part of a larger cohesive entity. This could symbolize a variety of components of a scene or a community coming together harmoniously, yet each maintaining its individuality. The spacing of the words also mimics the scattering that might occur during a storm, with each part finding its place again in the calm after.

The word "risen" sits alone and slightly above the rest of the text, emphasizing the act of rising or coming up. This placement visually represents the literal meaning of the word, enhancing the imagery of the orchestra—or elements it symbolizes—lifting upwards.

The subsequent line, "up into the air," continues this ascent, with the words themselves visually ascending on the page. This movement suggests a lightness or buoyancy, as if the orchestra is being elevated by a newfound energy or spirit, possibly fueled by the relief and freshness following a storm.

The phrase "for dancing" is positioned further down the page, grounding the purpose of this rising movement. It implies a celebration or a joyful response to the subsidence of the storm, a common human reaction to the passing of danger or tumult. The act of dancing here symbolizes freedom, release, and perhaps a communal coming-together in relief and celebration.

Finally, "after the storm" serves as the contextual grounding for the entire scene. It explains the reason for the uplift and the dancing, offering a temporal marker that situates the previous joyous actions. It also serves as a metaphorical note about resilience and recovery, suggesting that after difficulties or challenges (the storm), there is an opportunity for renewal and joy.

Overall, "December 2-3 1992" is a concise but powerful poem that uses visual composition and sparse language to effectively convey themes of resilience, community, and the cathartic power of music and dance. Through its unique structure, the poem invites readers to not only read the words but also to experience the movement and the uplifting spirit conveyed by the text.

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