Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Incubus" by David Ferry is a poignant and complex poem that explores the themes of identity, alienation, and self-preservation within the context of a supper for street people. The poem focuses on a young man who is described in great detail, highlighting his attempts to shield himself from the harsh realities of his life through his unique attire and behaviors. This vivid portrayal invites reflection on how external appearances often serve as both a protective mechanism and a reflection of inner turmoil.

The poem begins with the young man "muffled up from harm," indicating his vulnerability and desire to protect himself from the external world. This protective layering is further emphasized by his use of "newspaper pages / Carefully folded to make a weirdly festive / Hat or hood, down almost over his eyes." The newspapers, often carriers of harsh realities, are repurposed into a form of personal armor that simultaneously conceals and expresses. The description of the newspaper as "weirdly festive" suggests a contrast between the celebratory appearance and the somber reality of his situation.

Ferry continues to detail the young man's attire with items that are too large for him: "The long loose shirt too big / For him, the pantaloons too big for him / Loose like the pantaloons of the circus clown." The comparison to a circus clown not only emphasizes the oversized nature of his clothing but also hints at the performative aspect of his appearance, as if his daily existence involves playing a role that both conceals and reveals his true self.

The line "His burden slept dreaming everywhere upon him" metaphorically suggests that the young man is enveloped by his life's burdens, which are so integral to his being that they almost take on a life of their own. His clothes and his burdens seem to merge, with his attire acting as both a literal covering and a symbolic manifestation of his struggles.

Ferry masterfully concludes with the line, "His clothes slept on him as if they were his lover," which evokes a sense of intimacy and dependency between the young man and his clothes. This line beautifully encapsulates the central theme of the poem: the clothes are not just protective gear but have become an integral part of who he is, comforting him like a lover, yet also defining the persona he presents to the world.

Through "Incubus," David Ferry captures the poignant reality of those who feel the need to shield themselves from the world's harshness. The poem delves into the complexities of identity and protection, illustrating how the external expressions of a person can reflect deep-seated psychological and emotional states. The young man's elaborate disguise serves both as a barrier against the world and as an expression of his inner life, highlighting the intricate interplay between self-protection and self-expression.

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