Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's "Washington's Ovens, Adamses' Letters" intertwines the tangible and intangible, drawing connections between historical events, culinary delicacies, and the intimate whispers of a couple in a diner. This poem delves into the essence of human experience, highlighting how physical manifestations and theoretical constructs shape our understanding of history, love, and existence.

The poem opens with vivid descriptions of extravagant foods, beginning with the "favored dish of the emperor Vitellius," composed of "pheasant brains, pike livers, peacock hearts, flamingo tongues, and lamprey milt." This imagery evokes a visceral response, emphasizing the luxury and excess associated with these items. The mention of "Kopi Luwak," a rare coffee processed through the digestive system of a Sumatran animal, further underscores the peculiar and sometimes grotesque lengths to which humans go in their quest for extraordinary experiences. These examples set the stage for a contrast with the more subtle and theoretical themes that follow.

The poem shifts to a historical anecdote involving George Washington during the American Revolution. Goldbarth describes how Washington "ordered his corps of engineers 'to set foundations toward a major camp in New Jersey so authentic that the ovens could bake thousands of loaves of bread.'" This strategic deception, creating a facade of readiness and abundance, is described as "a feast! - of air," highlighting the power of illusion and potential. The idea of "pure potential" is emphasized, suggesting that the unseen and unfulfilled can hold as much weight as the tangible and realized.

Goldbarth extends this theme by referencing the reign of Antoninus Pius, an emperor whose peaceful rule is noted for its lack of significant historical events: "The reign of Antoninus Pius was one so undisturbed, it almost has no history." This absence of turmoil and notable occurrences is portrayed as a "well of zero circumstance," rich in its own right. This notion aligns with the poem's exploration of the unseen and the theoretical, positing that what is not directly observed or recorded can be deeply significant.

The poem then turns to the relationship between John and Abigail Adams, known for their extensive correspondence. Goldbarth notes that "We can only know what they probably said to each other while together, from the letters they wrote when apart." This separation between the physical presence and the written word mirrors the earlier themes of potential and unseen influence. Abigail's demand for "some sentimental effusions of the heart!" encapsulates the human desire for tangible expressions of love and emotion, even as their letters represent a deeper, unseen connection.

In the poem's final scene, Goldbarth brings us to a contemporary setting: a couple in a diner, sharing "ordinary and uncomplicated diner coffee." Despite the mundane setting, their interaction is imbued with "extraordinary things," as evidenced by their body language and the "laws of a private magnetism" that draw them together. This moment parallels the historical and theoretical constructs discussed earlier, suggesting that profound connections and meanings often lie beneath the surface of everyday life.

Goldbarth masterfully weaves together these disparate elements to create a tapestry of human experience that transcends time and space. The juxtaposition of lavish, tangible details with the abstract and theoretical invites readers to contemplate the unseen forces that shape our lives. "Washington's Ovens, Adamses' Letters" ultimately celebrates the richness of potential, the depth of unseen connections, and the enduring power of human intimacy.

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