Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Passage" by Barbara Guest is a tribute to John Coltrane, capturing the essence of his music through poetic language. The poem explores the interplay between words and music, suggesting that both art forms rely on a similar structure of sound and rhythm. By comparing words to musical notes and syllables to painterly strokes, Guest delves into the creative process and the intricate connections between different forms of expression.

The poem begins with a contemplation of the nature of words: "Words after all are syllables just and you put them in their place notes sounds." This line immediately draws a parallel between language and music, suggesting that just as syllables form the building blocks of words, notes create the foundation of musical compositions. The reference to a painter using strokes further enriches this comparison, implying that both poets and musicians are like painters, carefully placing each element to create a cohesive and expressive whole.

Guest then introduces the idea of objects—an umbrella or a knife—finding their place within the intricate design of the poem. These objects, "slashed as it was with color called 'being' or even 'it'," symbolize the tangible elements in life that gain meaning through artistic representation. The use of the word "slashed" evokes a sense of suddenness and intensity, reminiscent of the boldness found in both visual art and music.

As the poem progresses, Guest shifts focus to the ephemeral nature of expression: "For the moment just when the syllables out of their webs float." This imagery suggests that words and notes are transient, momentarily suspended before they are fully realized. The metaphor of syllables floating out of webs conveys a delicate and fleeting quality, emphasizing the intricate and sometimes fragile nature of artistic creation.

Guest then reflects on the experience of hearing music: "We were just beginning to hear like a crane hoisted into the fine thin air." The image of a crane being lifted into the air captures a sense of elevation and discovery, as if the listeners are being transported to a higher plane of understanding. The mention of "a little ache (or soft crackle)" adds a layer of emotional depth, suggesting that music, like poetry, can evoke subtle and profound feelings.

The poem concludes with an "Envoi," a traditional closing stanza that serves as a farewell or a summary. Guest uses this section to encapsulate the essence of her tribute: "C'est juste your umbrella colorings." The phrase "C'est juste" (French for "It's just") implies a simplicity and clarity in Coltrane's music, while "your umbrella colorings" evokes the vibrant and encompassing nature of his art. This final line ties back to the earlier imagery of the umbrella, reinforcing the connection between the tangible and the abstract, the personal and the universal.

"Passage" by Barbara Guest is a nuanced and layered homage to John Coltrane, capturing the spirit of his music through a rich tapestry of words and images. The poem reflects on the nature of artistic creation, the interplay between different forms of expression, and the emotional resonance of music. Through her carefully chosen language and evocative imagery, Guest offers a contemplative and heartfelt tribute to a legendary musician, celebrating the enduring impact of his work.

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