Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Parade's End" by Barbara Guest is a reflective poem that delves into themes of spectacle, disillusionment, and the intersection of public celebration and private introspection. The poem begins with an understated observation: "The most that can be said for following the parade is that the Head was red." This line sets a tone of detachment and muted enthusiasm, suggesting that the spectacle's most notable feature is simply its vibrant, albeit superficial, appearance.

Guest introduces an architect who is captivated by the grotesque elements of the parade: "Liking grotesque the architect went along with it, the balloons and the bellies enlarged." The architect's fascination with the oversized and exaggerated components of the parade reflects a broader societal obsession with spectacle and grandiosity. His "craze for size" symbolizes a desire for excess and an emphasis on outward appearances.

From the perspective of the onlookers, however, the experience is far less enchanting. Guest writes, "Looking at it from the sidelines we weren't so amused as chilled by the snow wind, our feet getting smaller in unadaptable leather." This imagery of shrinking feet in cold, unadaptable leather shoes highlights the discomfort and disconnection felt by the spectators. The cold wind and their shrinking feet symbolize a sense of alienation and the inability to fully engage with the spectacle before them.

The poem then shifts to an emotional response: "our eyes formed truly gigantic tears / we dropped when the last soldier had passed and the confetti was buried in the ash can." The juxtaposition of "gigantic tears" with the earlier mention of grotesque size emphasizes the profound sadness and disillusionment that accompany the end of the parade. The burial of confetti in the ash can symbolizes the fleeting nature of the celebration and the ultimate return to mundane reality.

Guest's use of the phrase "It was quite a day" serves as a stark contrast to the underlying melancholy that permeates the poem. This seemingly banal statement underscores the disparity between the outward spectacle and the internal emotional landscape of the speaker.

The poem concludes with a deeply personal reflection: "I brought home an unopened poem. It should grow in the kitchen near the stove if I can squeeze out of my eyes enough water. Water." The act of bringing home an unopened poem signifies the speaker's hope for creativity and introspection amidst the disillusionment of the parade. The kitchen, a place of nourishment and warmth, becomes the intended space for this growth, symbolizing a desire to cultivate something meaningful and sustaining within the domestic sphere.

The need to "squeeze out of my eyes enough water" further emphasizes the connection between tears and the nurturing of creativity. This line poignantly captures the idea that from the wellspring of sorrow and disillusionment, one can still find the means to create and find solace. The repetition of "Water" at the poem's end reinforces the essential nature of this element, both literally and metaphorically, as a source of life and renewal.

"Parade's End" is a contemplative poem that juxtaposes the grandeur and superficiality of public spectacle with the deeper, often painful, inner experiences of individuals. Barbara Guest masterfully captures the complex interplay between external appearances and internal emotions, highlighting the ways in which we seek to find meaning and comfort in the aftermath of disillusionment. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful reflection, the poem invites readers to consider the transient nature of spectacle and the enduring importance of personal introspection and creativity.

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