Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Schuyler's poem "Feeling No Pain" captures the intersection of physical discomfort, the passage of time, and the small victories found in relief from suffering. The poem's tone is conversational, almost confessional, as it details the narrator's experience with an ear infection and the subsequent relief provided by medication. Schuyler’s approach to this mundane yet deeply personal subject matter reveals his talent for transforming the everyday into something poignant and universally relatable.

The poem opens with a note of gratitude: "Bless the ear doc, the tetracycline and the nameless ear drops: three drops three times a day." This line sets the stage for the narrative, highlighting the significance of medical intervention in alleviating pain. The repetition of "three drops three times a day" emphasizes the ritualistic nature of the treatment, a routine that becomes central to the narrator's life as they navigate the discomfort caused by the ear infection.

The mention of hearing a bus in stereo reflects the return of a sense once dulled by pain, marking the beginning of the narrator's recovery. This moment is significant because it not only signifies the relief of physical pain but also the restoration of a normal, unimpeded experience of the world. The simple act of hearing becomes a profound event, one that underscores how much the narrator has been missing due to the infection.

The poem then shifts to a dinner scene, where the narrator struggles to hear their companion, Joe, while dining at Duff's. The narrator must turn their head, favoring their good ear, to catch Joe's "gentle murmur." This moment illustrates the social impact of the narrator's condition, where even a simple conversation becomes a challenge. The waiter’s question, "Anisette?" goes unheard, further highlighting the isolation that comes with the impairment. The ear infection is not just a physical ailment but also a barrier to the narrator's engagement with the world around them.

Schuyler's description of the ear pain is visceral: "An infected ear: the pain, there's nothing like it. You climb walls." This metaphor of climbing walls captures the desperation and intensity of the experience, conveying how pain can push one to the edge of endurance. The contrast between the pain and the subsequent relief is stark, and Schuyler deftly captures the transition from one state to another, from the restless agony of sleepless nights to the tentative peace of early morning.

The poem's closing lines reveal the narrator's state of mind as they reflect on their ordeal. The early morning coffee drips, a sound that "used to bug me," but now it is "welcome as a dance by Drigo." This shift in perception signals a change in the narrator’s relationship with their surroundings. The once-irritating sounds of morning traffic now provide comfort, a reminder of normalcy returning. The hacking cough, a residual effect of smoking during sleepless nights, is acknowledged with a sense of acceptance: "Well, nobody's perfect and I feel no pain."

In "Feeling No Pain," Schuyler masterfully explores the themes of pain, recovery, and the delicate balance between suffering and relief. The poem’s narrative is grounded in the specifics of the narrator's experience, yet it speaks to the universal human condition of enduring and overcoming pain. Schuyler's attention to detail—the ear drops, the sound of the bus, the conversation with Joe—creates a vivid portrait of a moment in time, one where the narrator emerges from the fog of pain into the clarity of relief. The poem resonates with the understanding that even the smallest moments of discomfort and healing are significant, shaping our perception of the world and our place within it.

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