Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jorge Luis Borges' poem "Camden 1892" poignantly reflects on the final days of the great American poet Walt Whitman, capturing the contrast between his past literary grandeur and the quiet, deteriorating solitude of his later years. Set in Camden, New Jersey, where Whitman spent the last years of his life, the poem paints a vivid picture of an old man confronting his mortality, while also acknowledging the enduring legacy of his poetic voice.

The poem opens with the simple, everyday imagery of "The fragrance of coffee and newspapers. Sunday and its tedium." This line situates the reader in a mundane, almost universal moment, one that is familiar and ordinary. It contrasts sharply with the extraordinary life Whitman led as a poet who celebrated the vibrancy and diversity of life in his work. The "tedium" of Sunday underscores the slow passage of time, a quiet day marked by routine and, in Whitman's case, the monotony of old age.

Borges then introduces a detail that subtly criticizes the poetic mediocrity of Whitman's contemporaries: "On the uninvestigated page, that vain / Column of allegorical verses / By a happy colleague." Here, Borges juxtaposes the "vain" and possibly shallow work of a "happy colleague" with Whitman's profound and innovative contributions to poetry. The "allegorical verses" might represent the kind of poetry that Whitman himself transcended, favoring instead the raw, direct expression of human experience.

The focus shifts to Whitman himself, "The old man lies / Prostrate, pale, even white in his decent / Room, the room of a poor man." This description is stark and unembellished, reflecting the physical decline and modest circumstances of Whitman's final years. The repetition of "white" emphasizes his frailty and the approach of death. The "decent room" speaks to Whitman's simplicity and perhaps the humility with which he faced his later life.

In a moment of introspection, Whitman "Needlessly / Glances at his face in the exhausted / Mirror." The mirror, described as "exhausted," serves as a metaphor for Whitman's own weariness and the fading vitality of his body. When Whitman recognizes his reflection—"That face is me"—there is a sense of resignation, as if he has come to terms with his aging and impending death. The "fumbling hand" that touches his "tangled beard" and "devastated mouth" further emphasizes his physical deterioration, a stark contrast to the vigorous, life-affirming figure he once was.

Despite his frailty, Whitman’s voice retains a sense of clarity and purpose: "The end is not far off. His voice declares: / I am almost gone." This line reflects Whitman’s awareness of his mortality, spoken with a calm acceptance rather than fear. However, the poem takes a powerful turn as Whitman asserts, "But my verses scan / Life and its splendor." Here, Borges captures the essence of Whitman’s poetic legacy—the ability to see and articulate the beauty and complexity of life, even in the face of death. Whitman’s verses, full of life’s splendor, stand in contrast to his current physical state, suggesting that while his body may fail, his poetry endures.

The poem concludes with the simple yet profound declaration: "I was Walt Whitman." In these words, there is a quiet pride and recognition of his place in literary history. Whitman identifies himself not just as a man nearing the end of his life, but as the poet whose work has left an indelible mark on the world. The use of the past tense "was" indicates that Whitman sees himself as already becoming part of the past, yet his work lives on, a lasting testament to his vision and spirit.

"Camden 1892" is a deeply moving meditation on the intersection of life, death, and legacy. Borges captures the dignity and humanity of Whitman in his final days, portraying him as a figure who, even in the face of death, remains connected to the splendor of life through his poetry. The poem honors Whitman’s enduring voice and the profound impact of his work, while also acknowledging the inevitable decline that comes with age. Through this reflection, Borges not only pays tribute to Whitman but also explores the universal themes of mortality and the lasting power of art.

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