Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Book of Days 4" by Martha Collins weaves a rich tapestry of images and emotions, exploring themes of distance, longing, connection, and the barriers that exist between individuals. Through the juxtaposition of the physical and the emotional, the poem delves into the complexities of human relationships and the spaces—both literal and metaphorical—that define them.

The poem opens with vivid imagery of a cold morning: "Ice this morning, cracked, by the curb, / cellophane, glass. Frost on the bricks." This description sets a scene of fragility and transience, mirroring the themes that will unfold regarding human connection. The mention of "The playground closed for the season" adds a layer of nostalgia and loss, evoking memories of warmer, livelier times now paused or ended.

Collins transitions from the external landscape to an internal one with the recollection of "Last night, I think," linking the past night's events with the ongoing work of a carpenter, who symbolizes both creation and alteration. This connection between past and present, between memory and ongoing life, underscores the poem's exploration of how we construct and reconstruct our lives and relationships.

The memory of a child playing, "He crawled / through the space of that upright tire --," introduces themes of innocence and exploration, contrasting the simplicity of childhood interactions with the complexities of adult relationships. This contrast is further explored in the poignant scene where the speaker sees someone familiar "a row ahead" and hesitates to make contact, "frozen, mid-air, as if / on film." This moment captures the essence of the poem's exploration of distance and the barriers—both physical and emotional—that prevent connection.

The physical sensation of cold, "My ungloved hand begins to ache," contrasts with the internal desire for warmth and contact, as represented by the keys rattling in the speaker's pocket and the seeds scattered on the ground. These "exclamations without a point" suggest attempts at communication that fail to connect or convey meaning, reflecting the poem's broader contemplation of missed connections and unspoken words.

Collins concludes with a meditation on the spaces that both divide and unite us: "This is my hand on your shoulder. / This is the other side, the space / that's given and taken at once." These lines acknowledge the dual nature of human relationships, the push and pull of closeness and separation. The imagery of "Space to be arranged like chairs, / easy chairs in front of a fire" evokes a desire for comfort and intimacy, while the recognition of "the separate rooms / where we live" speaks to the individuality and isolation that can coexist with attempts at connection.

"Book of Days 4" is a poignant reflection on the longing for connection and the challenges of bridging the spaces that separate us. Through its intricate imagery and emotional depth, Collins invites readers to consider the ways in which we reach out, draw back, and navigate the complex terrain of human relationships. The poem serves as a reminder of the ongoing dance between closeness and distance, presence and absence, in the ever-evolving narrative of our lives.

POEM TEXT: https://capa.conncoll.edu/collins.space.htm#DAYS

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