Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's poem "Shy Guy" is a humorous yet poignant exploration of the human body, specifically the anus, and the societal attitudes that surround it. By personifying this part of the body, Field delves into themes of shame, neglect, and the longing for recognition, using playful language and wit to convey a deeper commentary on self-acceptance and body image.

The poem begins with an affectionate description of the "shy guy," a metaphor for the anus. Field sets the tone by calling it “Such a dear fellow, such a shy one, / doing his job but never praised for it.” This immediately frames the subject as underappreciated, establishing the poem's humorous yet empathetic tone. Despite being “dug at, scratched, and harshly wiped,” the anus continues to function dutifully while receiving little gratitude or recognition.

Field highlights the disparity in attention given to different body parts, pointing out that the face receives “endless care and beautifying,” while the hair is “brushed and dressed,” and the hands are “caressed.” Even the genitalia are given special attention, as the speaker mentions a man who claims he “can stare at a cunt for hours.” In contrast, the anus remains ignored, as Field asks rhetorically, “but who wants to gaze up an asshole?”

The personification of the anus allows Field to delve into its emotional state. The shy guy is “frustrated in his longing / for, if not public recognition, / at least appreciation.” The poem humorously attributes accidental flatulence to the shy guy’s cry for attention: “ordered to squeeze himself tight / and not let out a peep for hours, / for dropping a loud one / in the middle of a cocktail party / or your big romantic moment.” The notion that flatulence is a deliberate act of rebellion adds a layer of comedy while underscoring the neglect and shame surrounding this part of the body.

Field continues to explore the lack of appreciation for the shy guy by noting how he is only noticed when there is a problem. When afflicted “with piles / or sullen in constipation,” he finally receives attention, but not the kind he craves. Instead, the response is often drastic: “we throw up our hands and submit him / to the harsh spotlight of medical procedures / or, worse, the surgical amphitheatre.” This imagery of the anus under scrutiny highlights the anxiety and stigma associated with bodily functions.

The poem ends on a critical note, challenging societal attitudes by pointing out that the problem lies not with the shy guy but with us: “never imagining what’s wrong is us, / for identifying him with the shit / he so elegantly expels.” Here, Field critiques the tendency to conflate the body part with its function, emphasizing the elegance and naturalness of the shy guy’s role.

Structurally, "Shy Guy" is composed in free verse, which allows Field to maintain a conversational and fluid tone. The playful language and rhythm enhance the humor while creating an intimate atmosphere that invites readers to reflect on their own attitudes toward the body.

In summary, "Shy Guy" is a witty and insightful exploration of the societal attitudes surrounding the anus. Edward Field employs humor and personification to critique the shame and neglect associated with this body part while advocating for self-acceptance and appreciation. The poem’s playful yet poignant tone provides a refreshing perspective on a subject often shrouded in stigma.

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