Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "Joy" presents a poignant meditation on the fleeting nature of joy through the biblical story of Noah. The poem delves into themes of faith, endurance, despair, and the human struggle to maintain hope in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The poem opens with an acknowledgment of the transience of joy: "Ah, that Noah's joy lasted only for a time presses itself on the heart and mind." This line sets the tone for the reflection on Noah's journey, highlighting the impermanence of happiness and the weight of the challenges that follow. The use of "presses" suggests an unavoidable and burdensome realization.

Noah's determination is emphasized: "When they called him foolish, he went on building." This reflects his steadfast faith and commitment to his divine mission despite ridicule. The image of the ark "bobbing" among the drowned "like soaking marionettes" evokes a haunting scene of destruction and loss, contrasting sharply with Noah's earlier resolve.

The poem then explores the emotional toll on Noah: "even / his closest friend meant nothing to the Father:—How could he hold onto his / beliefs?" This question captures the depth of Noah's isolation and the strain on his faith. The mention of "caged beasts roaring" and the wind beating against the hull symbolizes the chaotic and relentless nature of the storm, both literal and metaphorical, that Noah endures.

Noah's human desire for release is poignantly expressed: "wouldn't he have liked to ease himself with yelling?" The poem suggests that Noah, too, felt the need to vent his anguish. This is confirmed with the realization: "Suddenly it comes to you: he did yell." The idea that Noah's cries were "absorbed by the gray pall" underscores the sense of futility and the vast, indifferent void that swallowed his despair.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of Noah's hardened resolve: "And you harden yourself against the appearance of the landbird." The landbird, traditionally seen as a sign of hope and the end of the flood, is met with skepticism. The lines "as if sunning his anguish and walking in washed and earth-spiced air could rid the nostrils of the stench of the past forty days" convey the deep scars left by the ordeal. The "stench of the past forty days" serves as a metaphor for the lingering trauma and the difficulty of moving past such profound suffering.

The final line, "a consummation that makes the sweat grow cold," captures the chilling realization that even the return of land and normalcy cannot easily erase the memories of devastation. This juxtaposition of potential joy with lingering sorrow encapsulates the complex nature of recovery and the enduring impact of trauma.

"Joy" by Carol Frost is a powerful exploration of faith, endurance, and the human condition through the lens of Noah's story. The poem's vivid imagery and emotional depth invite readers to contemplate the fleeting nature of joy and the enduring struggle to maintain hope amidst adversity. Frost's nuanced portrayal of Noah's journey resonates with the universal experiences of doubt, resilience, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of suffering.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Venus_and_Don_Juan/SMw6m_pC274C?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=JOY#f=false

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