Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

George Palmer Garrett Jr.'s poem "Anthologies" is a reflective meditation on the transitory nature of literary fame, the forgotten poets of the past, and the inevitable passage of time. The poem, structured as a catalog of names from anthologies, juxtaposes the known and the obscure, highlighting the democratic nature of poetry and the shared fate of all writers—eventual obscurity, despite their present passion and contributions.

The poem opens with a focus on the physicality of old books: "Not only the pleasures of dust, / of dry, stained pages and the out-of-date / card that proves nobody has even checked / this one out in a decade." This imagery evokes the tangible connection to history and the forgotten works that populate library shelves. The "pleasures of dust" suggests a nostalgic appreciation for these neglected volumes, where the layers of time have settled, leaving a record of literary voices that have faded from public memory. The mention of the out-of-date card underscores the lack of interest these books have received over the years, signaling their slow drift into oblivion.

Garrett then lists a series of names—Gene Derwood, Lloyd Frankenberg, Alfred Hayes, and others—poets who once had a presence in the literary world but have since become almost invisible, found only in the depths of library stacks. The repetition of these names emphasizes their anonymity in the present day, despite the fact that they once contributed to the literary landscape. The line "not really forgotten, but not to be found, / either, anywhere else but here in the stacks" captures the paradox of their existence: they are preserved, yet effectively lost to contemporary readers.

The poem shifts to a broader reflection on the nature of literary fame and the collective identity of poets: "these people, these poets, / are often so much alike in form and substance / and more democratic in excellence and virtue / than anyone might have otherwise imagined." Here, Garrett suggests that the poets, regardless of their fame, share a commonality in their work—an equal striving for excellence, even if their efforts are largely unrecognized. The democratic nature of poetry is highlighted, where the distinction between the famous and the obscure blurs, especially in the face of time's passage.

Garrett also injects personal anecdotes, adding a layer of intimacy and connection to the poem. He recalls purchasing poems from Maxwell Bodenheim in the Village for fifty cents and witnessing W. H. Auden's unsuccessful attempt to check a bottle of champagne at the Museum of Modern Art. These vignettes bring to life the vibrancy of literary culture in its heyday, but they also serve as reminders of how even the most prominent figures can fade into moments of triviality or absurdity.

The poem concludes by turning inward, contemplating the fate of the "unfamous others," including Garrett himself and his contemporaries: "But what of all the unfamous others, ourselves / I mean, still alive and on fire and in love / with the taste of words and the making of poems?" This reflection on the present echoes the earlier consideration of the past poets, drawing a parallel between them and the current generation of writers who are passionately engaged in their craft but will likely face the same obscurity in the future.

The final lines, "Who will come here afterwards to blow the dust away / and disturb the peace and oblivion we have earned?" pose a poignant question about legacy and memory. Garrett acknowledges the inevitability of being forgotten, even as he continues to write and contribute to the literary world. The mention of contemporary poets like Fred Chappell, Kelly Cherry, and others—including himself—serves as a reminder that all poets, regardless of their current status, will eventually join the ranks of the obscure.

“Anthologies" is a meditation on the ephemeral nature of literary fame and the shared destiny of all poets. Through the evocation of forgotten names and personal memories, George Palmer Garrett Jr. reflects on the fleeting nature of recognition and the quiet dignity of those who continue to write, knowing that their work may one day be consigned to the dusty shelves of forgotten anthologies. The poem is both a tribute to those who came before and a sober acknowledgment of the fate that awaits all who engage in the creative act of writing.

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