Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Justice’s "On a Woman of Spirit Who Taught Both Piano and Dance" is a concise and affectionate tribute to a vibrant woman whose creative passions enlivened her world and those around her. Through its tight structure and celebratory tone, the poem captures both her spirited personality and the fleeting beauty of her artistic endeavors.

The opening line, "Thanks to the Powers-That-Once-Were for all rouges / And powders," immediately situates the woman within a context of theatricality and artistry. The "rouges and powders" symbolize not only physical adornments but also the transformative power of artifice. These "blest cosmetic subterfuges" suggest a conscious embrace of the performative aspects of life, underscoring her spirited and dynamic nature. Justice frames these tools as a kind of poetry in themselves, a means of adding "gloss upon the book of life," highlighting her ability to enhance existence through creativity.

In the final lines, Justice shifts his focus to the woman herself, describing her heart "as a hummingbird’s." This simile captures her restless energy and tireless devotion to art, likening her to a creature known for its vibrancy and perpetual motion. The image suggests an almost otherworldly delicacy and vitality, emphasizing her boundless enthusiasm as she "flew from art to art." This phrase encapsulates her versatility and dedication, portraying her as someone who lived a life of creative abundance, moving seamlessly between music and dance.

Justice’s use of concise, rhythmic language mirrors the disciplined elegance of the arts she practiced. The poem’s brevity reflects not a limitation but a distillation, a way of capturing her essence without excess. The tone is one of admiration and gratitude, celebrating her indomitable spirit and the joy she brought to others through her teaching and artistry.

Through this portrait, Justice offers a broader reflection on the transformative power of creativity and its capacity to elevate the everyday. The woman’s "hummingbird" heart represents a life lived with intensity and grace, a model for embracing art as a means of connection and self-expression. The poem is both a tribute to an individual and a meditation on the enduring value of those who dedicate themselves to the enrichment of others through their gifts.

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