Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jane Kenyon’s poem “After Working Long on One Thing” encapsulates a moment of transition and contemplation after prolonged mental exertion. Through delicate imagery and a reflective tone, Kenyon explores themes of fatigue, renewal, and the search for solace in nature.

The poem begins with a simple, yet evocative scene: “Through the screen door / I hear a hummingbird, inquiring / for nectar among the stalwart / hollyhocks.” This imagery immediately places the reader in a domestic, tranquil setting, where the natural world begins to reclaim the speaker’s attention. The screen door serves as a permeable barrier between the inside world of work and the outside world of nature.

Kenyon’s depiction of the hummingbird as “an erratic flying / ruby, asking for sweets among / the sticky-throated flowers” is vivid and enchanting. The hummingbird’s frantic search for nectar contrasts with the steadfastness of the hollyhocks, highlighting the bird's vibrant, yet fleeting presence. This image symbolizes a moment of beauty and spontaneity breaking through the speaker's weariness.

The poem then shifts to a contemplative tone: “The sky won’t darken in the west / until ten.” This line indicates the lingering daylight of a long summer evening, suggesting both an extended period of wakefulness and the reluctance of the day to yield to night. It conveys a sense of lingering restlessness, as the speaker’s mind continues to churn despite the late hour.

The final lines, “Where shall I turn / this light and tired mind?” encapsulate the speaker’s search for direction and respite. The juxtaposition of “light” and “tired” reflects the duality of feeling both mentally exhausted and yet still subtly illuminated by the day’s residual energy. This question underscores the poem’s central theme: the quest for mental and emotional refuge after a period of intense focus and effort.

In “After Working Long on One Thing,” Jane Kenyon masterfully captures the interplay between fatigue and the natural world’s quiet rejuvenation. Through her precise and evocative language, she invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of seeking solace and renewal in nature. The poem serves as a gentle reminder of the beauty and tranquility that can be found in simple, everyday moments, offering a meditative pause to the relentless pace of modern life.

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