Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Kenneth Koch’s poem “Ulla” captures the ephemeral nature of an encounter, blending a sense of surrealism with a quiet, contemplative tone. The poem follows the speaker’s brief but memorable experience with a young woman named Ulla, creating a vivid, almost dream-like atmosphere.

The poem begins with the speaker recounting how he followed Ulla down a hallway, reflecting on the peculiarity of her beauty: “what a strange destiny it is / To be so beautiful!” This line immediately sets the tone, suggesting that Ulla's beauty is not just physical but almost otherworldly, a destiny that makes her stand out in the speaker's perception. The act of following her, described simply as "following," emphasizes the speaker's passive role, captivated by her presence.

Koch contrasts this personal, almost intimate pursuit with a reference to historical and cultural activities: “It was not a Civil War / Thank goodness! not even something I had to work on / And as some would follow a matador and others a thrilling soprano.” This comparison places the act of following Ulla within a broader context of human endeavors, from the violent and historical (Civil War) to the passionate and artistic (matador, soprano). It suggests that the speaker’s pursuit is part of a long tradition of being drawn to beauty and spectacle.

When the speaker reaches a “light and airy room,” Ulla informs him that it is his chamber for the night and that he will be moved to a more comfortable one the next day. The speaker’s response, “I’m perfectly happy with this room,” reveals a sense of contentment, yet curiosity prompts him to ask about the other room. The phrase “The rooms are national” is intriguing and somewhat ambiguous, possibly hinting at the idea that these rooms are part of a larger, more significant whole, perhaps symbolizing different stages or aspects of experience and perception.

The final lines of the poem, with Ulla agreeing to show the speaker the other room and the description of the walls adorned with “designs of roses and fleurs-de-lys,” add to the dream-like quality of the encounter. The fleur-de-lys, a symbol often associated with French royalty and purity, contrasts with the more common and universally recognized symbol of roses. This combination of symbols on the walls could signify the blend of the ordinary and the extraordinary in the speaker's experience with Ulla.

Overall, "Ulla" is a poem that captures the fleeting nature of beauty and the quiet wonder of a brief encounter. Koch's use of simple yet evocative language, along with the juxtaposition of mundane and symbolic elements, creates a poignant reflection on the moments that leave a lasting impression on our lives. The poem's contemplative tone invites readers to consider their own experiences of fleeting beauty and the subtle impact of seemingly small interactions.

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