Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ted Kooser's "Gilbert Stuart Portrait of Washington" delves into the layered complexities of George Washington's iconic image as captured by the artist Gilbert Stuart. The poem explores themes of historical memory, the burdens of leadership, and the dissonance between public perception and private reality.

The poem opens with an immediate recognition of Washington's face, likening it to something as familiar as the "back of your hand." This familiarity underscores the deep cultural embedding of Washington's image, which Kooser describes evocatively as "a blushing bouquet of pink peonies set in the shadows of war." This metaphor juxtaposes the softness and beauty of peonies with the harsh realities of war, encapsulating the paradoxical nature of Washington's legacy as both a revered figure and a war-weary leader.

Kooser then addresses the unfinished nature of Stuart's portrait, which "hung on the wall at the front of the classroom next to a black octagonal clock / with the ghost of a teacher trapped inside." The imagery here blends the static and the dynamic: the timeless, unfinished portrait and the relentless ticking of the clock. The "ghost of a teacher" tapping out time with a piece of chalk suggests a monotonous passage of time and an enduring presence of Washington's image in the American educational system.

The poet imagines Washington's attention as elsewhere, distracted by the lingering remnants of battle, "a dozen campfires burning out there at the front of his face." This image suggests that Washington's mind is preoccupied with the aftermath of war, a state of unrest that distances him from the present moment captured in the portrait. At fifty-eight, "old and broken," Washington's portrayal reveals the toll of his years of service, a stark contrast to the static, idealized image that hangs on the wall.

Kooser touches on Washington's discomfort with his celebrity, portraying him as irked by the demands of fame and frustrated with Gilbert Stuart, whom he perceives as an opportunistic artist with little understanding of the sacrifices made during the war. The poem paints a vivid scene of the portrait's creation, with Washington "perched on a chair in a cold stone barn," only smiling once when a stallion ran past. This moment of genuine joy highlights Washington's preference for the simplicity of farming and his thoroughbred horses over the complexities of political life.

The poem's reflection on historical memory continues as it describes how Washington's portrait hangs "on the wall between us and the future, at the point where all of the lines converged." This metaphor of convergence underscores Washington's pivotal role in American history, yet also suggests a sense of entrapment, as if his image stands as a barrier to the future. The suppressed sigh of Washington hints at his inner turmoil and the weight of his responsibilities.

Kooser shifts the focus to the students, who "learned our lessons while the big clock clacked, / its Roman numerals arranged in a wreath and sealed under glass." The passage of time is marked by the changing seasons, from "calico autumns" to the "long, clean pennants of light" of winter and the "chaffy rustle" of spring. The students' perception of their days as endless aisles contrasts with the reality of life's finitude and the eventual arrival at the "vanishing point."

The poem concludes with a reflection on Washington's integrity, "he who could never tell a lie," yet suggests a deeper, unspoken truth kept behind closed jaws. This final image captures the tension between the public persona and the private individual, hinting at the burdens and unspoken truths carried by those in positions of great responsibility.

Ted Kooser's "Gilbert Stuart Portrait of Washington" is a rich, contemplative exploration of the complexities surrounding one of America's most iconic figures. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful metaphor, Kooser invites readers to consider the dichotomy between the idealized images of history and the multifaceted realities of the individuals they represent.

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