Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eileen Myles' poem "On the Death of Robert Lowell" offers a raw and irreverent reflection on the passing of the renowned poet Robert Lowell. The poem starkly contrasts traditional elegies, often marked by reverence and solemnity, by adopting a tone of indifference and disdain. Myles' approach subverts the conventional expectations surrounding the mourning of a literary figure, instead providing a candid and critical perspective.

The poem begins with a blunt expression of apathy: "O, I don't give a shit." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the piece, immediately distancing the speaker from any conventional expressions of grief or respect. The description of Lowell as "an old white haired man / Insensate beyond belief" suggests a perception of him as detached and out of touch, perhaps disconnected from the lived realities of others. The phrase "Filled with much anxiety about his imagined / Pain" implies a critique of Lowell's self-absorption and possible exaggeration of his personal struggles, dismissing them as "imagined."

Myles continues to express her disdain with the line, "Not that I'd know / I hate fucking wasps," revealing a broader antipathy toward the cultural and social class Lowell represents. The term "wasps" likely refers to White Anglo-Saxon Protestants, a demographic often associated with privilege and elitism. By dismissing Lowell as part of this group, Myles critiques not only the poet but also the cultural milieu he embodies.

The poem goes on to describe Lowell's time at "Macleans," a retreat that Myles depicts with a mix of irony and detachment. Referring to it as "A really lush retreat among pines and / Hippy attendants," Myles underscores the juxtaposition between the privileged environment and the countercultural elements ("hippy attendants") that may have surrounded Lowell. The mention of other famous individuals, such as Ray Charles and James Taylor, who also spent time at Macleans, reinforces the notion that the "famous" are often viewed as eccentric or "nuts."

Myles concludes the poem with a repetition of her earlier sentiments, emphasizing Lowell's identity as "The old white haired coot" and punctuating the piece with the terse declaration, "Fucking dead." This stark ending reinforces the speaker's lack of sentimental attachment or respect for Lowell, instead presenting his death in a matter-of-fact and dismissive manner.

The poem's tone and language challenge the reader to reconsider the ways in which society venerates certain cultural figures, questioning the legitimacy of their status and the genuine value of their contributions. Myles' choice to focus on the perceived flaws and privileges of Lowell rather than his literary achievements serves as a critique of the hero-worship often associated with famous individuals, particularly those from privileged backgrounds.

"On the Death of Robert Lowell" by Eileen Myles stands as a bold and provocative piece that confronts the traditional norms of elegiac poetry. Through its candid and unfiltered voice, the poem disrupts the expected reverence for a well-known poet, instead offering a sharp critique of both the individual and the broader cultural context. Myles' work invites reflection on the complexities of legacy, fame, and the ways in which society memorializes its cultural icons.

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