Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In “Anniversary,” Olson taps into themes of American identity, cultural decay, and a nostalgic look at a changing society. The title, "Anniversary," suggests reflection, possibly on the persistence of American ideals or the personal evolution of values and society over time. The poem opens with imagery that’s both ordinary and symbolic—"wet snow stuck" to a telephone pole—evoking a kind of stasis, a frozen communication, and perhaps an emblem of an America that’s static or momentarily halted. The invocation of Walt Whitman as a casual “Walt” ties Olson’s meditation on America to Whitman’s vision of the nation. However, where Whitman saw boundless optimism and unity, Olson hints at a world where that vision is fading or fragmented.

The next lines reference “fire-engine-red truck alongside less-interesting-red of De Soto convertible,” a juxtaposition of vibrant life with something comparatively mundane. This symbolizes a society that still has flashes of creativity and passion but is increasingly losing its uniqueness, where even “making things” is institutionalized, as shown by the Department of Commerce. The mention of "WW" could be a subtle allusion to World War II or Whitman himself (as Olson often makes layered, complex references), either of which adds layers of history and ideology that contrast with the seemingly shallow commercialism now at the forefront.

Olson’s description of a boy painting with a cheap “5 & 10 Cent Store palette” highlights both a vibrant, albeit limited, creativity and the simplification of dreams. The boy, “watery pink” from his efforts, represents youthful aspiration in a society that doesn’t provide substantial outlets for it—he imagines himself “a very attractive street car conductor,” a symbol of a future limited by lack of options, where even the potential for public transportation has been replaced by corporate interests (“the Ford Company’s” Open Road). This is Olson’s lament for a kind of America that once provided varied paths, which are now simplified or commercialized.

The poem then shifts focus to Ontario’s shore, noting that “one doesn’t pay that sort of attention” anymore. This line encapsulates Olson's critique of modern American disinterest in natural beauty or deeper meaning, a society more concerned with consumerism than with observation or introspection. Olson’s direct address to Whitman—“They’d pay attention to you”—further emphasizes this point, as Olson positions Whitman as an embodiment of wisdom that modern society has left behind or would ridicule in its “foxy gas station wisdom.” Whitman becomes a kind of witness, fronting a timeless wisdom that today’s culture overlooks.

In a moment of irony, Olson describes a boy’s boldness in wanting “the biggest saucer / the most corned beef,” which captures a materialist desire for more but in trivial terms, echoing how America’s expansive ambitions have been redirected toward consumer abundance rather than transcendence or connection. The nutmeg holder “from Adasko” adds a sense of regional or cultural specificity, yet it’s lost in a mishmash of kitsch and nostalgia, with Olson’s voice veering into a kind of affectionate satire.

Olson’s tone grows melancholic as he addresses Whitman directly, saying, “Believe me, Walt / they do,” referring to how society acknowledges Whitman’s legacy but without understanding it. There’s a subtle sense that, though America may invoke its roots in Whitman’s idealism, it has failed to fully embody those ideals. The modern generation’s superficial engagement with Whitman’s “big” ideas is expressed with sarcasm, as Olson adds, “you wouldn’t sense it / from the color / of their cheeks / Or the tissue / for their noses / or the menstrual / blood.” This startling reference to bodily details underscores Olson’s interest in grounding grand ideas in the physical, a way of suggesting that contemporary society’s reality is inescapably human but lacks the sublime connectedness Whitman envisioned.

In “Anniversary,” Olson’s dense, fragmented style reflects his complex relationship with American identity. Through scattered images and direct address, he critiques a nation disconnected from its own founding ideals, simultaneously paying homage to Whitman while underscoring how America has evolved away from the values he celebrated. The poem mourns the loss of authenticity and the rise of commercialized, superficial engagement with identity. In a way, Olson’s “Anniversary” becomes a tribute and a critique, examining both the endurance and the erosion of American ideals across time.

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