Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Glider" by Dean Young is a poem that navigates through the complex terrain of mortality, the whimsical nature of existence, and the intertwining of historical and personal narratives. At its core, the poem is an exploration of life's continuance against the odds, juxtaposed with the inevitability of death and the legacies left behind by those who have departed. Dean Young crafts a narrative that is both deeply personal and universally resonant, employing a rich tapestry of imagery and references that span the gamut from the mundane to the profound.

The poem opens with a startling declaration: "I was supposed to have died five years ago." This line immediately situates the reader in the speaker's reflective contemplation of his unexpected survival. The mention of not outliving Apollinaire, a reference to the French poet Guillaume Apollinaire, introduces a dialogue between the past and the present, highlighting the poem's preoccupation with literary and historical legacies. The cardiologist's advice to "Stop exercising, eat more salt" injects a note of the absurd into the situation, underscoring the often unpredictable and counterintuitive nature of life's journey.

Young's narrative is punctuated with vivid, sometimes startling images: "a thousand more perked nipples," "gelato spoon," "tuft of snow with its snout in the tree crotch." These images serve to ground the poem's existential and philosophical musings in the tangible, sensory world, reminding the reader of the joy, pleasure, and pain that characterize human experience. The mention of Disney World flying to the speaker humorously comments on the commodification of happiness and the desire for convenience and escapism in contemporary life.

The poem's structure, free verse with a meandering quality, mirrors the unpredictability of life and thought, allowing Young to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive whole. The lack of a strict formal structure invites the reader into a more intimate, conversational space, where the speaker's reflections can unfold in an organic and spontaneous manner.

References to historical figures and events—Apollinaire, Picasso, World War I—serve to anchor the poem in a broader context, exploring how personal lives are intertwined with cultural and historical narratives. The "merciful god disguises his ways in random accelerations, nattering pathogens" suggests a meditation on the randomness of fate and the inscrutable nature of divine or cosmic plans. This line, along with the image of the giraffe going "knock-kneed to drink," evokes a sense of vulnerability and the precariousness of existence.

The poem takes a turn towards the end, shifting focus to the aftermath of war and the personal cost of historical events. The "armistice" and "puppets on crutches" symbolize the fractured and damaged aftermath of conflict, both on a personal and collective level. The intimate desire to "lick your heart" contrasts with the destruction and loss, highlighting the persistence of love and the desire for connection amid chaos.

In "Glider," Dean Young presents a richly layered exploration of life, death, history, and the enduring human spirit. Through a blend of humor, vivid imagery, and poignant reflections, the poem captures the complexity of navigating a world filled with beauty, tragedy, and the unexpected twists of fate. It is a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the inexorable march of time, inviting readers to contemplate their own place within the vast tapestry of existence.

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