Here is the link to the poem analyzed:
http://www.ronnowpoetry.com/contents/olds/SummerSolstice.html
Commentary 1: Summer Solstice, New York City
My first read through of Sharon Olds’ poem allowed me to connect personally to the disparity of the man on the ledge. I have stood on a similar ledge contemplating this life and the one that may lie beyond, and I have been witness to others that have done the same. Unfortunately, I’ve also known someone that took the step towards whatever is after this life. So, this poem became quite personal for me.
After further readings, I began to pick up on several patterns and ambiguous language used by the author. Olds’ describes natural objects in a way that makes me think of them mechanically, and inversely she describes mechanical objects in a way that makes them seem natural. The police officers’ suits like a cloudy sky, the “hairy net,” the earth’s machinery, and the cigarettes like an ancient campfire, are a few examples. I also found myself questioning who was he telling to stay back before the cops arrived? Was it the narrator, or some other rooftop dweller? I wanted to know more about this man; what was his occupation, and was it the cause of his disparity.
In the end I was pleased to learn he chose to step down from the ledge; to live another day in this world, and not the next. A new beginning; being reborn. Like some of the responses in the text, I was somewhat surprised at the actions of the police officers. The care they showed towards him, and the mutual sign of relief in the sharing of their cigarettes. I couldn’t help but wonder whether a similar interaction today would elicit similar reactions from those involved. I tend to believe it would be a much less comforting experience for the man today.
http://www.ronnowpoetry.com/contents/olds/SummerSolstice.html
Commentary 1: Summer Solstice, New York City
My first read through of Sharon Olds’ poem allowed me to connect personally to the disparity of the man on the ledge. I have stood on a similar ledge contemplating this life and the one that may lie beyond, and I have been witness to others that have done the same. Unfortunately, I’ve also known someone that took the step towards whatever is after this life. So, this poem became quite personal for me.
After further readings, I began to pick up on several patterns and ambiguous language used by the author. Olds’ describes natural objects in a way that makes me think of them mechanically, and inversely she describes mechanical objects in a way that makes them seem natural. The police officers’ suits like a cloudy sky, the “hairy net,” the earth’s machinery, and the cigarettes like an ancient campfire, are a few examples. I also found myself questioning who was he telling to stay back before the cops arrived? Was it the narrator, or some other rooftop dweller? I wanted to know more about this man; what was his occupation, and was it the cause of his disparity.
In the end I was pleased to learn he chose to step down from the ledge; to live another day in this world, and not the next. A new beginning; being reborn. Like some of the responses in the text, I was somewhat surprised at the actions of the police officers. The care they showed towards him, and the mutual sign of relief in the sharing of their cigarettes. I couldn’t help but wonder whether a similar interaction today would elicit similar reactions from those involved. I tend to believe it would be a much less comforting experience for the man today.
RSS Feed