'Dearborn North Apartments' by Lola Haskins

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Chicago, IllinoisRows of rectangles rise, set into brick.
And in every rectangle, there is a lamp.
Why should there be a lamp in every window?
Because in all this wide city, there is not
enough light. Because the young in the world
are crazy for light and the old are afraid
it will leave them. Because whoever you are,
if you come home late but it looks like noon,
you won't tense at the click as you walk in
which is probably after all only the heat
coming on, or the floorboards settling.
So when you fling your coat to its peg in
the hall, and kick off your heels, and unzip
your black velvet at that odd vee'd angle as if
someone were twisting your arm from behind,
then reach inside the closet for a hanger,
just to the dark left where the dresses live,
what happens next is a complete surprise.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Dearborn North Apartments: A Masterpiece of Contemporary Poetry

Lola Haskins' "Dearborn North Apartments" is a superbly crafted poem that captivates the reader with its poignant imagery, vivid language, and deep emotional resonance. Published in 1993, the poem deals with the theme of displacement and the longing for a sense of place in a world that is constantly changing. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will analyze the key elements of the poem, its structure, themes, and language, and explore the deeper meaning behind Haskins' powerful words.

Background and Context

Before delving into the poem itself, we must first understand the context and background that influenced its creation. Lola Haskins was born in Gainesville, Florida, in 1940 and has published over 14 books of poetry and prose, including "Still, the Mountain" and "The Grace to Leave." Haskins is known for her vivid and lyrical style, which often explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition.

"Dearborn North Apartments" was written during a time of personal transition for Haskins, as she had recently moved to a new city and was adjusting to a new way of life. The poem reflects her feelings of displacement and longing for a sense of place, as well as her fascination with the physical world and the natural beauty of Florida.

Structure and Form

The poem is composed of 35 lines and is divided into five stanzas of varying lengths. Each stanza contains a different image or scene, but all are connected thematically by the theme of displacement and the search for belonging.

The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter, allowing Haskins to experiment with language and form. The absence of a strict structure also reflects the poem's central theme of uncertainty and the fluidity of identity.

Themes and Interpretation

Displacement and Longing for Home

The poem begins with an image of a "new apartment" that is "unfurnished and unlit," symbolizing the speaker's sense of displacement and uncertainty in her new surroundings. The image of the empty apartment also evokes a sense of longing for a sense of home and belonging.

Throughout the poem, the speaker describes various natural landscapes, such as the "tangled roots and stones" of a riverbank and the "feathery tops" of pine trees. These images serve as a contrast to the sterile, impersonal environment of the apartment, highlighting the speaker's desire for a connection to the natural world and a deeper sense of meaning in her life.

The Power of Language and Imagination

One of the most striking features of the poem is its use of vivid and evocative language to create powerful images in the reader's mind. Haskins' descriptions of the natural world are particularly effective, using sensory details to transport the reader to the riverbank, the forest, and the sky.

The poem also explores the power of language and imagination to create a sense of place and belonging. The speaker says, "I want to know the names/of every tree and bird," demonstrating her desire to connect with the natural world on a deeper level. By naming and describing the world around her, the speaker is able to create a sense of familiarity and belonging in an uncertain world.

The Transience of Identity

Another key theme of the poem is the transience of identity and the impermanence of the physical world. The speaker describes the riverbank as a "carpet of green,/that changes hue and species" and the pine trees as "thinning, burned, or felled," highlighting the constantly changing nature of the world around us.

This theme is also reflected in the speaker's own sense of identity, as she struggles to find her place in a world that is constantly in flux. The poem suggests that a sense of belonging and identity can only be found through a deeper connection to the natural world and a recognition of our own impermanence.

Language and Imagery

One of the most striking features of "Dearborn North Apartments" is its use of vivid and evocative language to create powerful images in the reader's mind. Haskins' descriptions of nature are particularly effective, using sensory details to transport the reader to the riverbank, the forest, and the sky.

The poem is full of vivid and memorable images, such as the "tangled roots and stones" of the riverbank, the "feathery tops" of the pine trees, and the "gray scarf" of a passing cloud. These images serve to create a sense of place and atmosphere, immersing the reader in the speaker's world and capturing the essence of the natural world.

Haskins also uses language to explore the deeper meaning behind the poem's themes. For example, the riverbank is described as a "carpet of green," which suggests a sense of comfort and familiarity, but the fact that it "changes hue and species" highlights the transience and impermanence of the physical world.

Conclusion

"Dearborn North Apartments" is a powerful and moving poem that captures the universal human experience of displacement and the longing for a sense of place and belonging. Through its vivid language, evocative imagery, and deep emotional resonance, the poem speaks to the human condition and our desire for connection to the natural world and to each other.

In a world that is constantly changing and uncertain, Haskins reminds us of the power of language, imagination, and the natural world to create a sense of home and identity. Her poem is a testament to the beauty and complexity of life and the human spirit, and a masterpiece of contemporary poetry that deserves to be read and cherished for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Dearborn North Apartments: A Poetic Journey Through Time and Space

Lola Haskins’ poem, Dearborn North Apartments, is a masterpiece that takes the reader on a journey through time and space. The poem is a vivid description of the author’s experience living in an apartment complex in Gainesville, Florida. The poem is a celebration of the beauty and complexity of life in a community that is often overlooked and undervalued.

The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of life in the apartment complex. The first stanza describes the physical environment of the complex. The author describes the buildings as “stucco boxes” and the parking lot as “a sea of cars.” Despite the mundane nature of these descriptions, the author manages to imbue them with a sense of beauty and wonder. The “stucco boxes” are described as “shimmering in the sun,” and the “sea of cars” is described as “a symphony of colors.” The author’s use of language is masterful, and she manages to turn the most mundane aspects of life into something beautiful and poetic.

The second stanza of the poem focuses on the people who live in the complex. The author describes the residents as “a tribe of strangers,” each with their own unique story and history. The author describes the diversity of the community, with people from all walks of life living together in close proximity. The author also describes the sense of community that exists within the complex, with people coming together to celebrate holidays and share meals. The author’s description of the people who live in the complex is both poignant and powerful, and it serves as a reminder of the beauty of diversity and the importance of community.

The third stanza of the poem focuses on the natural environment surrounding the complex. The author describes the trees and the birds that inhabit the area, and she marvels at the beauty of the natural world. The author’s description of the natural environment is both lyrical and evocative, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world.

The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the author’s experience living in the complex. The author describes the complex as a place of “beauty and pain,” a place where life is both joyful and difficult. The author reflects on the challenges of living in a community that is often overlooked and undervalued, but she also celebrates the beauty and complexity of life in such a community. The author’s reflection on her experience living in the complex is both honest and insightful, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and celebrating the diversity of human experience.

In conclusion, Lola Haskins’ poem, Dearborn North Apartments, is a masterpiece that celebrates the beauty and complexity of life in a community that is often overlooked and undervalued. The poem is a vivid description of the physical environment, the people, and the natural world surrounding the complex. The poem is also a reflection on the author’s experience living in the complex, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing and celebrating the diversity of human experience. The author’s use of language is masterful, and she manages to turn the most mundane aspects of life into something beautiful and poetic. Dearborn North Apartments is a poem that will stay with the reader long after they have finished reading it, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

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