Crossing the Square By Grace Schulman - Giggle Poems

Original Poem：

Squinting through eye-slits in our balaclavas,
we lurch across Washington Square Park
hunched against the wind, two hooded figures
caught in the monochrome, carrying sacks
of fruit, as we’ve done for years. The frosted, starch-
stiff sycamores make a lean Christmas tree
seem to bulk larger, tilted under the arch
and still lit in three colors. Once in January,
we found a feather here and stuffed the quill
in twigs to recall that jay. The musical fountain
is here, its water gone, a limestone circle
now. Though rap succeeds the bluegrass strains
we’ve played in it, new praise evokes old sounds.
White branches mimic visions of past storms;
some say they’ve heard ghosts moan above this ground,
once a potter’s field. No two stones are the same,
of course: the drums, the tawny pears we hold,
are old masks for new things. Still, in a world
where fretted houses with fa?ades are leveled
for condominiums, not much has altered
here. At least it’s faithful to imagined
views. And, after all, we know the sycamore
will screen the sky in a receding wind.
Now, trekking home through grit that’s mounting higher,
faces upturned to test the whirling snow,
in new masks, we whistle to make breath-clouds form
and disappear, and form again, and O,
my love, there’s sun in the crook of your arm.

Poem Explanation and Appreciation

This evocative poem captures a vivid winter scene set in Washington Square Park, where two figures, bundled in balaclavas, carry sacks of fruit as they navigate the cold, windy environment. The imagery is rich and atmospheric, with frosted sycamores described as stiff and starch-like, resembling a Christmas tree, and the park’s arch illuminated in three colors. The poem blends sensory details—the chill of the wind, the sight of snow, the memory of a feather found in January—with reflections on history and change.

The poem also contrasts the old and the new: the musical fountain is now dry, replaced by a limestone circle; rap music has succeeded bluegrass, yet new sounds still evoke the past. The mention of "ghosts moan above this ground, once a potter’s field" introduces a haunting historical layer, reminding readers that the park was once a burial ground for the poor and unknown. The poem closes on a tender note, with the speaker and their companion whistling in the snow, breath forming clouds, and the warmth of love shining through the cold.

Background and Author Introduction

While the poem itself does not specify its author or exact origin, it reflects themes common in contemporary urban poetry: the interplay between history and modern life, the resilience of nature and memory, and the intimate moments found within public spaces. Washington Square Park, located in New York City, is a well-known cultural and historical landmark, often inspiring artists and writers.

The poem’s tone and imagery suggest an author deeply connected to the city’s layers of time and experience, someone who observes the changing urban landscape while cherishing personal memories and relationships. The use of balaclavas and masks may hint at contemporary concerns such as cold weather, anonymity, or even recent social contexts.

Insights and Learning Points for Students

Students can learn several valuable lessons from this poem:

• Imagery and Sensory Language: The poem is rich in descriptive language that appeals to the senses—sight, sound, and touch—helping readers visualize and feel the scene.
• Symbolism: Objects like the sycamores, the musical fountain, and the feather serve as symbols of memory, change, and continuity.
• Historical Context: The reference to the potter’s field introduces students to the idea that places have layered histories, often hidden beneath their modern appearances.
• Theme of Change and Continuity: The poem explores how some things change (music styles, buildings) while others remain faithful to memory and imagination.
• Emotional Tone: The poem balances cold, harsh environmental details with warmth and affection, teaching students how to convey complex emotions.

Practical Applications and Life Lessons

• In Writing: Students can practice writing descriptive passages using sensory details and symbolism.
• In History and Social Studies: The poem encourages exploration of local history and how places evolve over time.
• In Emotional Expression: It shows how to express feelings subtly through imagery and metaphor.
• In Environmental Awareness: Observing nature’s resilience through the sycamores and seasonal changes.

Reading Comprehension Exercises

1. What is the setting of the poem?
   A) A beach
   B) Washington Square Park
   C) A mountain
   D) A forest

2. What do the two figures carry as they walk?
   A) Books
   B) Sacks of fruit
   C) Musical instruments
   D) Blankets

3. What has replaced the musical fountain according to the poem?
   A) A playground
   B) A limestone circle
   C) A statue
   D) A garden

4. What kind of music is mentioned as succeeding bluegrass?
   A) Jazz
   B) Rap
   C) Classical
   D) Rock

5. What historical fact is referenced about the ground beneath the park?
   A) It was a battlefield
   B) It was a potter’s field (burial ground)
   C) It was a marketplace
   D) It was a royal garden

6. What emotion does the poem end with?
   A) Sadness
   B) Anger
   C) Love and warmth
   D) Fear

Answer Key

1. B) Washington Square Park
2. B) Sacks of fruit
3. B) A limestone circle
4. B) Rap
5. B) It was a potter’s field (burial ground)
6. C) Love and warmth

Conclusion

This poem offers a rich tapestry of imagery, history, and emotion that invites readers to reflect on the passage of time and the persistence of memory in urban spaces. For students, it provides an excellent opportunity to deepen their understanding of poetic devices, historical context, and emotional expression. Through studying this poem, learners can enhance their appreciation for how poetry captures both the external world and internal feelings, enriching their language skills and cultural awareness.