Analysis & Opinions
kitchenette building by Gwendolyn Brooks is a short little poem about the futility of dreaming. The way that she contrasts how the word ‘dream’ makes “a giddy sound, not strong like ‘rent’, ‘feeding a wife’, ‘satisfying a man’”, is her way of comparing the difference between what we often wish is life (an idealized, romanticized version), with what the genuine reality (and disparity) is. In my opinion, when she says “we think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it”, I believe that she’s speaking about how desperate individuals can be to live an uncomplicated life— average (lukewarm) is okay, as long as it’s not too extreme, and that you have the bath (or opportunity) to begin with. I can relate to this poem on a deeper level, as it makes me think about the raging debate in my own head: what exactly is it that I want? Is it to achieve my highest ambitions? But that may expose me to a too strong of a reality… yet, giving up on the giddiness of dreams leads only to the same fate. These worries are something I really can’t think of for long, as it begins to interfere with my motivations and perception of my life, and this is beautifully reflected in the poem; “yesterday’s garbage ripening in the hall”. The baggage is so full, so ancient to the point where one gets used to its presence (or the garbage, so old that the rotting of the food turns into a ripening as you attempt to take an optimistic view). Throughout this poem, Brooks makes tiny references that change the entire atmosphere of the piece, proof of the power of language manipulation. In barely 100 words, she makes you feel so much all at once— confused but entirely understood.
“We are things of dry hours and the involuntary plan,
Grayed in, and gray. ‘Dream’ makes a giddy sound, not strong
Like ‘rent,’ ‘feeding a wife,’ ‘satisfying a man.’
But could a dream send up through onion fumes
Its white and violet, fight with fried potatoes
And yesterday’s garbage ripening in the hall,
Flutter, or sing an aria down these rooms
Even if we were willing to let it in,
Had time to warm it, keep it very clean,
Anticipate a message, let it begin?
We wonder. But not well! not for a minute!
Since Number Five is out of the bathroom now,
We think of lukewarm water, hope to get in it.”
