Joshua C. Frank, a statistician residing near Austin, Texas, crafts poems that often reflect upon everyday observations and experiences. This exploration focuses on several of his poems, highlighting the recurring themes of travel and the keen observation of the world around him. From the mundane billboards lining highways to the tranquil beauty of a country drive, Frank’s poetry captures the essence of these moments with simple yet evocative language.
Contents
The Billboard: A Commentary
Frank’s “The Billboard,” a pantoum, utilizes repetition to emphasize the pervasive nature of advertising in modern life. The poem describes a billboard encountered on a familiar route, highlighting its intrusive presence against the natural backdrop of the sky.
It’s propped along the route I roll—
A squatting square against the sky,
Atop a sturdy metal pole,
To tell me what new thing to buy.
A squatting square against the sky,
It blocks the airy, fluffy clouds,
To tell me what new thing to buy
To follow the unthinking crowds.The repetition of lines creates a sense of monotony, mirroring the repetitive nature of consumerism. The billboard, a “squatting square against the sky,” disrupts the natural beauty of the “airy, fluffy clouds,” symbolizing how commercialism often overshadows the simple pleasures of life. The poem subtly critiques the manipulative power of advertising, urging readers to question the “unthinking crowds” and the constant pressure to consume.
The Country Drive: A Journey Through Rural Tranquility
In contrast to the jarring presence of the billboard, “The Country Drive” offers a serene escape into the countryside. This poem paints a vivid picture of rural life, filled with “rippled fields of green,” “farm houses,” and “cauliflower clouds.” The imagery evokes a sense of peace and tranquility, far removed from the consumer-driven world depicted in “The Billboard.”
Throughout the rippled fields of green,
Farm houses dot the grassy mounds
And cauliflower clouds are seen,
Casting shadows on the grounds,
Against the deepest blue of sky
With sunshine bright in good supply.Frank’s careful observation extends to the sounds of the countryside, the “caws and bleats and moos” of the animals creating a symphony of rural life. The poem concludes with a reflection on the lasting impact of the drive, the memory of the “country houses, fields, and sheep” lingering in the speaker’s mind, even as sleep approaches.
The Interstate and Night Driving: Reflections on the Road
“The Interstate” and “Night Driving” delve into the experience of travel, exploring the psychological and emotional impact of long journeys. “The Interstate,” a short, impactful poem, reflects on the sobering sight of roadside crosses, a stark reminder of the dangers of the road.
I drove along the interstate;
To me, the surest sign it showed
That drivers there are less than great
Was all the crosses by the road.“Night Driving” expands on this theme, capturing the feeling of isolation and monotony that can accompany long drives at night. The poem describes the limited visibility offered by headlights, the repetitive landscape, and the mental fatigue of trying to stay awake.
Your headlights on the interstate
Give fifteen feet of not quite day
In blackness from the cloudy sky,
From hills ahead, from hills you’ve passed.
Each big, black mountain flying by
Looks no different from the last.The driver combats the monotony by singing along to albums, a common strategy for staying alert on long drives. The poem ends with the daunting realization that there are still “Two hundred miles more to go.”
Conclusion: A Poet of Observation
Through his diverse collection of poems, Joshua C. Frank demonstrates a keen eye for detail and an ability to capture the essence of everyday experiences. From the critique of consumerism in “The Billboard” to the peaceful escape of “The Country Drive,” and the introspective reflections on travel in “The Interstate” and “Night Driving,” Frank’s poetry resonates with readers by exploring universal themes in accessible and evocative language. His work encourages us to pause and observe the world around us, finding poetry in both the mundane and the extraordinary.