Kenneth Koch's Conversation

Often in life, one looks back on previous days with fondness. Having garnered wisdom, past experiences and decisions can be reflected upon in a new light. Having lost that time forever, times past are more often than not clouded by happiness and nostalgia. Such is the theme for Kenneth Koch's poem "To My Twenties." As a man looking back on a "Fantastic unheard of nine- or ten-year oasis" (Line 8), this narrator reflects on carefree and innocent times with increasing nostalgia in a deceptively conversational tone of voice.

The narrator looks back on this period of his life and refers to it as a time "When everything was possible" (Line 2). He recalls himself as being "Unsure of himself, upset and unemployable" (Line 13). Koch does remarkable work in this poem as he pits a narrator reflecting on a bygone era in his life. Knowing that several decades have past since this seemingly carefree decade, this narrator is able to think deeply about his mindset, life choices, and appreciation for what life was able to give him in his twenties.

Taking the post-modern approach of exploring the quotidian while eschewing a grand, unifying narrative, Koch's poem is written in conversational language arranged in poetic lines. Although the tone is light and the word choices are conversational, Koch explores very profound themes. He writes, "In you I marry,// In you I first go to France; I make my best friends// In you, and a few enemies" (Lines 23-25). He even goes so far as to ask, "Although now that I look back on you// What part have you played?" (Lines 32-33). While pointing out very obvious facts such as the twenties falling between the teens and thirties, it is with that device that Koch is able to focus on the beauty of reflection. When his narrator bumps into a friend on the street who asks if he has time for a chat the narrator replies, "I am in my twenties!// I have plenty of time!" (Lines 22-23).

Through the disguise of simple poetry, Koch creates a very powerful reflection on early life. Recalling his past with increasing nostalgia, Koch is able to utilize the wisdom of his narrator to reflect on what is most important in life and when. He concludes his poem with the following seven lines:

What you gave me you gave me whole
But as for telling
Me how best to use it
You weren't a genius at that.
Twenties, my soul
Is yours for the asking
You know that, if you ever come back.

These lines offer a prime example of how the simplicity of verse in this poem continues to illustrate profound themes. Knowing through experience how better to live life, this narrator would still return to these blissful years if only they were to ask.