Poetry Analysis

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Necking

English25 lines1 public analyses
English
Original Poetry
Translation
The murder rate among giraffes is very low,
The murder rate among giraffes is very low,
a statistical freckle,
just a small statistic,
says older cousin Arch.
says older cousin Arch.
On break from fashion school,
On break from fashion school,
he dances her to the Philly zoo.
he takes her dancing to the Philadelphia zoo.
It’s a safari, he says, made of tar and cement.
It’s like a safari, he says, made of asphalt and concrete.
Straight to the giraffes. A female leans over,
They go straight to the giraffes. A female giraffe leans over,
spotted neck a spring scarf.
her spotted neck like a spring scarf.
High-fashion models of the savanna, Arch says
Arch says they are like high-fashion models of the savanna
with his best pageant hand. In the wild, this beauty
with a dramatic gesture. In the wild, this beauty
would have males fighting over her.
would have males fighting over her.
It’s called necking.
This is called necking.
That’s what boys and girls do, she says.
That’s what boys and girls do, she says.
Child, I know what boys do. All that puberty breath.
Child, I know what boys do. All that puberty breath.
Arch!
Arch!
Baby cuz, look at me, think like a giraffe.
Baby cousin, look at me, think like a giraffe.
He pretzels his arms. Necks at war.
He twists his arms. Necks fighting.
Loser goes home, he says.
The loser goes home, he says.
Don’t be fooled.
Don’t be fooled.
Lion looks at a giraffe, sees a meal.
A lion sees a giraffe as a meal.
But one kick takes a head clean off.
But one kick can take a head clean off.
Now I want to see the lions, she says.
Now I want to see the lions, she says.
Alone.
Alone.
I’ve seen them all my life, he says.
I’ve seen them all my life, he says.
You go. I’ll be right here.
You go. I’ll stay here.
 

Explanation

The poem 'Necking' juxtaposes the innocence of a zoo visit with the complexities of adolescence and identity. The speaker's older cousin Arch takes her to the Philadelphia zoo, where they observe giraffes, likening them to high-fashion models. This comparison highlights the elegance and grace of giraffes, while also introducing the concept of 'necking'—a term used both for giraffes' fighting behavior and human romantic interaction.

Arch's playful yet insightful commentary reveals deeper layers of meaning. He describes giraffes as 'high-fashion models of the savanna,' suggesting a parallel between the natural world and human society's obsession with beauty and competition. The phrase 'all that puberty breath' humorously acknowledges the awkwardness of adolescence, while also hinting at the inevitable transition from innocence to experience.

The emotional arc of the poem moves from light-hearted curiosity to a more reflective tone. The speaker's desire to see the lions alone signifies a step towards independence and self-discovery. Arch's statement, 'I’ve seen them all my life,' implies a familiarity with danger and perhaps a protective instinct towards his younger cousin.

Literary devices such as metaphor and imagery are skillfully employed. The metaphor of giraffes as fashion models creates a vivid image, while the imagery of 'tar and cement' safari contrasts the natural and artificial. The poem's free verse form allows for a conversational tone, enhancing its accessibility and relatability.

Ultimately, 'Necking' explores themes of growth, perception, and the blurred lines between human and animal behaviors. It reflects on how we navigate relationships and identity, using the zoo as a microcosm of the larger world.

Word Dictionary10

WordIn EnglishPlain (English)Pron.
neckingkissing and cuddlingaffectionate behavior between peoplenek-ing
frecklesmall spottiny mark or dotfrek-ul
safariwildlife tripjourney to see animalssuh-faa-ree
savannagrasslandopen grassy areasuh-van-uh
pubertyadolescenceteenage development phasepyoo-ber-tee
pretzelstwistsbends or twists into shapespret-suls
cementconcretehard building materialsi-ment
pageantshowelaborate display or performancepaj-uhnt
spotteddottedcovered with spotsspot-ted
deceivedtrickedfooled or misleddi-seevd

Poet & Context

Poet—
EraContemporary

The poet of 'Necking' is currently unknown. The poem appears to be a contemporary piece, reflecting modern themes and settings.

WhenContemporary period
WhyThe poem explores themes of adolescence, identity, and the juxtaposition of human and animal behaviors through the lens of a zoo visit.
FormFree verse

Themes & More

Themes
AdolescenceIdentityHuman vs. Animal Behavior
Literary devices
Metaphor: Giraffes compared to high-fashion models.Imagery: 'Tar and cement' safari creates a vivid contrast.Free Verse: Allows for a conversational and accessible tone.
Necking by Unknown poet — Poem, Translation & Meaning