The Street

The central anecdote of the poem takes place on Rockwell Avenue in the United States, presumably the place where Pinsky actually grew up. Yet the poem starts with a generalization about “the street” as a concept that stretches back to an older time, prior to America’s founding. The starting image is that of workers sweating with effort as they prepare for the funeral of an emperor’s "favorite" (Line 7) child. The emperor and child are not named, indicating that they are emblems of powerholders rather than specific historical figures.

In response to the death of the child, two groups are distinguished. The first is the upper class—a powerful elite who, even in death, have access to luxuries. The child’s corpse will be “propped seated / On brocade, with yellow // Oiled curls, kohl on the stiff lids” (Lines 8-11). The decorating of eyelids with kohl (black makeup) is an ancient Egyptian tradition that carried over to Rome. It suggests luxury, as do the brocaded cushions.

The rest of those on the street will be made to work to prepare for the funeral arrangements. The “Wainwrights and upholsterers work finishing / The wheeled coffin” (Lines 5-6). The "Slaves throw petals on the roadway / For the cortege” (Lines 11-12).