How and why does the author create a different pace in the poem At Noon In the Gym with Dad

In "At Noon in the Gym with Dad" by Christopher Nagle, the author uses the poem's structure and language to create a deliberate pace that reflects the contemplative and reflective nature of the moment shared between father and son. Here's how and why the author achieves this:

1. Enjambment and Line Breaks:

   • The poem utilizes enjambment, where sentences and phrases run over from one line to the next without terminal punctuation. This creates a flowing, continuous rhythm that mirrors the ongoing activity and the passing of time in the gym. For example:

     We throw the medicine ball back and forth, one foot on the stair-stepper, we press and pull the heavy iron on machines we have not named.

   • The line breaks slow down the reader, encouraging them to pause and reflect on each action, just as the father and son are engaged in a series of deliberate, repetitive motions.

2. Detailed Descriptions:

   • Nagle employs detailed, vivid descriptions that draw attention to the physicality of the gym activities and the sensory experiences of the moment. This careful attention to detail slows down the reader's pace, mirroring the focused, mindful presence required in a workout:

     My father, stripped down to his white gym shorts, tanned, muscular, almost fifty, laughing, his hair sweaty, brown.

   • These descriptions not only slow the pace but also enhance the emotional resonance of the scene, highlighting the connection between father and son.

3. Use of Punctuation:

   • The poem's punctuation, including commas and periods, helps to control the rhythm and pace. Commas create slight pauses, while periods bring a more definite stop, allowing moments of reflection. For instance:

     We move together with the grace of lifelong friends, a rhythm learned in childhood.

   • These pauses allow the reader to savor each moment, much like how the father and son savor their time together.

4. Reflective Tone:

   • The poem's tone is reflective and introspective, which naturally slows the pace. The author contemplates the passage of time, the aging of his father, and the enduring bond between them. This contemplative mood invites the reader to slow down and ponder the deeper themes of the poem:

     The gym echoes with our laughter, the unspoken knowledge that this time is precious, fleeting.

5. Temporal Shifts:

   • The poem often shifts between the present moment and reflections on the past, creating a layered sense of time. This non-linear approach encourages a slower reading as the reader moves back and forth between different periods and memories:

     I remember him at my age, strong, invincible, his arms lifting me to the sky.

By carefully manipulating the structure and language of the poem, Nagle creates a pace that is deliberate and reflective. This pace serves to deepen the reader's engagement with the poem's themes of family, memory, and the passage of time, making the shared moment in the gym feel both intimate and significant.