The poem Before the Next Song is a comment about social vices which mar the social fabric. The poet
tackles the subject of moral decadence in a graphic manner. Issues such as prostitution, rather than
being glorified, are presented in immense contempt. As a titular work of art for the anthology as a
whole, the poem is rich, not only in thematic concerns but also in stylistic features.
The first part focuses on the activities taking place inside a night club at night where people are gathered
to have pleasure. The second part shifts the focus to some place just outside the night club where the
ladies of the night lie in ambush waiting to pounce on unwary men.
The poem opens on a disappointing note. Music is abruptly interrupted by a scratch on the record as the
needle is "leap-frogging". The hyperbole of leap-frogging indicates an awkward behaviour. This conjures
up a society that is engaged in bizarre activities that punctuate the smooth flow of life. The combination
of onomatopoeia and repetition on the word "delek" has a cacophonous sound effect that suggests
chaos in the society. This is reinforced by the personification of the juke-box which "coughs". The word
"cough" connotes an unhealthy state. The poet argues that there are social ills that affect the society
rendering it dysfunctional.
Social disorder is accentuated by the jagged structure of the poem. The poem therefore can be
considered as an epitome of concrete poem or shape poem since its visual appearance matches with its
subject matter. One word lines are placed side by side with multiple worded ones. Some stanzas are
made up of just one word but their effect is heightened by apposite punctuation and indentation.
"Smash!" is a fully-fledged onomatopoeic stanza. It signals the abrupt pause of music. The use of the
word "smash'" to denote silence is paradoxical as the word is normally used to refer to violent sound.
The poet illustrates that the instantaneous "quick hush" brings discord rather than tranquility since it
comes at a time when it is least expected, thus disturbing the flow of music. The use of the exclamation
mark introduces exasperation on the part of the 'clubbers' who are thrown off balance while in the
middle of dancing. The poet's thrust here is on the intrusive practices that threaten to disrupt the
society.
By employing the biblical allusion of "Adam" and "Eve", the poet suggests that mankind in its totality has
lost the moral compass. According to the bible, Adam and Eve are the first parents and as such, they
represent all human beings. Men are seen "clutching the air for support", a clear indication that the
moral principles have been ditched by the society.There is general filth signalled by the olfactory image
of "a heavy pursuing odour". The simile of "sweat drops shaken from an enemy's fist" also adds to the
notion of filth by introducing an unpleasant visual image. The two images generate disgust which the
