Analysis of Miracle Ice Cream

Miracle's truck comes down the little avenue,
Scott Joplin ragtime strewn behind it like pearls,
and, yes, you can feel happy
with one piece of your heart.

Take what's still given: in a room's rich shadow
a woman's breasts swinging lightly as she bends.
Early now the pearl of dusk dissolves.
Late, you sit weighing the evening news,
fast-food miracles, ghostly revolutions,
the rest of your heart.

The idea of music as it "strewn[s]" behind a truck contributes to the last line where there is only "one piece of the heart". Just like the heart is not yet complete neither is the music as it is scattered like pearls. Pearls are symbols of beauty and purity and are usually strung together with several. However, even if a pearl is alone it is still beautiful; and if the heart is only half a heart it can still "feel happy". Ultimately, the reader sees that although the author only uses parts of objects there is still a positive and uplifting meaning.
Moreover, the poem uses contradicting words to produce a mellow and light hearted tone. For instance, "rich shadow" and "pearl of dusk" are not usually described within each other. Rich is associated with prosperity and abundance where as shadow can be associated with darkness and gloom. In addition, a pearl is bright and gorgeous where as dusk is fading in light and dull. When rich and pearl are therefore used before the darker, less joyous words the meaning is not as negative.
Furthermore, a "woman's breasts" are usually associated with comfort and security for a young child and the fact that they are described as "swinging lightly" conveys a gentle a soft motion. The miracles of ice cream are also compared to "fast food". This portrays how some of the simplest things in life can bring someone joy and peace. "Ghostly revolutions" also shows how eerie and unpleasant things can be changed and fixed with the simple pleasures of ice cream. In the end, after the ice cream has been found, you find "the rest of your heart", the pieces are put back together and the problems washed away. In conclusion, through the uplifting and positive connotations and imagery the poem displays a soft and light hearted tone.