In this poem by John Updike, the speaker humorously reflects on their everyday life filled with "super" items and experiences. From driving to the supermarket and parking in a spacious lot to purchasing products that promise extraordinary results, the speaker highlights a world where everything is magnified by the prefix "super." This playful language emphasizes a culture obsessed with excess and the pursuit of enhancement, from the tonic that claims to provide relief to supersonic travel adventures.
The poem also touches on the societal perception surrounding these "super" experiences and the speaker themselves. They mention being labeled as superficial by others, contrasting their enjoyment of life’s superlatives with the judgments of those who may not appreciate such pursuits. The reference to the nourishment they receive and the services that keep them feeling revitalized underscores the idea that these "super" elements are integral to their identity and lifestyle.