Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Audre Lorde's "Bees," the simple yet poignant setting outside a school becomes a microcosm for broader themes of systemic violence, environmental degradation, and gender roles. Written in 1972, a time characterized by societal upheaval and an emergent awareness of ecological issues, Lorde presents a snapshot of the destructive impulses that shape both human interaction and the world at large.

The poem opens with a stark statement: "what children learn / possesses them." This prelude sets the tone for a narrative in which the actions of children mirror those of adults, encapsulating the inherited behaviors and thought patterns that dictate how individuals interact with their environment and with each other. The children in the poem are caught in the act of destroying a swarm of bees trapped "between the lunchroom window and a grate." The bees are "cold and slow / to self-defense," symbolizing the vulnerability of nature when pitted against human aggression. This sequence paints a vivid picture of the imbalance between human actions and their consequences, as the swarm's delayed response leads to "quicker destruction" at the hands of the boys.

The arrival of school guards with "long wooden sticks" amplifies the sanctioned violence that society often perpetuates. They not only condone but participate in the destructive behavior, going so far as to "beat the almost finished / rooms of wax apart." This wanton destruction serves as a metaphor for the ecological devastation that humanity often inflicts, seemingly blind to its long-term repercussions. The honey dripping down their broomsticks is a tragic emblem of lost potential and wasted resources, and it brings to the foreground the culture of wastefulness and disregard for nature.

The role of the girls in the poem is especially compelling. They are "Curious and apart," spectators to the unfolding chaos. Yet their detachment is punctuated by a moment of realization as one of the girls exclaims, "We could have studied honey-making!" Here, Lorde underscores the subtle but deeply ingrained gender differences that dictate behavior and expectations. The girl's lament embodies a longing for constructive engagement over destruction, a wish to understand rather than annihilate. Her words also offer a veiled critique of patriarchal systems that prioritize violent problem-solving over education and preservation.

Finally, the girl's contemplation of her "own destruction" encapsulates the existential threat posed by ingrained destructive tendencies-both to the individual and to the collective. It's a profound self-awareness, laden with the realization that what is being taught and learned is not just the physical act of crushing bees, but the perpetuation of harmful behaviors and attitudes that will define future generations.

Thus, "Bees" is not merely a poem about children and insects; it is a cautionary tale that employs a simple, everyday scenario to illuminate larger systemic issues. Through nuanced characters and evocative imagery, Audre Lorde crafts a striking narrative that forces the reader to confront uncomfortable truths about society, nature, and the destructive capacities that lie within us all.

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