Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Seventh Sense" by Audre Lorde, written in 1969, is a concise yet potent poem that delves into the interconnectedness of love, labor, and legacy. At first glance, the poem seems to be about the different yet parallel experiences of women and men in the endeavor of nation-building. Upon closer inspection, it becomes apparent that Lorde subtly challenges and critiques traditional gender roles, especially as they intersect with the concept of building nations.

The poem begins with "Women / who build nations," immediately drawing attention to a group that has often been marginalized in the discourse around nation-building. Historically, the efforts of women in this context are seldom highlighted, even though their contributions-be it nurturing the next generation, supporting communities, or even participating directly in the labor force-are invaluable. Lorde asserts that these women "learn / to love," suggesting that their emotional labor is not just instinctual but also a skill acquired and honed over time.

The poem then transitions to "men / who build nations," a statement that resonates with historical perceptions that equate nation-building primarily with men. Interestingly, these men also "learn / to love," but here, love is oriented towards "children / building sand castles / by the rising sea." The image of children building sand castles by a sea that is rising encapsulates a simultaneous sense of hope and imminent danger. The children, presumably the next generation, engage in an act that mirrors nation-building on a smaller scale, yet their efforts are precarious, threatened by environmental conditions.

What is striking is the mention of "the rising sea," an ecological phenomenon that puts into question the very durability of the nations that both men and women are striving to build. The sea can symbolize change, the unpredictable nature of the future, or even the potential undoing of what has been constructed. The presence of the rising sea adds a layer of urgency and poignancy to the poem, implying that what is being built-by men, women, and children alike-stands on shaky ground.

In its brevity, "Seventh Sense" manages to explore the cyclical and gendered nature of nation-building while also presenting it as a fragile endeavor. The poem serves as a reminder that building nations is not just a matter of erecting structures or establishing laws, but also involves the emotional labor of learning to love and nurture what has been and what will be built. Yet, all these efforts are underscored by the looming threat of change, encapsulated in the rising sea, urging the reader to consider the transient and vulnerable nature of human constructs. With its layered meanings and complex implications, the poem is a nuanced meditation on the intricacies of love, labor, and legacy in the context of nation-building

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