Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb" is a poem by Toi Derricotte that was first published in 2006 in her collection of poems titled "The Undertaker's Daughter." The poem reflects on the power and destructive capabilities of the atomic bomb, as well as the complex history and legacy of America's nuclear program.

Explanation:

The poem begins with the speaker describing an aerial photograph of a city, taken before the atomic bomb was dropped. The speaker reflects on the beauty and complexity of the city, which is filled with life and activity.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the destructive power of the atomic bomb and the ways in which it changed the world forever. The poem emphasizes the importance of remembering the legacy of the atomic bomb and the ways in which it has shaped our world.

The poem ends on a note of hope, with the speaker suggesting that even in the midst of destruction and chaos, there is always the possibility of renewal and rebirth. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of acknowledging and confronting the devastating impact of the atomic bomb, while also looking towards a more hopeful future.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb" is a free-verse poem with no set rhyme scheme or meter.
• Imagery: The poem is full of vivid and powerful imagery, particularly in its descriptions of the city and the destruction wrought by the atomic bomb.
• Metaphor: The city is compared to a kind of living organism, full of life and activity.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is both mournful and hopeful, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging the legacy of the atomic bomb while also looking towards a more hopeful future.

Summary:

In conclusion, "Aerial Photograph Before the Atomic Bomb" is a powerful and important poem that reflects on the destructive impact of the atomic bomb and the complex history and legacy of America's nuclear program. Derricotte's poem encourages us to confront and acknowledge the devastating impact of the atomic bomb while also looking towards a more hopeful future. It is a reminder of the ongoing need to reckon with the consequences of our actions and work towards a more just and peaceful world.

Poem Snippet:

"the tangled city, its million lives

and deaths

unwinding below,

whole and lovely."