Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer’s "Jill’s Toes" is a poignant reflection on individuality, conformity, and the unintended consequences of well-intentioned actions. Through the story of a mother’s decision to have her child’s extra toes removed, the poem delves into themes of normalcy, creativity, and the complex dynamics between parental care and societal expectations.

The poem begins with a tender image of the newborn: "When you were born / You had an extra little toe / Nestled against the others / Like a kernel of sweet corn / In a short row." This imagery conveys the natural and innocent beauty of the extra toes, highlighting the mother’s initial adoration for her child’s uniqueness.

However, the tone shifts with the doctor's warning: "But the doctor warned / That all your life / You would have to go / In special shoes / At great expense." Here, the practical considerations of fitting in and avoiding future difficulties take precedence over the mother’s initial affection. The phrase "great expense" underscores the societal pressures and economic factors that influence the decision to conform to norms.

The poem captures the mother's internal conflict as she watches the doctor remove the extra toes: "So pensively I watched him / Twist off the little toes, / A moment's pain / To make you normal / Like everyone else." The description of the procedure as a "moment's pain" contrasts with the long-term implications of striving for normalcy. The term "Procrustean twist" alludes to the Greek myth of Procrustes, who forcibly adjusted his victims to fit his bed, symbolizing the harsh and arbitrary nature of enforcing conformity.

Despite the removal of the extra toes, the poem reveals an ironic twist: "So of course / You grew up to be an artist." The child's eventual path as an artist suggests that true individuality cannot be suppressed, even by physical alterations. The "ghosts of those little toes / Printed invisibly / On each work you compose" imply that the essence of the child's uniqueness endures and manifests in their creative expression.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the broader implications of the mother's decision and societal pressures: "Despite the urgency of doctors / Despite the urgency of mothers / And that Procrustean twist / To save the cost of shoes." These lines critique the societal and parental urges to conform, emphasizing that the cost of suppressing individuality is far greater than the financial expense of special shoes.

"Jill’s Toes" is a beautifully crafted meditation on the tension between conformity and individuality. Through its vivid imagery and emotional depth, Carolyn Kizer captures the complexities of parental decisions and the resilience of the human spirit. The poem invites readers to reflect on the value of uniqueness and the subtle ways in which our true selves find expression, even when faced with societal pressures to conform.