Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Kizer’s "Union of Women" is a celebration of solidarity, feminism, and the often-overlooked strength and contributions of women. Through a narrative style infused with personal anecdotes and encounters, Kizer crafts a poem that intertwines historical and contemporary struggles for women’s rights and labor equality.

The poem opens with a literary gathering in Santa Monica, where the speaker encounters a bearded lady wearing a union button. This unusual image immediately captures attention, setting the tone for a conversation that bridges past and present, personal history and broader social issues. The speaker’s reminiscence of her childhood in Spokane, Washington, reveals an early sense of pride in the Ladies Garment Workers Union label sewn into her clothes. This pride in contributing to the "Wealth of Women" highlights a youthful, perhaps naive, understanding of solidarity and feminism.

Kizer’s use of exclamations like "O Solidarity! O Feminism!" injects a tone of both enthusiasm and irony, acknowledging the fervor of youthful idealism while hinting at the complexities and disappointments that often accompany real-life activism. The narrative then shifts to a more somber note as the speaker recalls meeting a Ladies Garment Workers Union leader who revealed that she was the only woman ever to hold an official position in the union and was consistently ignored and outvoted. This revelation of systemic sexism within a movement ostensibly for women’s rights leaves the speaker feeling "retrospectively cheated," underscoring the poem’s theme of disillusionment alongside empowerment.

The bearded lady, who proudly wears her union button and writes cinquains about her distinctive appearance, symbolizes resilience and creativity in the face of societal norms. Her involvement with Local 814, which fights against the unfair labor practices of the Sheraton concerning its predominantly African American and Mexican female workers, highlights ongoing labor struggles and the intersection of race and gender. Kizer’s mention of these workers folding toilet paper into "stupid triangles" and placing mints on pillows adds a touch of everyday realism and absurdity to the serious issue of labor exploitation.

The bearded lady’s dedication to the cause, despite being "old and lame," and her proficiency in writing cinquains, a form adapted by Adelaide Crapsey from medieval French poetry, further emphasizes her multifaceted strength. This encounter invigorates the speaker, as evidenced by the phrase "she, as the current jargon has it, made my day." The poem’s conclusion, which toasts to "Solidarity, cinquains, brave bearded ladies—Hooray," is a jubilant acknowledgment of the various forms of resistance and expression that women embody.

Kizer’s poem deftly combines personal narrative with broader social commentary, illustrating the interconnectedness of individual experiences and collective struggles. The speaker’s journey from childhood pride in union-made clothing to a nuanced understanding of the ongoing battles for labor rights and gender equality reflects a maturation of thought and activism. The bearded lady’s presence serves as a catalyst for this reflection, embodying the enduring spirit of solidarity and creative resistance.

In "Union of Women," Kizer not only celebrates the historical contributions of women in labor movements but also highlights the contemporary relevance of these struggles. The poem’s blend of humor, irony, and sincerity makes it a powerful tribute to the resilience and ingenuity of women who continue to fight for justice in various forms. By weaving together past and present, personal and political, Kizer creates a rich tapestry that honors the complexities and triumphs of women’s solidarity.