Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's "For Each Age, Its Amulet" explores the evolution of human fears and the protective rituals that accompany them, juxtaposing ancient superstitions with modern technological anxieties. The poem begins by addressing the concept of illness as a demon, a force that "burns you with its fever, beating its quick wings." This imagery evokes a sense of relentless, invasive suffering, establishing a connection between physical ailments and malevolent forces.

The poet introduces the voice of a grandmother, a figure of wisdom and tradition, who warns against leaving an infant alone due to the hovering presence of Lilith, a mythical figure often associated with danger and death in folklore. This line reflects the deep-seated fears surrounding vulnerability and the unknown, particularly in the context of motherhood and infancy.

Piercy continues to weave a tapestry of protective measures against various demons: "Avoid sleeping in a new house alone. Demons come to death as flies do, hanging on the sour sweetish wind." The comparison of demons to flies underscores their pervasive and pestilent nature. Traditional remedies, such as spitting three times in an unclean place or a pregnant woman going to bed with a knife, illustrate the lengths to which people go to safeguard themselves from these perceived threats.

The poem transitions from these ancient practices to more contemporary concerns, highlighting the ways in which fear and protection have evolved. The mention of "building containers of plutonium with the power to kill for longer than humans have walked upright" points to modern technological and nuclear anxieties. These containers, meant to deter and destroy, symbolize a new form of amulet against the perceived demons of the atomic age.

Piercy then critiques societal prejudices and xenophobia, describing how "demons lurk in dark skins, white skins, demons speak another language, have funny hair." This line exposes the irrational and harmful nature of racism and cultural fear, equating these prejudices with ancient superstitions. The notion of "very fast planes that fall from the sky regularly like ostriches trying to fly" serves as a metaphor for the failure of technological advancements to truly protect us, despite their intended purpose.

The poem reaches a crescendo with a satirical depiction of modern institutions as places of ritualistic protection. "Best of all is the burning of money ritually in the pentagon shaped shrine," Piercy writes, alluding to the Pentagon and the immense expenditure on defense and warfare. The imagery of "Langley the largest prayer wheel computer recites spells" invokes the CIA and its vast surveillance capabilities, presenting them as modern-day equivalents of ancient spells meant to ward off evil.

Piercy's poem ultimately suggests that while the forms of our protective amulets may change, the underlying fears and the need for rituals to combat them remain constant. "For Each Age, Its Amulet" invites readers to reflect on the irrationalities of both ancient and modern attempts to control and protect against the unknown, emphasizing the persistence of fear and the lengths to which humans will go to feel safe.

In this exploration, Piercy challenges us to consider the efficacy and morality of our contemporary "amulets," questioning whether they truly protect us or merely perpetuate cycles of fear and aggression. Through her rich, evocative language and incisive critique, Piercy bridges the gap between past and present, illuminating the enduring nature of human vulnerability and the rituals we create to shield ourselves from it.

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