Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Squirrels Mating" by John Updike is a vivid and dynamic depiction of a seemingly mundane yet profoundly intricate moment in nature—the mating ritual of squirrels. Through detailed observation and poetic language, Updike elevates this everyday wildlife scene into a symbol of life's continuous, cyclical motion and the instinctive behaviors that drive all creatures.

The poem opens by capturing the frantic, energetic movement of the squirrels around a hickory tree, described as "the hickory's adhesive trunk." This choice of words emphasizes the tree’s role as the central axis around which the squirrels' activity revolves, sticking to it as they engage in their chase. Updike carefully notes the roles in this dance: "the male must be doing the chasing and the female the fleeing," highlighting the traditional mating dynamics observed across many species. However, he also points out that the female "never seem[s] to flee very far, or to be quite out of it," suggesting a level of control and consent in this engagement.

As the chase continues, Updike describes their motion as a "double helix," likening their spiraling around the tree trunk to the structure of DNA, which symbolizes the fundamental nature of life and reproduction. This metaphor not only enriches the visual imagery but also underscores the genetic, primal purpose behind their actions—reproduction and the continuation of life.

The moment of actual mating is portrayed with a blend of humor and awe. The male is described as "deadpan" as he mounts the female, who remains "expressionless in kind but palpably alert and sensitive and strong." This juxtaposition of their deadpan expressions with the intensity of the act captures the complexity of animal behaviors—driven by instinct yet intricate in their physicality. The female's strength is particularly emphasized as she supports both their weights, clinging "as frail as burrs, to bark."

Updike extends the scene to the male squirrel, whose tail is "erect and quivering with faith," a vivid image that conveys both the physical reality and the emotional intensity of the moment. This description anthropomorphizes the squirrel to some extent, attributing faith and emotion to its instinct-driven actions, which deepens the reader's engagement with the scene.

Following the climax, the world continues: "Sun shines. Leaves shake. The slow world turns." These lines reflect the ongoing, indifferent rhythm of the natural world, unaltered by the brief drama enacted on the tree's trunk. The "primal freeze-frame" suggests that while this moment captures the essence of life’s continuous cycle, it is just a fleeting part of a much larger tapestry.

The conclusion of the poem, where the squirrels "resume their chase in fits and starts," brings the narrative back to its beginning, reinforcing the cyclical nature of life and behavior. The final description of the squirrels as "our innocent, unsatisfied Sciuridae" humanizes them further, connecting their instinctive actions to the broader theme of unsatisfied pursuit that characterizes much of life.

Overall, "Squirrels Mating" by John Updike is a masterful blend of keen observation, poetic imagery, and philosophical musing, all drawn from a simple, brief interaction in the natural world. The poem invites readers to find depth and meaning in the ordinary, reflecting on the fundamental drives that animate both human and animal life.

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