Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's poem "Admonition" presents a stark and evocative warning about the dangers of confronting and engaging with the harsh realities of history. The poem, though brief, is densely packed with imagery and meaning, and it addresses themes of accusation, self-defense, and the treacherous nourishment derived from historical narratives.

The opening line, "You are their sister," establishes a familial connection, suggesting a deep, intrinsic bond between the speaker and those who accuse her. This familial term implies a shared heritage or commonality, but it also sets the stage for betrayal and conflict. The subsequent line, "Nevertheless they accuse you of the worst," indicates that despite this close relationship, the speaker is the target of severe accusations. This paradox highlights the complexities and inherent tensions within human relationships, especially those rooted in shared histories.

The line "When you defend yourself they call you defensive" underscores the double bind the speaker finds herself in. Any attempt at self-defense is immediately dismissed and used as further evidence against her. This reflects a broader societal issue where marginalized or misunderstood individuals are often not allowed to narrate their own stories without facing further scrutiny and disbelief. The cyclical nature of this accusation and defense mechanism traps the speaker in a no-win situation, where her very act of defending herself becomes an additional indictment.

The poem then shifts to a powerful and disturbing metaphor: "you who traffic with the wet nurses of history, those iron nipples, that acid drink, pure and deadly." This imagery evokes the idea of being nurtured or sustained by history, but in a profoundly toxic and harmful way. Wet nurses traditionally provide nourishment, but here, the "iron nipples" suggest something cold, hard, and unyielding, far from the comforting and life-giving connotations typically associated with nursing. The "acid drink" further emphasizes the corrosive and destructive nature of this sustenance. It is "pure and deadly," suggesting that the unadulterated truth of history, when ingested, can be fatal.

Wilner's use of "traffic with" implies a transactional relationship, indicating that engaging with history is not passive but involves active participation and exchange. The choice of the word "traffic" also carries connotations of illicit or morally dubious activity, reinforcing the dangerous and corrupting influence of history as portrayed in the poem.

In summary, "Admonition" by Eleanor Wilner is a potent and cautionary reflection on the perils of engaging with history. It warns of the accusations and misunderstandings that can arise when one attempts to defend oneself against historical narratives and the toxic nourishment that these narratives can provide. The poem's vivid imagery and concise yet powerful language serve to underscore the weight of its message, making it a compelling piece that resonates with the struggles of grappling with the past.

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