Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's "Landing" explores the themes of perception, disillusionment, and the juxtaposition between expectation and reality through the poignant image of a parachute descent. The poem begins with a serene and almost ethereal description of a parachute in the sky, likened to a "pure white cloud" or "a jellyfish on a waveless sea." This imagery establishes a sense of otherworldliness, suggesting something divine or extraordinary is approaching.

The initial perception of the parachute as "effortless in its suspense" and "perfectly out of time and out of place" creates an atmosphere of wonder and anticipation. The parachute's descent is described in a manner that defies natural forces like gravity and wind, emphasizing its mystical quality. This builds the readers' expectation that what is coming down is something celestial or transcendent.

As the parachute descends, its outline becomes clearer, revealing it to be "scalloped at the lower edge, like a shell or a child's drawing of a flower." This imagery maintains the delicate and beautiful impression, reinforcing the idea that the parachute and its occupant might be a divine or noble presence. The comparison to a "human stamen or a stem" further suggests a connection to nature and fertility, implying the potential for new beginnings or a transformative presence.

The turning point in the poem occurs when the parachute lands with a "hard thud of solid flesh." The man attached to the parachute is revealed to be wounded, "smelled of old sweat," and "hopelessly harnessed to the white mirage that brought him down." This stark contrast between the earlier ethereal imagery and the harsh reality of the man's condition creates a powerful sense of disillusionment. The initial perception of the parachute as something divine is shattered, revealing the brutal reality of war and human suffering.

The description of the man's uniform, with an eagle embroidered on the sleeve, evokes themes of nationalism and sacrifice. The "red flower that took its color from his heart" symbolizes his wound and the life force ebbing away, a poignant reminder of the human cost of conflict. The burial of the man "just as he came to us" in his uniform underscores the tragedy and the finality of his fate.

The poem concludes with the image of the parachute's silk "shifting in the weeds," like a "pale moon" searching for direction. This final image evokes a sense of aimlessness and loss, reflecting the broader themes of disillusionment and the search for meaning in the aftermath of tragedy. The "endless drift" of the parachute without its human ballast symbolizes the lingering impact of loss and the unresolved quest for purpose.

Wilner's use of vivid and contrasting imagery in "Landing" effectively conveys the profound shift from wonder to disillusionment. The poem challenges the reader to reflect on the gap between idealized perceptions and harsh realities, particularly in the context of war and sacrifice. Through its exploration of these themes, "Landing" offers a poignant meditation on the human condition and the enduring quest for meaning in a world marked by loss and uncertainty.

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