Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Forché's poem "As Children Together" is a hauntingly vivid and introspective reflection on childhood, friendship, and the yearning for escape. Through its rich imagery and poignant details, the poem captures the complexities of growing up in a small town, the influence of family and environment, and the contrasting paths of two friends.

The poem begins with a nostalgic winter scene: "Under the sloped snow / pinned all winter with Christmas / lights, we waited for your father / to whittle his soap cakes / away, finish the whisky." This setting evokes a sense of both coziness and entrapment, as the narrator and Victoria wait amid the mundane and somewhat bleak routines of their families. The Christmas lights, a symbol of cheer, contrast with the darker, more somber activities inside the house.

As the friends "slide down / the roads in [their] tight / black dresses," they traverse a landscape marked by "crystal swamps" and the "death / face of each dark house." This journey through the frozen, desolate environment mirrors their inner desire for escape and transformation. The description of the "golden ice / of tobacco spit" and the "blue / quiet of ponds" enhances the poem's sensory depth, creating a vivid backdrop for their shared moments.

Victoria's aspirations and the narrator's admiration for her are central to the poem. Victoria hums a song and speaks of Montreal, painting a picture of freedom and allure: "where a québecoise could sing, / take any man’s face / to her unfastened blouse / and wake to wine / on the bedside table." This image of a glamorous, liberated life stands in stark contrast to their current reality and becomes a symbol of hope and possibility.

The poem delves into Victoria's shame and pride, juxtaposing her disdain for her family's poverty with her collection of mementos from servicemen: "Your mirror grew ringed / with photos of servicemen / who had taken your breasts / in their hands, the buttons / of your blouses in their teeth." These keepsakes represent her experiences and desires, a personal rebellion against her circumstances and a way to assert her identity.

As the poem progresses, the narrator reflects on her own lack of experiences compared to Victoria's: "I did not then have breasts of my own, / nor any letters from bootcamp." This contrast underscores the narrator's sense of innocence and longing, as she witnesses Victoria's more advanced steps into adulthood.

Victoria's determination to escape is palpable: "I am going to have it, you said. / Flowers wrapped in paper from carts / in Montreal, a plane lifting out / of Detroit, a satin bed, a table / cluttered with bottles of scent." This vision of escape is both poignant and tragic, hinting at the eventual disappointment and hardship that might follow.

The poem ends with a poignant, unresolved longing: "I don’t know where you are now, Victoria. / They say you have children, a trailer / in the snow near our town." The mention of Victoria's husband, who returned "from the Far East broken / cursing holy blood at the table," adds a layer of tragedy to her story, contrasting sharply with her youthful dreams.

In the final lines, the narrator reaches out to Victoria: "If you read this poem, write to me. / I have been to Paris since we parted." This closing request underscores the enduring bond between the friends and the narrator's hope for reconnection, despite the years and experiences that have separated them.

"As Children Together" by Carolyn Forché is a beautifully crafted exploration of friendship, aspiration, and the bittersweet passage of time. Through its evocative imagery and emotional depth, the poem captures the longing for escape and the inevitable changes that life brings, leaving a lasting impression of both the beauty and the sorrow of growing up.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...