Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost's poem "The Fearful Child" offers a poignant exploration of a child's journey from fear and imagination to a more mature understanding and acceptance of the world. Through rich imagery and introspective reflections, the poem delves into themes of childhood anxiety, the solace found in nature, and the eventual reconciliation with one's inner fears and external realities.

The poem begins with the speaker's childhood interactions with animals, both stuffed and real, highlighting the imaginative play that provided a sense of control and comfort. The image of making the kitten "pilot of a boot" and guiding its "dizzy flight and collapse" with a string captures a blend of creativity and the need for order amidst chaos. The child's fearfulness extends to people and objects, with a faithful toy shepherd offering companionship in the "gloom" of her bedroom. The disdain for dolls, seen as representations of "weak people," underscores a desire for strength and resilience even in play.

In the speaker's self-created narratives, her parents are transformed into "fair-limbed, brave angels," an idealization that brings comfort and safety. This imagined benevolence is a defense against the omnipresent fear of death, which looms as an angel "bending over" her. The child’s fear is so profound that even the covers of her bed cannot provide adequate shelter.

As the speaker grows, she finds solace in the stories of powerful queens and in the natural world. The "tidal rivers and marshes" with their "green-golden grasses" and the "ache of sea-air" in her lungs represent a place where she can escape and find awe. These experiences, filled with the dazzling beauty of nature and the majestic "light drown[ing] darkness," offer a stark contrast to her earlier fears, suggesting a growing appreciation for the world’s complexities.

At thirteen, the speaker faces a pivotal moment of emotional turmoil and self-discovery. The "bleak bed before sleep" becomes a site of internal conflict, where she hears "pleadings and murderous kisses," symbolizing the intense, often confusing emotions of adolescence. Her soul "burned" with the intensity of these feelings, leading to moments of silent resistance and tears. The whispered "No" and the turning away reflect a struggle with emerging identity and desires.

However, the poem transitions to a more serene acceptance as the speaker finds consolation in the beauty of the early morning. The "serene light of sun-up" and the activities of sparrows, along with the majestic sea and sky

mobilizing their "heavy, blue currents," provide a sense of peace and wonder. This morning light and natural beauty act as a balm for her troubled spirit, offering a respite from the fears and anxieties of the night. The speaker's walk through this beauty, without understanding why it consoles her, reflects a profound connection to nature that transcends rational thought. This connection brings solace and a desire for stillness, as she wishes "nothing else to touch me" and resolves "never to move anyone in any way," indicating a retreat into a personal sanctuary where she can process her emotions.

The poem then moves to a significant revelation as the speaker hides away from the house and discovers that the dark is not merely a dream but a tangible reality that can reveal the "pale gravel of a real driveway." This realization marks a turning point in her perception of the night, transforming it from a source of fear to one of familiarity and comfort. The simultaneous sighting of the new moon and the full moon "in one piece" symbolizes a holistic understanding of the world and herself. This newfound perspective allows her to no longer fear the night, comparing it to "a bear at ease in his wide habitat," an image that conveys a sense of security and belonging within the vastness of the universe.

In the closing lines, the speaker embraces the greatness of space and asserts her identity within it: "This is me." This declaration signifies a profound acceptance of herself and her place in the world, transcending the fears that once dominated her childhood. The poem's journey from fear to acceptance is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of nature and self-awareness.

"The Fearful Child" by Carol Frost is a beautifully crafted poem that captures the evolution of a child's understanding and acceptance of the world. Through its vivid imagery and introspective reflections, the poem explores the intricate interplay between fear, imagination, and the solace found in nature, culminating in a powerful affirmation of self-identity and inner peace.

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