Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Target" by Linda Gregerson is a powerful and evocative poem that navigates the complexities of human desire, maternal fear, and the relentless violence in the world. Divided into three sections, the poem examines different facets of these themes, interweaving personal and universal experiences to create a tapestry of reflection and emotion.

In the first section, the poem opens with a chorus questioning the human desire for children. This query is linked to Medea, a mythological figure who famously killed her own children, highlighting the potential for darkness within parenthood. The mother, despite her extensive knowledge from books, is consumed with fear as she bathes her newborn child. The vulnerability of the infant, symbolized by the pulse in the scalp and the peeling skin, embodies the fragility of life. The mother’s anxiety is palpable as she considers the numerous dangers lurking in everyday objects. The imagery of looking down on the live third rail underscores the electric, almost lethal, tension she feels. This section encapsulates the raw terror of a parent confronting the inherent risks of bringing a child into the world, which ultimately makes the child a larger target for fate’s cruelty.

The second section shifts to a more narrative tone, recounting a specific incident from 1929. A nine-year-old girl, who later becomes the poet’s mother, witnesses a tragic event that no one believes. The disbelief of the adults around her, including the police and her own father, contrasts sharply with the weight of the truth she carries. This section captures the isolation and frustration of being a child with knowledge that is too heavy to bear alone. The event culminates in a courtroom in Chicago, where the truth is finally acknowledged, but the trauma of the experience lingers. The imagery of two girls with hands full of violets, one moving towards and the other away from the oncoming car, poignantly symbolizes innocence shattered by a moment of violence.

The third section broadens the scope to encompass global conflict, specifically the brutalities of war. The narrative voice recounts a journalist’s interview with a captured Serbian sniper who expresses happiness at killing a child crossing the street with her mother. This chilling declaration underscores the dehumanizing effects of war and the ease with which violence can become normalized. The transition from personal trauma to collective horror reflects the poem’s overarching exploration of suffering. The sniper’s statement, translated and relayed through layers of language, emphasizes the distance between the speaker and the audience, as well as the dissonance between human empathy and the mechanized brutality of war.

Throughout "Target," Gregerson employs vivid imagery and a haunting narrative structure to delve into the multifaceted nature of violence and fear. The poem oscillates between intimate moments of personal dread and broader reflections on societal and historical violence, creating a poignant commentary on the human condition. The recurring motif of the child, both as a symbol of innocence and a target of violence, ties the sections together, highlighting the pervasive and often inescapable presence of danger in our lives.

In conclusion, "Target" is a profound meditation on the vulnerabilities inherent in human existence, the fears that accompany parenthood, and the devastating impact of violence, both personal and global. Through its intricate weaving of narrative and reflection, the poem invites readers to confront the harsh realities of the world while also acknowledging the fragile beauty of life and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

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