Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marilyn Hacker’s "Syria Renga" presents a poignant, multifaceted tapestry of experiences and emotions connected to the Syrian crisis. The poem, structured in the traditional Japanese renga form, which involves linked verses often created collaboratively, captures a collective narrative through the interwoven lives of various individuals. The use of the renga form itself symbolizes interconnectedness, emphasizing how the fates of disparate people are intertwined through the shared experience of displacement and conflict.

The poem begins with a striking image of a man driving a flatbed truck of sheep along the Qalamoun hills, a scene that immediately grounds the reader in the harsh realities of life in and around Syria. The driver’s thoughts drift to his brothers in Kirkuk, highlighting the porous borders that once allowed free movement and opportunities for work. These lines evoke a sense of nostalgia for a past where mobility was possible and borders were not barriers but gateways.

Zainab, another character, embodies the resilience and strength of her historical namesake, Queen Zenobia. As she descends the stone ramp from Baal’s temple, she transforms into a figure of resistance, recalling the queen who defied Roman legions. This historical allusion underscores the enduring spirit of resistance among those affected by the Syrian conflict, while the white cotton scarf around her face connects her present-day struggle with the past.

The poem juxtaposes scenes of personal loss and political turmoil. The narrative of a father dying without seeing his daughter again, juxtaposed with the relative safety of exile, reveals the deep personal sacrifices made in the face of insurrection. Zainab’s poignant question about the future leadership post-revolution underscores the uncertainty and fear that accompany the hope for change.

In another thread, the image of a young boy’s smiling face, now a symbol of tragedy after his tortured body goes viral, starkly conveys the brutal reality of the conflict. This image, widely shared on YouTube and posters, becomes a powerful testament to the human cost of the war, as well as the global spread of its horrors through modern media.

The recurring motif of unanswered phone calls in Reem’s apartment creates a haunting sense of absence and loss. The unanswered rings signify the disappearance of loved ones, the breakdown of communication, and the pervasive uncertainty faced by those left behind. This motif is a poignant reminder of the many lives disrupted and disconnected by the conflict.

Chams’ mother’s coded conversation about the weather, hinting at deeper, more dangerous truths, exemplifies the necessity of subterfuge in times of political repression. The use of seemingly mundane weather updates to convey critical information about the safety of family members highlights the constant undercurrent of fear and the ingenious ways people find to communicate under surveillance.

The poem also explores the transformation of identity, as seen in the character who is "becoming / an American poet / in his ellipses." The blending of his first language with the structure of English poetry signifies the adaptation and survival of cultural identity amidst displacement. This transformation speaks to the broader theme of cultural resilience and the ways in which language and art can provide continuity in the face of upheaval.

The narrative of a man traveling to Istanbul with contraband, feeling youthful and connected through his mother tongue, contrasts sharply with the bureaucratic coldness encountered when seeking a visa. This contrast underscores the duality of exile: the nostalgia and connection to one's roots alongside the harsh reality of political and legal obstacles.

The poem culminates in a scene of translation and loss. In a Damascene pizza parlor, the translation of Sylvia Plath's works becomes a metaphor for trying to find meaning and beauty amid chaos. The subsequent loss of communication, with a portable phone cut off and "no number to call," encapsulates the sense of abandonment and silence that pervades the lives of those displaced by the conflict.

"Syria Renga" is a powerful and evocative portrayal of the Syrian diaspora’s experiences. Hacker’s use of the renga form effectively interweaves personal and collective narratives, capturing the multifaceted impact of displacement, loss, and resilience. The poem’s rich imagery and layered storytelling offer a deeply human perspective on the Syrian conflict, emphasizing the enduring connections between people and their unyielding spirit in the face of adversity.

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