Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Abandoned Barn: 2" by David Baker continues the exploration of themes introduced in the first poem, delving deeper into the life that persists within and around the remnants of human activity. This poem focuses more on the interactions between the abandoned barn and the various creatures that have made it their refuge or hunting ground. Through vivid imagery and careful attention to the nuances of survival, Baker paints a picture of resilience, adaptation, and the unexpected interdependencies that arise in places left behind by humans.

The poem opens with the possibility of someone coming to the barn, not with the intention of restoring it or revisiting the past, but to engage with the current inhabitants of this forgotten space. The mention of a fox "snuffling through the feed bin" and a pair of wild dogs "rummaging the piled tarps" immediately introduces the reader to the barn's new occupants, animals that have adapted to the opportunities and shelter provided by the abandoned structure. These descriptions highlight the ongoing cycle of life and the way nature reclaims spaces once occupied by humans, adapting them for new uses.

The imagery of "moldered and sour" tarps and the search for "some lost thing to eat" emphasizes the harshness of survival in this environment. Yet, there is a sense of continuity and adaptation, as these animals make do with what they find, illustrating the resilience of nature and its inhabitants.

The introduction of a human figure, "the tramp, tired, blanketed by heaps of white straw," adds another layer to the poem's exploration of abandonment and survival. This character, seeking refuge in the barn, represents the human counterpart to the animals' adaptation, finding solace and sustenance in the remnants of a once-functional space. The offer of "fresh milk, / some biscuits or jerky" to the tramp, who "feign sleep if he's left" these items, suggests a moment of compassion and connection, a fleeting instance of care in the midst of isolation.

"Abandoned Barn: 2" expands the narrative of the barn and its significance as a microcosm of life's persistence and transformation. Baker's poem invites readers to consider the layers of existence that unfold in places forgotten by time, highlighting the resilience of both human and non-human life in adapting to the spaces left behind. Through this exploration, the poem reflects on the broader themes of survival, the interconnectedness of life, and the indomitable spirit of nature to endure and adapt amidst change and decay.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=164&issue=1&page=9

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