Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carolyn Forché's poem "Selective Service" presents a somber reflection on the experiences of a generation marred by war, personal loss, and the haunting aftermath of conflict. The poem navigates through a landscape of memories, relationships, and existential questions, capturing the poignant essence of living in a world where the past's shadows loom heavily over the present.

The poem opens with a striking image of individuals rising from the snow, where they have lain "like children" and created "imprint[s] of perfect wings and cold gowns." This image evokes innocence and a semblance of purity, suggesting a moment of escape or peace amidst the turmoil. The mention of "wine-breathed" individuals staggering into town introduces a sense of disorientation and a struggle to regain balance. The juxtaposition of childlike imagery with the stark reality of a community "building their armies again" underscores the cyclical nature of conflict and the relentless return to violence and preparation for war.

Forché introduces a personal dimension with the mention of a man she has come to love "after thirty." Their relationship is marked by mundane rituals—"coffee, airports, regret"—and intimate moments filled with "magazines, two shot glasses" and the "black and white collapse of hours." These details paint a picture of a life filled with routine and shared habits, but also a pervasive sense of weariness and disillusionment. The contemplation of time and place, where it seems "too late to have children" and where the thought of leaving is ever-present, adds a layer of existential angst to the poem. The questions posed reflect the uncertainty and the weight of decisions made in a world fraught with instability.

The imagery of a "selective service card shriveling under a match" symbolizes defiance against the compulsory nature of military service and the broader implications of resistance. The "prison that comes of it" and the "flag in the wind eaten from its pole" further illustrate the consequences and decay associated with such resistance. The reference to "boys sent back in trash bags" is a stark reminder of the human cost of war, highlighting the grim reality faced by soldiers and the communities they come from.

Forché's use of the phrase "learning fractions" serves as a powerful metaphor for the fragmented lives and experiences of those affected by war. The line "Half of us are dead or quiet or lost" speaks to the pervasive loss and silence that permeates the lives of survivors. The poem's closing lines, "We lie down in the fields and leave behind the corpses of angels," evoke a sense of resignation and the haunting presence of those lost to conflict, described as "angels" to signify their innocence and the tragedy of their deaths.

The structure of the poem, with its free verse form and lack of traditional rhyme or meter, mirrors the chaotic and fragmented nature of the subject matter. Forché's language is evocative and rich in imagery, effectively conveying the emotional weight of the themes explored. The poem's tone shifts between reflective and mournful, capturing the complexity of the human condition in the face of war and loss.

"Selective Service" is a poignant meditation on the enduring impact of conflict on individuals and communities. Through vivid imagery and intimate reflections, Forché captures the sense of dislocation, the burden of memory, and the struggle to find meaning in a world shaped by violence and loss. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the human cost of war and the resilience required to navigate its aftermath.

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