Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Justice's poem "To a Ten Months' Child" is a tender and contemplative reflection on the arrival of a new life, capturing the delicate hesitation and natural uncertainty that accompany a child's entry into the world. The poem's brevity and simplicity underscore the profound themes of birth, innocence, and the transition into life's unknown journey.

The opening lines, "Late arrival, no / One would think of blaming you / For hesitating so," immediately establish a tone of understanding and empathy. The child is addressed directly, acknowledging the natural hesitation that comes with entering a new and unfamiliar world. The phrase "late arrival" suggests that the child may have taken longer than expected to be born, but this delay is met with patience and acceptance. The use of "no / One would think of blaming you" emphasizes the idea that this hesitation is entirely understandable and forgivable.

Justice then introduces a metaphor with the lines, "Who, setting his hand to knock / At a door so strange as this one, / Might not draw back?" This metaphor of knocking at a strange door encapsulates the daunting experience of birth from the perspective of the child. The door represents the threshold between the womb and the world, a boundary that, once crossed, leads to an entirely new and unknown existence. The act of drawing back signifies the natural instinct to hesitate when faced with such a significant and transformative moment.

The poem's structure and language are both simple and evocative. The use of direct address creates an intimate connection between the speaker and the child, allowing the reader to share in this moment of contemplation. The short, unrhymed lines contribute to the poem's reflective tone, inviting readers to pause and consider the profound implications of birth and the beginning of life.

Justice's choice of words, such as "hesitating," "strange," and "draw back," conveys a sense of gentle apprehension. These words highlight the natural caution that accompanies any significant transition, particularly one as monumental as birth. The poem does not dwell on the potential challenges or fears associated with entering the world but instead focuses on the understanding and acceptance of the child's hesitation.

In "To a Ten Months' Child," Donald Justice captures the essence of a child's hesitant entry into life with empathy and grace. The poem serves as a reminder of the natural uncertainty that accompanies new beginnings and the importance of patience and understanding in the face of life's transitions. Through its simplicity and depth, the poem offers a poignant reflection on birth, innocence, and the journey into the unknown.

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