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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained
WORDS FOR THE UNKNOW MAKERS: A BLESSING OF WOMEN, by STANLEY JASSPON KUNITZ Poet Analysis Poet's Biography | |||
Stanley Jasspon Kunitz's poem “Words for the Unknown Makers: A Blessing of Women” is a reverent homage to the overlooked and often forgotten women who created beautiful and functional art throughout American history. Kunitz brings these women from obscurity into the light, celebrating their creativity, resilience, and contributions to culture. The poem intertwines historical references with poetic blessings, creating a tapestry that honors the labor and artistry of these women. The poem opens with a poignant quote from Minerva Butler Miller, a tinsmith’s daughter and peddler’s wife from around 1850. Her humble request, “Remember me is all I ask, / And, if remembered be a task, / Forget me,” sets the tone for the poem. It speaks to the desire for recognition and the acceptance of anonymity, a common experience for many women artists whose work was often unacknowledged. Kunitz then transitions into specific blessings for various women, starting with Zeruah Higley Guernsey of Castleton, Vermont. Her intricate needlework, created in 1835 for an ill-fated wedding, is described with vivid detail: “sheared the wool from her father's sheep; washed, carded, and spun it into yarn; steeped it in dyes concocted from native berries, barks, and plants.” Her dedication and skill are immortalized through Kunitz’s words, acknowledging her artistry and the emotional depth behind her creations. Next, Kunitz blesses Deborah Goldsmith, an itinerant portrait artist from Hamilton, New York. Goldsmith’s life was marked by sacrifice and talent as she supported her impoverished parents by painting family portraits. Her life tragically ended early at twenty-seven, after marrying one of her subjects, George Throop. Kunitz’s blessing recognizes the personal cost of her artistic endeavors and the brief yet impactful legacy she left behind. The poem continues with a blessing for Mrs. Austin Ernest of Paris, Illinois, who transformed materials from a political rally into a cherished quilt. This act of preservation and creativity is emblematic of the way women often repurposed and reimagined materials to create something meaningful and lasting. Kunitz’s blessing underscores the intersection of political history and domestic artistry. Mary Ann Willson and her partner Miss Brundage, who settled in Greenville, New York, represent a life of mutual support and artistic expression on the frontier. Willson’s bold paintings, made from natural and store-bought materials, are celebrated as “rare and unique works of art.” Kunitz’s blessing for Willson acknowledges the unconventional life she led and the innovative spirit she embodied. Hannah Cohoon, a Shaker from Hancock, Massachusetts, is honored for her visionary art. Inspired by spiritual visitations, Cohoon created works like the “Tree of Life,” blending religious fervor with artistic expression. Kunitz’s blessing highlights the mystical and communal aspects of her creativity, rooted in the Shaker belief system. Kunitz then extends his blessings to a collective of industrious women, from schoolgirls learning to stitch alphabets to housewives painting landscapes and portraits. He lists the various crafts and arts these women engaged in, such as lacework, crewel, knitting, spinning, weaving, dyeing, and more. This inclusive blessing acknowledges the diversity of their skills and the beauty of their creations, from practical bedcovers with evocative names to decorative “fancy pieces.” The poem concludes with a powerful image of these women passing from obscurity into recognition: “Bless them and greet them as they pass from their long obscurity, through the gate that separates us from our history.” Kunitz envisions these women as a “moving rainbow-cloud of witnesses,” jubilantly reuniting and celebrating their shared legacy. This “tumult of sisters” symbolizes the collective strength and enduring impact of women’s creative contributions throughout history. In summary, Stanley Jasspon Kunitz’s “Words for the Unknown Makers: A Blessing of Women” is a lyrical tribute to the unsung women artists of America. Through detailed blessings and historical references, Kunitz honors their creativity, resilience, and the profound, often unrecognized, impact of their work. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of those who have been historically overlooked.
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