Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "Shooting" is a stark and visceral portrayal of violence and its chaotic nature. Through concise and rhythmic language, Matthews captures the escalation of a conflict and the inevitable entrapment of those involved. The poem's structure and diction reflect the immediacy and intensity of the situation, emphasizing the transformative power of violence.

The poem begins with an almost casual observation: "It be the usual at first. / This one be bad, that one be worse." These lines suggest a routine familiarity with conflict, as if such events are a common occurrence. The use of colloquial language ("It be," "this one be") adds an element of authenticity, grounding the poem in a specific socio-cultural context. The phrase "the usual" implies a resigned acceptance of violence as a norm, while the comparison between "bad" and "worse" hints at varying degrees of severity.

Matthews then describes the initial stages of the conflict: "They do this in slow commotion. / They strut, they fuss, something they done / or never done be what they set fire to." The "slow commotion" suggests a tense, simmering build-up, where posturing and arguing gradually intensify. The actions of "strut" and "fuss" convey a sense of bravado and agitation, as individuals react to perceived slights or grievances—whether real or imagined. The phrase "something they done / or never done" highlights the ambiguity and complexity of the causes of conflict, suggesting that motivations can be both tangible and abstract.

The poem's pace quickens with the line "and slow turn into fast / because a gun come out." This sudden shift marks the escalation from verbal altercation to physical violence. The introduction of a gun transforms the dynamics of the situation, accelerating the commotion and raising the stakes. The line "and then gun two, gun three, guns all around / like walls" evokes a sense of overwhelming proliferation, as weapons multiply and surround the participants. The imagery of guns forming "walls" underscores the inescapable nature of the violence, creating a physical and psychological barrier that traps everyone involved.

The poem concludes with a powerful and claustrophobic image: "That mean we be the room." This final line encapsulates the transformation of the space into a confined and dangerous environment. The participants are no longer just individuals in conflict; they have become part of the very structure of the violence. The metaphor of being "the room" suggests complete entrapment and loss of control, as the boundaries of the conflict close in around them.

"Shooting" by William Matthews is a compelling exploration of the nature of violence and its capacity to escalate and entrap. Through its rhythmic language and vivid imagery, the poem conveys the intensity and inevitability of conflict, highlighting the transformation of a space—and the people within it—by the presence of guns. Matthews' use of colloquial diction and concise structure adds to the poem's immediacy and impact, creating a powerful commentary on the cyclical and pervasive nature of violence in certain environments. The poem's conclusion leaves readers with a haunting sense of entrapment, emphasizing the profound and lasting effects of violence on individuals and communities.

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