Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Boys of These Men Full Speed" offers a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the generational transmission of experiences, and the complexities of familial relationships. Through vivid imagery and emotional depth, Rukeyser explores the connection between past and present, the innocence of youth, and the inevitable harshness of adulthood.

The poem begins with a striking image: "Boys of these men / full speed across free," which immediately evokes a sense of movement and freedom. The phrase "my father’s boyhood eyes" suggests that the speaker is looking back through the lens of her father's childhood, seeing the world as he once did. This creates a link between generations, emphasizing the continuity of human experiences.

"Sail-skating with friends / bright on Wisconsin ice / those years away" captures a moment of pure joy and camaraderie. The bright imagery of "sail-skating" and "Wisconsin ice" conveys a vivid sense of place and time, anchoring the memory in a specific, nostalgic past. The boys' carefree skating on the ice represents the innocence and freedom of childhood, a stark contrast to the future awaiting them.

The transition from this idyllic scene to the harsh reality of adulthood is abrupt and jarring: "boys racing toward / fierce bitter middle-age / in the great glitter of / corrupted cities." The use of "fierce bitter" to describe middle age highlights the inevitable disillusionment and struggle that come with growing up. The "great glitter of / corrupted cities" suggests a world that has lost its innocence, where the purity of childhood is replaced by the harshness of adult life.

The poem then shifts to a more personal note with the line "Father, your dark mouth / speaking its rancor." This suggests a deep-seated bitterness in the speaker's father, perhaps a result of the disillusionment mentioned earlier. The contrast between the joyful boyhood memories and the father's present bitterness underscores the impact of time and experience on one's outlook on life.

"Alive not yet, the girl / I would become / stares at that ice / stippled with skaters, / a story you tell." Here, the speaker acknowledges her own existence within this lineage. She envisions herself as a future observer of these memories, yet to be born, yet already part of the narrative her father shares. The image of "staring at that ice / stippled with skaters" creates a visual continuity between the past and present, linking the speaker to her father's boyhood experiences.

The poem concludes with a powerful juxtaposition: "Boys of those men / call across winter / where I stand and shake, / woman of that girl." This final image captures the cyclical nature of life and memory. The "boys of those men" represent the continuity of generations, while "call across winter" evokes a sense of reaching out through time. The speaker, now a woman, stands in the present, connected to the past through the memories and experiences of her father.

"Boys of These Men Full Speed" is a deeply reflective poem that explores the interplay between past and present, the innocence of youth, and the complexities of adulthood. Rukeyser's vivid imagery and emotional depth create a powerful narrative that resonates with the reader, inviting contemplation on the ways in which our past shapes our present and future. Through this exploration, the poem underscores the enduring impact of familial relationships and the passage of time.

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