Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Randall Jarrell's "Terms" is a contemplative and introspective poem that delves into the complex realities of a war veteran who has been profoundly altered by his experiences and injuries. Through rich imagery and poignant reflections, the poem explores themes of identity, memory, and the struggle to reconcile the past with the present.

The poem opens with a vivid description of the veteran, "one-armed, one-legged, and one-headed," sitting in the sun. This stark portrayal immediately establishes the physical and emotional toll of war on the individual. The veteran engages in a seemingly whimsical conversation with a leaf, telling it, "The Department of the Interior has sent Jack Frost with a spray-gun / To paint you red." This interaction symbolizes the inevitability of change and the passage of time, as well as the veteran's awareness of mortality.

The arrival of a check in the mail from a "blue Chevrolet sedan" and the veteran's mockingly resigned remark, "You're as good as dead," to the leaf, underscore the bureaucratic and impersonal nature of his support system. This juxtaposition of financial assistance with existential despair highlights the inadequacy of material compensation in addressing deeper psychological wounds.

Jarrell's portrayal of the veteran's mixed feelings is evident when he rubs his eyes and yawns "like a dog when the dog / Next door whines and rattles its chain." This simile conveys a sense of restlessness and confinement, mirroring the veteran's internal struggle. His statement, "I've changed," reflects a recognition of his altered self, shaped by experiences that have left him both physically and emotionally scarred.

The poem further delves into the veteran's daily routine, emphasizing the mundane yet significant rituals of self-care: "With one military brush, in the morning, / He pulls forward, or brushes back, the fair / Hair on the living head." These actions, performed with military precision, reveal his efforts to maintain a semblance of normalcy and control. However, the mention of "the porcelain jacket / On his left front tooth, that is dead," serves as a poignant reminder of his past injuries and the persistent presence of death in his life.

Jarrell uses the image of a leaf to symbolize the inevitability of death and the cyclical nature of life: "The leaf is alive, and it is going to be dead; / It is like any other leaf." The repeated coin flip that "comes down heads" reflects the randomness and inevitability of fate. The veteran's cessation of looking at the coin signifies his resignation to this unchanging reality.

In a surreal and haunting dream sequence, the veteran envisions his prosthetic arm and leg wrestling "the way you whet a carving-knife," culminating in a disturbing image of his own burning head. This dream blurs the line between life and death, revealing his internal battle with identity and the remnants of his former self. The falling leaves, likened to checks, evoke the relentless passage of time and the gradual erosion of life.

Upon awakening, the veteran's mundane observations—"the toaster / On its rack over the waffle-iron"—ground him in reality, yet his existential reflection persists: "I am a grave dreaming / That it is a living man." This profound statement encapsulates his struggle to reconcile his living existence with the pervasive sense of loss and mortality.

The poem concludes with the veteran's determined assertion of his humanity: "He watches his hand opening the door / And holds out his good hand— / And stares at them both, and laughs; / But he says softly: 'I am a man.'" This final declaration, despite its softness, is a powerful affirmation of his identity and resilience. It signifies his acceptance of his altered self and his resolve to continue living, even as he grapples with the ghosts of his past.

"Terms" by Randall Jarrell is a deeply moving exploration of the veteran's psyche, blending vivid imagery with poignant reflections to capture the profound impact of war on an individual's identity and sense of self. Through the veteran's interactions with his environment and his introspective journey, the poem illuminates the enduring struggle to find meaning and affirm one's humanity in the aftermath of trauma.

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