Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In her poem "For Alice Walker (A Summertime Tanka)," June Jordan encapsulates a profound and intimate exchange with Alice Walker, blending the natural serenity of a redwood grove with the weighty topics of war, gender, and grief. The structure of the tanka, a traditional Japanese poetic form, is particularly apt for this reflection, as it allows for a brief yet deeply evocative expression.

The opening line, "Redwood grove and war," immediately juxtaposes the grandeur and tranquility of nature with the chaos and destruction of human conflict. The redwood grove symbolizes a space of timelessness and peace, a stark contrast to the ever-present turmoil of war. This setting serves as a backdrop for the conversation between the two poets, grounding their heavy discourse in a serene environment.

The next lines, "You and me talking Congo / gender grief and ash," specify the topics of their discussion. The mention of the Congo invokes thoughts of the historical and ongoing conflicts in the region, marked by violence and exploitation. This reference highlights the global nature of their concerns, transcending the immediate environment of the redwood grove. The phrase "gender grief" points to the personal and systemic sorrows tied to gender, hinting at the struggles and injustices faced by women and other marginalized genders. "Ash" suggests the remnants of destruction and loss, possibly alluding to the aftermath of conflict, both physical and emotional.

Jordan's exclamation, "God! It's all so huge," captures a moment of existential overwhelm. The vastness of the issues they are discussing seems insurmountable, dwarfing individual efforts and understanding. This line conveys a sense of despair and the feeling of being overpowered by the magnitude of global and personal suffering.

In response, Alice Walker's line, "These sweet trees: This tree," provides a counterbalance to the weight of Jordan's exclamation. Walker's words shift the focus from the overwhelming abstract to the tangible and immediate beauty of nature. By directing attention to the specific trees around them, she suggests finding solace and grounding in the natural world. Her response highlights the importance of presence and mindfulness, even amidst the enormity of global issues. The simplicity and sweetness of the trees offer a moment of respite and a reminder of the enduring beauty and resilience of nature.

This brief yet powerful exchange between Jordan and Walker underscores the duality of human experience—the coexistence of immense global struggles and the small, grounding moments of beauty and peace. The redwood grove becomes a metaphor for the refuge that nature can provide, a place to find perspective and solace. Walker's emphasis on the immediate, "This tree," suggests that while the world's problems are vast, there is also profound value in the present moment and the natural world that surrounds us.

June Jordan's "For Alice Walker (A Summertime Tanka)" is a poignant reflection on the intersection of personal and global concerns, the overwhelming nature of human suffering, and the grounding power of nature. Through the concise form of the tanka, Jordan captures a moment of connection and insight between two influential voices, offering a message of presence and mindfulness in the face of vast challenges.

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