Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's poem "The Letter on the Brink of War" is written as a letter to "Dears" during a time of political and social unrest. Through the lens of personal reflection and global concern, Field contrasts the ordinary details of daily life with the existential dread of impending war. The poem explores themes of fear, helplessness, and the erosion of democracy.

The poem opens with a tone of familiarity and domesticity: "You’re already painting the porch? You ladies are up early. / And you say the frogs are croaking away in the pond?" These mundane observations create a sense of normalcy and contrast sharply with the ominous undertone of the following lines: "Here too it’s spring, and after the worst winter in years, / the weather is heavenly, / which makes the crisis all the more ghoulish."

The "crisis" refers to the political climate leading up to the Iraq War, during which President George W. Bush was preparing to invade Iraq. Field reflects on how ordinary life continues despite the impending conflict: "In the face of monstrous events, / everything I have to do, shaving, shopping, for instance, / seems so trivial." He acknowledges the surreal juxtaposition between the trivialities of daily life and the looming global crisis.

Field anticipates how future generations will look back on this time and find it "amazing / —if we survive— / that we could go about our normal lives, / even zombie-like, / with this hanging over our heads." He recognizes the historical significance of the period and feels the weight of responsibility to document it: "I keep thinking I should put everything down, / right now, record it while it’s hot, / but I don’t feel up to it."

He draws a parallel between the political climate of the early 2000s and the 1930s, comparing Bush's election to "Hitler getting in with a minority vote" and describing the administration as "a gang of psychopaths taking over the government." He likens 9/11 to "our Reichstag fire," used to "scare us to death" and justify increased government control.

Field's poem also highlights the erosion of civil liberties and democracy in the wake of 9/11: "Civil rights? Don’t make me laugh. / When we protest, it’s going to become a war against us." He describes the government's goals as "insane," aiming "to rule the world," and questions whether they will ever be held accountable: "Is it a hopeless dream that, someday, a court, / like the one at Nuremberg that tried the Nazis, / will bring these criminal psychopaths to justice?"

Despite the dark outlook, Field finds solace in the natural world: "Right now, how I want to hear those frogs in your pond, / so sane, so normal—still." The frogs' croaking represents a connection to a world unaffected by human conflict, and the speaker longs to hear them again "if we come next year."

The poem concludes with a note of uncertainty about the future: "And dare we talk about the future?" The speaker's use of "Love, Eddie" adds a personal touch to the otherwise ominous letter, emphasizing the emotional weight of sharing these concerns with loved ones.

Themes and Interpretation:

1. Ordinary vs. Extraordinary: The poem contrasts the mundanity of everyday life with the extraordinary, world-altering events of impending war. The juxtaposition highlights the surreal nature of living through such a period.

2. Political Parallels and Erosion of Democracy: Field draws parallels between the Bush administration and the rise of the Nazis, emphasizing the erosion of civil liberties and the manipulation of fear for political control.

3. Helplessness and Anxiety: The speaker expresses feelings of helplessness and anxiety in the face of global events beyond his control. His desire to document the period reflects an urge to find meaning amid the chaos.

4. Nature as Refuge: The frogs in the pond serve as a symbol of normalcy and sanity. They represent a refuge from the political turmoil and an anchor to a simpler, unaffected world.

5. Hope and Accountability: Despite the grim outlook, the poem expresses a hope that those responsible for the destruction will be held accountable, and justice will prevail.

Structure and Tone:

The poem is written in free verse, giving Field the flexibility to adopt a conversational tone that suits the letter format. The language is candid and direct, reflecting the urgency and personal nature of the speaker's concerns.

Conclusion:

"The Letter on the Brink of War" by Edward Field is a powerful reflection on the anxieties and contradictions of living through a period of political turmoil. Through vivid imagery and candid language, Field captures the tension between ordinary life and the existential dread of impending conflict. The poem invites readers to reflect on the fragility of democracy, the importance of accountability, and the solace that nature can provide in uncertain times.

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