Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker's poem "Mother/Child: Coda" is a profound meditation on the paradoxes of growth, survival, and the human condition. The poem explores themes of pain, division, and the inherent contradictions of consciousness, framing these experiences within the context of the relationship between mother and child. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Ostriker delves into the existential realities of life, capturing the simultaneous burden and blessing of being alive and aware.

The poem opens with a stark assertion: "Fear teaches nothing / that is my message." This line immediately sets a tone of blunt truth-telling, rejecting the idea that fear is a productive or instructive force. Instead, the poem suggests that growth—real growth—comes from pain and division, as captured in the lines, "O to grow means pain / means division." Here, Ostriker introduces the central idea that the process of maturing, whether it be a person, plant, or any living organism, involves a painful breaking away from what was once whole. The imagery of "the crust cracks and the open / organism faces danger" vividly portrays the vulnerability that comes with this growth, as the organism is exposed to the risks of the world once it breaks free from its protective shell.

The poem’s imagery shifts to nature, using the "grass plant bladed and seeded" and "the forked spruce / burst from the mountain’s northern side" as symbols of life that is forced to thrive in harsh, unchosen conditions. These natural elements represent resilience, the necessity to adapt and survive despite the environment’s challenges. The phrase "that never / asked to breathe, here in this cold, but must" encapsulates the harsh reality that living beings are often thrust into existence and must navigate their way through it, regardless of their desires or preparedness.

Ostriker broadens this reflection by invoking the "oldest, saddest story," one of survival against the odds as the climate changes and oceans ebb. The lines "Anyone who had a lung was forced / to live, not die" and "Anyone who had a leg was forced / to leap" portray life as a relentless march forward, driven by the basic instinct to survive. The poem here captures the essence of evolution, where those equipped with the means to survive must continue, becoming the "driven soldiers of the cause."

The poem's command to "March. Think. Pay no attention to / the corpses. Do not attempt to join them" emphasizes the harshness of survival, where the focus must remain on moving forward, even in the face of death and loss. This directive underscores the brutal reality that life requires persistence, even when surrounded by reminders of mortality. The speaker grants a concession—"You / are permitted to feel triumph"—suggesting that there is some solace in surviving, a momentary victory in the ongoing struggle.

Ostriker then turns to a more reflective and philosophical exploration of consciousness, contrasting the "desire to turn back and a desire / to go on" as permanent human instructions. The poem acknowledges the dual nature of existence, where the impulse to retreat and the drive to push forward are constantly at odds. The lines "this has something / to do with our souls" introduce a spiritual dimension, hinting at the deeper, perhaps unknowable significance of this struggle.

The poem continues with a reflection on the stages of life, where "go on" initially means to "play," "multiply," "strike / deep, aim straight" and "trust," but later evolves to mean "it is too late," "take your last journey," "we love you, but goodbye." This progression captures the arc of life, from the vibrancy and optimism of youth to the inevitability of aging and death. The poem acknowledges the sorrow in this transition but also the naturalness of it, as part of the broader cycle of life.

Ostriker grapples with the ultimate question of whether all life will perish, a query that remains unanswered: "We do not know yet what the instructions signify / for an entire species." The poem here touches on the uncertainty of the future, particularly on a collective, species-wide level, reflecting on the impermanence of life and the impossibility of making definitive predictions.

The poem’s tone softens as the speaker offers both comfort and accountability: "I want to tell you it is not your fault. / It is your fault. / So from now on you are responsible." This paradoxical statement encapsulates the complexity of consciousness, where individuals are both innocent and culpable, free and bound by the awareness of their actions and existence.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the dual nature of consciousness, described as both a curse and a blessing. The "curse" is the burden of awareness, the knowledge of division and loss, but the "blessing" is found in connection, in the "sweet pleasure" of touching and looking into "each other’s eyes." The final image of the "silver bridge / spanning a flood" symbolizes the potential for connection and unity despite the challenges of life, a hopeful note that acknowledges the possibility of healing and continuity.

"Mother/Child: Coda" is a deeply reflective poem that captures the paradoxes of life, growth, and consciousness. Through rich imagery and philosophical exploration, Ostriker presents a meditation on the complexities of existence, acknowledging both the pain and the beauty inherent in the human condition. The poem serves as both a confrontation with life’s harsh realities and an affirmation of the connections that make it meaningful.

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