Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Coora Flower" by Gwendolyn Brooks is a poignant narrative poem that delves into the complexities of returning home and the stark realities that await. Through the lens of the speaker, Brooks explores themes of escapism, disillusionment, and the inevitable confrontation with harsh realities. The poem is set against the backdrop of a fictional, idyllic place called Itty-go-luba Bésa, in Province Meechee, which sharply contrasts with the speaker’s real-world circumstances.

The poem begins with the speaker recounting the discovery of the coora flower, a symbol of exotic beauty and simplicity, growing high in the mountains of a far-off, perhaps imagined, place. This opening serves as a metaphor for the speaker’s desire to escape from the complexities of their life, seeking refuge in the pursuit of knowledge that is "restful" because it is "nothing necessary." The mention of Itty-go-luba Bésa, with its notably small population of 39, introduces an element of fantasy and isolation, suggesting a place untouched by the challenges of the speaker's reality.

As the speaker reflects on their time away from home, there is a tone of resignation. The acknowledgment that "This, at least, is Real, and what I know" signifies a return to the unavoidable truths of their existence. The reference to school as a "tiny vacation" highlights a temporary escape from life's demands, offering moments of respite through sleep and daydreams of love. These escapes, however, are tinged with the acknowledgment of underlying grief, suggesting that even in moments of reprieve, the weight of reality is never fully lifted.

The shift to "But now it’s Real Business" marks a turning point in the poem. The repetition of "I am Coming Home" underscores the inevitability of confronting domestic challenges. The imagery of the mother "screaming in an almost dirty dress" paints a vivid picture of a strained household, burdened by poverty, neglect, or abuse. The absence of the crack, possibly referring to a physical or metaphorical gap, suggests a temporary solution to a problem, filled by the presence of a man in the house. This change in the household dynamics introduces an element of danger or discomfort, compelling the speaker to remain vigilant and cautious.

The final lines, "I must watch myself. / I must not dare to sleep," reveal the speaker's heightened state of awareness and self-preservation upon returning home. The inability to "dare to sleep" metaphorically represents the necessity to remain alert and guarded against potential threats or instability within the household.

Through "The Coora Flower," Gwendolyn Brooks masterfully explores the tension between the allure of escapism and the inescapable pull of reality. The poem’s structure, free verse, allows for a fluid and reflective exploration of the speaker's internal and external worlds. Brooks' use of vivid imagery and contrasting settings highlights the complexity of seeking solace in knowledge and imagination while facing the sobering truths of one's environment. The coora flower, symbolic of beauty and detachment, serves as a poignant reminder of the spaces we seek out for peace, and the harsh realities we must eventually face. In doing so, Brooks captures the universal human experience of longing for escape while being firmly rooted in the demands of real life.

POEM TEXT: https://www.smith.edu/people/gwendolyn-brooks#the-coora-flower-2

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