Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth’s poem "Survival" is a poignant meditation on the silent endurance of creatures in the face of pain, vulnerability, and the instinctual drive to continue despite overwhelming odds. Through vivid imagery and evocative symbolism, the poem explores themes of suffering, survival, and the quiet strength found in the natural world.

The poem opens with the striking image of giraffes "dying on their knees," unable to vocalize their pain. This image sets the tone for the exploration of silent suffering and the inherent dignity within it. The giraffes' inability to cry out highlights their vulnerability and the silent acceptance of their fate, emphasizing the physical disconnect between their haunches and throats, which attracts predators. This stark portrayal of voicelessness serves as a metaphor for the often unspoken and unseen struggles faced by individuals and communities.

Goldbarth continues this exploration with the image of rabbits, whose soft, twitching lips never cease their motion until death. The "life long stuttering of fragile and hesitant f's" represents the constant, often futile attempts at communication and expression that remain unfinished until the end. This portrayal of the rabbits' silent struggle underscores the theme of persistent but ultimately unfulfilled attempts at voicing one's existence and suffering.

The poem then shifts to a more intimate setting, where the speaker envisions a place of union and safety within the "church of giraffes." Here, the "teat of the female buffalo" serves as a symbol of nourishment and survival. The image of a "hide-away bed, safe in the walls," suggests a sanctuary where love and connection can finally be realized. This intimate space contrasts with the harsh realities of the natural world, offering a moment of respite and tenderness amidst the struggle for survival.

Goldbarth further enriches the poem with the image of penguins, whose "vestigial gestures" and "strain" produce a "sublime squawk" that has long since vanished from human language. The penguins' actions, though seemingly insignificant and primitive, hold a profound beauty and purpose. Their persistent efforts to stay warm and survive in harsh conditions are a testament to the enduring will to live. The penguins' "sublime squawk" represents a lost connection to primal expressions of existence, highlighting the distance modern humanity has traveled from these instinctual, survival-driven behaviors.

The cherubim hovering overhead, detached and unable to appreciate the "floorbound blessings" of the penguins, symbolize the disconnect between those who are removed from the struggles of survival and the creatures that endure them. This dichotomy emphasizes the value of grounded, lived experiences and the often-overlooked beauty in the mundane acts of perseverance.

In "Survival," Goldbarth masterfully juxtaposes the silent suffering of animals with the human quest for connection and sanctuary. The poem's imagery and symbolism draw attention to the resilience and dignity found in the natural world's relentless struggle for survival. By highlighting the quiet, often unnoticed acts of endurance, Goldbarth invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of suffering and the strength required to persist. The poem ultimately celebrates the enduring spirit of life, the intimate moments of love and safety, and the profound beauty in the silent struggle for survival.

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