Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Tomorrow" by Donald Hall is a reflective poem that interweaves personal memory with historical context, capturing the juxtaposition of a child's anticipation for a grand event against the backdrop of an impending global crisis. Through vivid imagery and a poignant narrative, Hall conveys the innocence of youth and the gravity of historical events that shape our lives.

The poem begins with a sense of foreboding: "Although the car radio warned that / 'war threatened' as 'Europe mobilized,' we set out for the World's Fair on the last day of August, nineteen thirty-nine." This line sets the stage for the tension between the personal and the historical. The mention of Europe mobilizing for war introduces a looming threat, yet the family's decision to proceed with their plans to visit the World's Fair highlights a determination to hold onto normalcy and hope.

Hall then paints a picture of familial bonds and rural life: "My grandparents came visiting from New Hampshire to Connecticut once in three years; it wasn't easy to find somebody to milk the cows, to feed the hens and sheep." This detail underscores the rarity and significance of the visit, emphasizing the effort required to maintain connections amidst the responsibilities of farm life. The mention of milking cows and feeding hens and sheep evokes a pastoral image, contrasting with the modernity represented by the World's Fair.

The poet's anticipation is palpable: "I was ten years old; for months I had looked forward to this trip to the Fair. Everywhere I looked I saw the Trylon and Perisphere - on ashtrays, billboards, and Dixie Cups; in Life -: those streamlined structures that stood for The World of Tomorrow." The child's excitement is vividly conveyed through the repeated sightings of the iconic symbols of the Fair, which promise a futuristic vision of progress and innovation. The Trylon and Perisphere represent the optimism of the era, a stark contrast to the darkening political landscape.

As the family drives home, the mood shifts: "As we drove home late at night — it was already morning in Warsaw - I tried not to let my eyes close." This line subtly acknowledges the unfolding events in Europe, with the invasion of Poland marking the start of World War II. The child's struggle to stay awake mirrors a desire to hold onto the day's experiences and to avoid confronting the impending reality.

The poem captures a tender moment between the child and his grandparents: "My dear grandfather - wearing a suit instead of overalls; my grandmother with / pearls from Newberry's - held my hand tight in silence." The formality of the grandparents' attire reflects the significance of the outing and their effort to make it a special occasion. Their silent hand-holding conveys a deep emotional connection and a shared understanding of the gravity of the moment.

The final lines of the poem evoke a sense of movement and transition: "Soon I would fall asleep as we drove down the Parkway, but first we stop-and-started through city blocks, grave in the Pontiac heading north toward Connecticut, past newsboys hoarse, dark, and ragged, flapping papers at the red lights of intersections." The description of the newsboys, hoarse and ragged, selling papers at red lights, serves as a reminder of the harsh realities of the world outside the car. The family's journey home through the city blocks signifies a return to everyday life, but the gravity of the situation lingers.

"Tomorrow" by Donald Hall masterfully blends personal memory with historical context, capturing a moment of innocence and anticipation against the backdrop of impending war. Through detailed imagery and a reflective narrative, the poem explores the intersection of individual lives with broader historical events, highlighting the enduring impact of such moments on our collective memory.

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