Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Return" by Claribel Alegría is a poignant and reflective poem that delves into the complexities of homecoming, memory, and change. Alegría, a significant voice in Central American literature, is known for her deeply personal and politically engaged poetry. In "Return," she explores the theme of returning to one's homeland after a prolonged absence, a journey that is both physical and emotional.

The poem opens with a series of negations, as the speaker laments the absence of her parents, the lost tradition of gathering orchids on a volcano, and the disappearance of familiar elements of her childhood landscape, like jasmine and araucaria trees. These images evoke a sense of loss and dislocation, suggesting that the place she is returning to is no longer the home she remembers. The absence of her parents, particularly her mother, to whom she feels a deep connection, underscores the irrevocable changes that have occurred over time. The mention of her mother's tomb and childhood memories indicates a yearning for a past that is both deeply personal and inextricably linked to her identity.

The poem's structure mirrors its thematic content. The lack of punctuation and the short, fragmented lines convey a sense of disjointedness, reflecting the speaker's emotional state. This form also creates a rhythm that is both halting and flowing, mirroring the speaker's fluctuating emotions as she contemplates her return.

Alegría's use of natural imagery, such as orchids, jasmine, and the rainbow, serves multiple purposes. These elements not only anchor the poem in the lush landscape of Central America but also symbolize beauty, growth, and the cyclical nature of life. The rainbow, in particular, is a recurring motif that evolves throughout the poem. Initially, it is a symbol of childhood innocence and wonder, but as the poem progresses, it becomes a symbol of hope and transformation. The rainbow's arc, glowing and dimming, suggests the ephemerality of life and the fleeting nature of peace and happiness.

The contrast between times of peace and times of war reflects the political turmoil that has afflicted Central America. Alegría, who lived through periods of significant political upheaval, infuses the poem with a sense of longing for a lost era of peace. However, this is not a simplistic nostalgia; the speaker acknowledges that the peace of the past was characterized by somnolence, perhaps suggesting a lack of awareness or engagement with the realities of her country.

The poem's conclusion marks a shift from a passive longing for the past to an active embrace of the future. The imagery of the sky splitting open and the rainbow shattering suggests a dramatic breaking away from old paradigms. The speaker envisions a "rebellious, contagious peace," a peace that is dynamic and transformative, unlike the "inert peace of shrouded eyes." This is a call to action, an invitation to engage with the world in a way that is conscious and proactive.

Finally, the line "Come, love, let’s return to the future" encapsulates the poem's essence. It is a paradoxical statement that captures the complexity of the speaker's journey. She is not merely returning to a geographical location but is also moving forward into a future that is uncertain yet full of potential. This line suggests that true return involves not only revisiting the past but also reimagining and reshaping the future.

In summary, "Return" by Claribel Alegría is a deeply moving exploration of identity, memory, and change. Through evocative imagery and a contemplative tone, Alegría captures the emotional landscape of someone who confronts the past while looking forward to the future. The poem speaks to the universal experience of returning home, only to find it transformed, and the realization that one must forge a new path in a changed world.

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