Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem begins by dismissing the idea that civil disobedience, which is "hesitant and rare," is a significant problem. Berrigan likens civil disobedience to a "kidney stone" and an "immigrants’ disease" — conditions that are not only rare but also fading, much like the acts of defiance against unjust state practices. This comparison underscores the poet's view that acts of resistance are not only infrequent but are also being eradicated from the public consciousness.

Berrigan then shifts focus to critique the pervasive influence of media, routine, and comfort in pacifying the populace. The metaphorical "war on cancer" is juxtaposed with the real "plague of media" and the sedative effects of a life filled with "3 square meals" and "a prevailing wind" that cautions against disruption. The imagery of the ship of state being gently guided by sails that heed the whisper not to "rock the boat" encapsulates the poet's concern that societal inertia is maintained not through overt oppression but through subtle persuasion and the promise of stability.

The poem's conclusion is a poignant revelation that the real trouble with the state becomes apparent only in hindsight, when the distinction between the living and the dead blurs, and the principles of civil virtue appear as mere facade. The repetition of "the trouble with our state" emphasizes the gradual recognition of the issue at hand — not disobedience, but obedience. Berrigan's use of the phrase "civil virtue shone like paint on tin" suggests a superficial adherence to moral principles, where citizens and soldiers, dehumanized to "tin," march in unison under the coercion of a "common whip."

The final lines of the poem starkly declare that the core problem is "Civil / Obedience." This conclusion serves as a call to reexamine the values of conformity and compliance that are often heralded as virtues. Berrigan asserts that true trouble arises not from challenging unjust systems but from the collective willingness to accept and abide by them without scrutiny.

"Georgetown Poems: 7. The Trouble with Our State" is a profound critique of societal norms that valorize obedience at the expense of critical engagement and moral courage. Through his incisive commentary, Berrigan invites readers to reflect on the ways in which compliance contributes to the perpetuation of injustice and to consider the transformative potential of dissent and resistance.

POEM TEXT: https://danielberrigan.org/poems/

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