Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Clutches" by Clayton Eshleman is a poignant and contemplative poem that explores the theme of death and the objects that individuals hold onto at the moment of passing. Through a series of vignettes spanning different times and places, Eshleman highlights the human tendency to cling to physical items as a means of comfort or a symbol of identity in the face of mortality. The poem connects historical, literary, and personal narratives to offer a meditation on the significance of these final attachments.

The poem begins with archaeological and historical references, recounting instances where individuals from different eras and regions were found holding onto specific objects at the time of their death:

- "At Skhul, a man died clutching the mandible of a wild boar" points to a prehistoric site in Israel, emphasizing a primal connection to nature and possibly survival or hunt.

- "At Qafzeh, a child died clutching a deer antler" similarly evokes an image from another prehistoric site in Israel, suggesting innocence and a poignant connection to the wild.

- "At Dolni Vestonice, a woman died clutching an Arctic fox" refers to a site in the Czech Republic known for its Paleolithic findings, possibly indicating a relationship with the natural world or a cherished possession.

These initial instances reflect a universal and timeless human behavior—holding onto something meaningful in the final moments of life, which may offer comfort, represent a cherished memory, or symbolize a personal or cultural identity.

Eshleman then shifts the focus to more modern, personal instances involving notable literary figures, bridging the gap between the ancient and the contemporary:

- "In Paris, César Vallejo said he would die 'outside the clock, clutching a solitary shoe.'" This reference to Vallejo, a significant Peruvian poet known for his profound and existential poetry, introduces a symbolic object—the solitary shoe—which may represent the poet's existential journey and isolation.

- "In Ivry-sur-Seine, Antonin Artaud died seated at the foot of his bed, clutching his shoe" brings in another literary figure, a French dramatist and poet, known for his influence on modern theatre and his intense life struggles. The repetition of the shoe motif resonates with Vallejo's imagery, deepening the theme of existential anguish and the clutching of personal items as symbols of life's journey.

The poem concludes with a contemporary reference closer to the poet's personal experience:

- "In North Hollywood, Lee Hickman died, Charles Macaulay told me, clutching an issue of Sulfur." This line introduces a personal note as Eshleman refers to a friend holding onto a copy of "Sulfur," a literary magazine that Eshleman himself edited. This mention underscores the importance of intellectual and creative life to the individual's identity and perhaps offers a reflection on the poet’s own life and work.

"Clutches" uses these narratives to weave a thematic tapestry that reflects on the human condition. Each instance of clutching something at the moment of death serves as a poignant reminder of what individuals hold dear, what comforts them, or what defines them. Through this exploration, Eshleman not only connects the personal to the universal but also spans the breadth of human history, from the prehistoric to the contemporary, suggesting that the act of holding on, literally and metaphorically, is a fundamental human instinct—a final attempt to assert one's existence and identity in the face of the inevitable.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/From_Scratch/gaRq3n32fBUC?hl=en&gbpv=1&bsq=CLUTCHES

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