Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's poem "Donkeys" explores the theme of exploitation while delving into the contrast between the sensitivity of donkeys and the blindness of their human masters. Field's portrayal of these animals in the poem becomes a poignant commentary on the plight of the misunderstood and the inherent cruelty of oppressive structures.

Field immediately differentiates donkeys from horses, noting that donkeys “are not silent like workhorses / Who are happy or indifferent about the plow and wagon.” This distinction sets the stage for Field’s exploration of donkeys as creatures of remarkable sensitivity who “cry continually under their burdens.” The poem suggests that unlike the obedient workhorse, donkeys have a defiant spirit that refuses to submit silently to the weight imposed upon them.

Field captures the paradoxical nature of donkeys, describing them as “animals of sensibility” who lack the intelligence to “count money or discuss religion.” The contrast between sensibility and intelligence emphasizes the donkeys’ innocence, highlighting their emotional depth despite their inability to navigate human constructs. Their cries, which sound like “something / Between a squawking water pump and a foghorn,” are dismissed as comical by onlookers who “laugh” at their hee-hawing without recognizing the sorrow within.

The poem’s tone shifts to one of empathy as Field draws attention to the donkeys’ “sweet eyes and ridiculous ears,” portraying them as naïve creatures who “look as though they never grew up / But stayed children.” Their childlike innocence makes them susceptible to exploitation, as they are “forced to walk up mountains / With men and bundles on their backs.” Field’s use of the word “forced” underscores the coercive nature of their treatment, emphasizing the cruelty of their burden.

Despite the heavy load they bear, Field expresses admiration for the donkeys’ spirit. He finds solace in their refusal to submit “without a protest,” even though their “masters are of the deafest / [and] the wails are never heard.” This defiance, though seemingly futile, becomes a symbol of resilience. The donkeys’ cries are a protest against a system that denies them their inherent right to peace and leisure.

Field imagines a utopian alternative to their current plight, envisioning that “if they had their own way… / they would sit in a field of flowers / Kissing each other and maybe / They would even invite us to join them.” This vision contrasts starkly with their reality and reflects the author’s belief in the possibility of a gentler world. The invitation for humans to join them is a subtle critique of society’s disregard for empathy and innocence.

The poem’s climax comes when Field describes the donkeys stopping in their tracks to “honk and honk and honk.” Their defiance is not merely obstinate but a deliberate rejection of a system they know to be fundamentally flawed. “They know what life should be,” Field asserts, highlighting the intuitive wisdom often attributed to children and innocent creatures.

In the closing lines, Field imagines trying to explain to donkeys “why work is not only necessary but good,” predicting that they would “kick me with their back legs / As commentary on my wisdom.” Here, Field critiques the societal valorization of work, contrasting it with the innate desire for leisure and fulfillment that the donkeys embody. Their masters, convinced of their righteousness, “beat them and hear nothing,” emphasizing the deep disconnect between the oppressed and their oppressors.

Structurally, "Donkeys" unfolds in free verse, allowing Field to capture the raw, conversational tone of the narrative while providing ample room for nuanced imagery. The poem flows seamlessly from observation to empathy, ultimately landing on a critique of oppressive systems. Field’s straightforward language and vivid imagery provide an accessible yet profoundly moving exploration of exploitation, empathy, and the defiance of innocence.

In summary, "Donkeys" is a poignant meditation on the resilience of the oppressed and the inherent cruelty of their masters. Edward Field’s empathetic portrayal of donkeys elevates them to symbols of misunderstood defiance, challenging the reader to recognize and critique the structures that perpetuate suffering while advocating for a more compassionate approach to life.

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