Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Kenneth Koch's poem "To the United States Army" delves into the deeply personal and harrowing experiences of a soldier during World War II. Koch’s reflections on his time in the army present a stark contrast to his later life as a poet and a lover, providing a poignant exploration of the duality of human existence and the lasting impact of war on those who serve.

The poem opens with a sense of alienation: "It felt unusual / Even if for a good cause / To be part of a destructive force." This admission sets the tone for the entire piece, emphasizing the discomfort and internal conflict inherent in being a soldier. Koch's use of the word "unusual" underscores the dissonance between his pre-war life and his role in the military. The juxtaposition of the soldier’s purpose—to "eliminate Japanese soldiers / By killing them"—with the mundane experiences of civilian life, such as "the paved / Streets of Cincinnati" and "Mr. Vathé's dancing class," highlights the surreal nature of his wartime experiences.

Koch vividly captures the transformation from civilian to soldier with the image of holding a rifle and memorizing his serial number. These symbols of military identity serve as constant reminders of his new, violent role. The poet’s internal struggle is evident as he considers the potential reactions of people from his past, like Anne Marie Goldsmith, to his actions as a soldier. This hypothetical scenario of asking Anne Marie to dance versus shooting her in the face starkly illustrates the incongruity and moral ambiguity of war.

The repetition of "unusual" to describe the various times of day in the military further emphasizes the surreal and disorienting nature of his wartime experiences. The metaphor of soldiers as machines making ice to represent the creation of dead enemy soldiers is both chilling and poignant. This comparison underscores the mechanization of killing and the dehumanizing effects of war, transforming soldiers into instruments of destruction.

Koch's reflection on the aftermath of war reveals a sense of disconnection and the ease with which the violence of war is sanitized and forgotten: "The blood spilled on you / Came off in the dry cleaning of headlines." This imagery suggests that the horrors of war are quickly washed away and replaced by a sanitized version of events presented to the public. The "Extras" and posters promoting enlistment reflect the ongoing cycle of recruitment and the relentless push for new soldiers, perpetuating the machinery of war.

The poet’s acknowledgment of his survival allows for a transition into his post-war life: "And then, many years after that, / I could write poetry / Fall in love / And have a daughter / And think / About these things / From a great distance." This shift in focus highlights the profound impact of his wartime experiences on his later life. The distance he mentions is not only temporal but also emotional and psychological, indicating the lingering effects of his service.

In "To the United States Army," Koch masterfully conveys the internal and external conflicts faced by soldiers. His use of juxtaposition, vivid imagery, and personal reflection provides a powerful critique of the dehumanizing nature of war and the ways in which society both remembers and forgets its soldiers. The poem serves as a testament to the lasting impact of war on individuals and a reminder of the complexities of duty, identity, and humanity.

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