Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"First Lines" by Edward Dorn is a richly textured poem that delves into the historical and cultural narratives of the American Southwest, particularly focusing on Native American histories and the landscapes that shaped them. The poem is fragmented, each line or cluster of lines suggesting a different story or historical snapshot, mirroring the complexity and layered nature of history itself.

The poem opens with a reflective tone, "It is bright to recollect," inviting readers to look back with clarity and perhaps new understanding. This sets the stage for a meditation on the "first law of the desert," which Dorn defines as "Endurance & Abstinence," immediately grounding the poem in the harsh realities of desert life and the survival principles it demands.

The mention of "The children of both sexes had perfect freedom / And were Never punished" introduces themes of liberty and natural living, contrasting with more structured or oppressive societal norms found elsewhere. This portrayal respects the autonomy and upbringing of Apache children, emphasizing their deep integration with and adaptation to their environment, "wired to the desert" and "invisible in the mountains."

Dorn’s references to historical figures and events, such as Victorio, his sister (notably not "Pocahontas," a clear rejection of simplistic or romanticized Native American stereotypes), Geronimo, General Crook, and Captain Emmet Crawford, weave a narrative of conflict, misunderstanding, and resilience. These references serve to ground the poem in specific historical contexts, highlighting moments of tension between Native American leaders and U.S. governmental and military forces.

The mention of Geronimo attending an inauguration in Washington introduces a stark juxtaposition between Native American leaders and the political machinations of the U.S. government, probing the complexities of loyalty, betrayal, and the perceptions of traitors.

The lines about the Boundary Commission and Bartlett's description of a "treacherous fiendish look" expose the prejudice and challenges faced by Native peoples in the demarcation of their lands, hinting at the deeper injustices inflicted through territorial negotiations.

Dorn’s use of imagery connected to the natural world, such as the "spine of dragoon mountains" and clans taking names from "natural features of Localities," not only highlights the deep connection of Native peoples to the land but also their respect for it in contrast to the colonizing forces that often sought to exploit or reshape it.

Lastly, the recurring motif of memory and historical recollection, encapsulated in the repeated line "It is bright to recollect," acts as a refrain, reminding readers of the importance of remembering accurately and vividly. This refrain, paired with the descriptive and narrative richness of the poem, underscores the vital role of historical consciousness in understanding and appreciating the complexities of Native American heritage and the landscapes that inform it.

"First Lines" is a powerful poetic exploration of history, culture, and identity that challenges readers to reconsider the narratives they have been taught about Native American history and to appreciate the nuanced and profound connections between people, their histories, and the environments in which they live.

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