Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s poem "Speak Out" is a powerful call to action written in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The poem uses sharp imagery and rhythmic repetition to condemn the rise of paranoia, the rush to war, and the complacency of the public in the face of injustice. The poem echoes themes from earlier historical periods while addressing contemporary political realities.

The poem begins with a grim observation: "And a vast paranoia sweeps across the land." This paranoia stems from the shock of the attacks and the ensuing fear of terrorism. Ferlinghetti notes that "America turns the attack on its Twin Towers / Into the beginning of the Third World War / The war with the Third World." The "Third World" refers to the developing nations often targeted or affected by Western interventions. Ferlinghetti critiques the American government's response to terrorism by framing it as the beginning of a new global conflict.

The poem continues by implicating "the terrorists in Washington" who "are shipping out the young men / To the killing fields again." Here, Ferlinghetti sharply criticizes the American government, likening them to terrorists for sending young soldiers to war. The phrase "killing fields" alludes to the atrocities in Cambodia during the Khmer Rouge regime, highlighting the potential devastation and loss of life that could result from military intervention.

Repeatedly, Ferlinghetti laments that "no one speaks." This refrain emphasizes the widespread silence and complacency that allows such actions to go unchallenged. The poem then describes how the authorities are "rousting out / All the ones with turbans / And they are flushing out / All the strange immigrants." This imagery references the racial profiling and discrimination faced by individuals of Middle Eastern descent after the 9/11 attacks. The phrase "strange immigrants" underscores the xenophobia and suspicion that grew during this period.

The poem returns to the theme of war, noting how "they are shipping all the young men / To the killing fields again." This repetition reinforces the cyclical nature of history and the ongoing pattern of sacrificing youth in unnecessary conflicts.

Ferlinghetti then expands his critique to include the artistic community: "And when they come to round up / All the great writers and poets and painters / The National Endowment of the Arts of Complacency / Will not speak." This clever wordplay on the "National Endowment for the Arts" critiques the artistic establishment's failure to defend freedom of expression. The "Endowment of Complacency" represents those who remain silent in the face of injustice.

The refrain "And no one speaks" returns, emphasizing how the silence of society enables violence to continue. Ferlinghetti starkly summarizes the tragic cycle of war: "While all the young men / Will be killing all the young men / In the killing fields again." This line underscores the senseless loss of life resulting from war, where youth are pitted against each other in conflicts orchestrated by those in power.

The poem concludes with a rousing call to action: "So now is the time for you to speak / All you lovers of liberty / All you lovers of the pursuit of happiness / All you lovers and sleepers / Deep in your private dream." Ferlinghetti calls on the silent majority to wake up and defend their values, invoking foundational American principles like "liberty" and "the pursuit of happiness." The final lines—"Now is the time for you to speak / O silent majority / Before they come for you!"—draw inspiration from Martin Niemöller's famous anti-Nazi statement. This urgent plea warns that inaction and silence will ultimately lead to the erosion of everyone's freedoms.

In "Speak Out," Ferlinghetti uses evocative language and repetition to critique the political and social climate of post-9/11 America. The poem condemns the cycle of war and discrimination while calling for collective resistance against complacency. Ultimately, it serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of speaking out against injustice before it is too late.

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