Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's poem "Who Would Be Free, Themselves Must Strike the Blow" begins with a quote from Frederick Douglass, setting a tone of empowerment and self-liberation. However, the poem itself contrasts this hopeful invocation with a stark, almost apocalyptic imagery that critiques the devastating effects of environmental and nuclear disasters on life, both human and animal.

The recurring image of the cow that "could not stand up" is a powerful metaphor for helplessness and the loss of vitality in the face of contamination. The cow, traditionally a symbol of pastoral serenity and sustenance, is rendered powerless by the "deadly river" and "invisible charged particles." This imagery speaks to the insidious nature of pollution and radiation, which corrupt the environment silently and invisibly. The particles are so dangerous that they affect the ground itself, a foundation for life, without any immediate, perceptible signs of their presence: "did not glow or make a tiny sound."

Jordan juxtaposes this environmental decay with the innocence and vulnerability of children, whose feet are "washed" by the contaminated river. This image evokes a sense of betrayal, as something as natural and essential as water becomes a medium of harm rather than nourishment. The quietness of the scene amplifies the horror, suggesting a silence in the face of widespread devastation, a failure to recognize or address the creeping dangers.

The poem then shifts to a more intimate yet equally tragic scene of "lovers lying on the deadly ground." These lovers, unaware of the danger beneath them, are mesmerized by the "widening nuclear light" in the sky. This haunting image merges romance and catastrophe, showing how even moments of human connection and beauty are overshadowed by the looming threat of nuclear annihilation. The phrase "commingle with the wind their bodies set to motion" suggests a tragic dance with death, where natural elements like wind and light are intertwined with the deadly consequences of human actions.

The repetition of "It was pretty quiet" at the end of both stanzas serves as a chilling reminder of the pervasive silence that accompanies these disasters. This silence could be interpreted as the world's indifference, the lack of awareness or response from society, or the deadly quiet of a world that has been irreversibly harmed.

The title and the introductory quote by Frederick Douglass add a layer of irony to the poem. Douglass's call to self-empowerment and action contrasts sharply with the scenes of helplessness and destruction depicted by Jordan. This juxtaposition underscores a critical commentary on the power dynamics at play: while the oppressed must indeed fight for their freedom, the systemic and environmental oppressions they face are often overwhelming and insidious, requiring more than individual action to combat.

"Who Would Be Free, Themselves Must Strike the Blow" is a poignant exploration of environmental and nuclear destruction's impact on life. Through its stark imagery and powerful contrasts, the poem critiques the silent, pervasive nature of these threats and calls attention to the need for collective awareness and action. Jordan's work serves as both a lament and a warning, urging us to recognize and address the invisible dangers that undermine our world's vitality and freedom.

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