Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The March: 2" by Robert Lowell continues the theme of protest and civil disobedience introduced in "The March I," providing a more introspective and personal account of a peace march. The poem reflects on the participants, their vulnerabilities, and the dynamics of their confrontation with authority, encapsulating the emotional and physical strain of the experience.

The poem begins by describing the gathering of a small group of people, "mostly white-haired, or bald, or women," who appear "sadly unfit to follow their dream." This imagery paints a picture of an aging and perhaps weary group, not typically associated with the vigor and resilience often romanticized in protest movements. The phrase "sadly unfit" underscores a sense of vulnerability and the physical limitations of the participants, highlighting the poignant reality of their commitment despite their frailties.

Lowell sets the scene at the Pentagon, referred to metaphorically as "our Bastille," a symbol of military power and authority. The allusion to the Bastille, the infamous prison stormed during the French Revolution, suggests a place of oppressive power and a potential site of revolutionary change. The speaker describes himself sitting in the "sunset shade," nursing "leg-and arch-cramps," which emphasize the physical discomfort and weariness of the situation. The description of the speaker's "cowardly, foolhardy heart" reflects an internal struggle, acknowledging a mix of fear and recklessness in participating in the protest.

The poem captures the disheartening reality of listening to "more speeches," even as the words struggle to assert the participants' righteousness and weakness. The recognition of being "weak, and right" conveys a bittersweet acknowledgment of the moral authority of their cause, juxtaposed with their physical and political impotence.

The interaction with the military police (MPs) is described with a notable tension. An MP sergeant instructs, "March slowly through them. Don’t even brush / anyone sitting down." This instruction reflects an attempt to maintain order and prevent escalation, but also highlights the delicate balance between authority and protest. The MPs' initial "tiptoeing" through the seated protesters in single file represents a moment of restraint and controlled tension.

However, the situation escalates with the "second wave" of MPs who "trampled us flat and back." This image of being trampled evokes a sense of violence and suppression, underscoring the physical reality of the confrontation. The phrase "Health to those who held" acknowledges the courage of the protesters who remained steadfast despite the pressure, while the "green steel head" likely refers to the military helmets worn by the MPs, symbolizing the impersonal and overwhelming force of authority.

The poem concludes with a note of gratitude and relief: "to your kind hands / that helped me stagger to my feet, and flee." This final image of being helped to one's feet and fleeing suggests a mix of defeat and survival. The act of fleeing indicates a recognition of the limits of physical endurance and the need for self-preservation, while the "kind hands" offer a moment of human solidarity and compassion amidst the chaos.

"The March: 2" by Robert Lowell captures the complex emotions and physical realities of participating in a protest. The poem reflects on the frailty and determination of the protesters, the nuanced dynamics between them and the authorities, and the personal experience of fear, courage, and the struggle for justice. Through its vivid and introspective narrative, the poem offers a sobering portrayal of the challenges faced by those who stand up against powerful institutions, highlighting both the moral strength and the physical vulnerabilities inherent in acts of civil disobedience.

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