Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Linda Pastan's poem "Wildflowers" is a reflection on love, family, and the beauty found in the unconventional and untamed aspects of life. Through the metaphor of wildflowers, Pastan explores themes of resilience, joy, and the celebration of the unrefined, using the natural world to comment on the nature of relationships and the values that truly matter.

The poem begins with the speaker recalling how someone—likely a partner—gave them "dandelions." These flowers, often considered weeds, are described as having "took our lawn / by squatters’ rights," implying that they claimed the space freely and without permission. This image sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the idea that these wildflowers, despite their common or even unwanted status, possess a powerful presence and resilience. The dandelions are compared to "round suns rising / in April" and "soft moons / blowing away in June," evoking the cyclical and transient nature of life, as well as the enduring beauty of even the most ordinary plants.

The poem continues with the speaker recounting other wildflowers given to them: "lady slippers, / bloodroot, milkweed, / trillium." These flowers, less common and more delicate than dandelions, are appreciated for their unique qualities. The "secret number" of the trillium, which the children reveal, suggests a sense of mystery and discovery associated with these wildflowers. The children, described as having been "given" to the speaker by the same person who gave the flowers, further emphasize the theme of gifts that are natural, unexpected, and full of life.

Pastan then contrasts the wildflowers with cultivated flowers, noting that "in the hierarchy / of flowers, the wild / rise on their stems / for naming." This line suggests that wildflowers, often overlooked or dismissed as weeds, have their own dignity and value. The act of naming them is an acknowledgment of their worth and a recognition of the beauty in the untamed and the unruly. By giving these wildflowers importance, the speaker elevates what is typically seen as lesser or unwanted, challenging conventional ideas of beauty and value.

The speaker's assertion, "Call them weeds. / I pick them as I / picked you," draws a direct parallel between the wildflowers and the person they love. Just as the speaker chose these wildflowers for their "fierce, / unruly joy," they also chose their partner for similar qualities. This comparison highlights the speaker's appreciation for the wild, the free-spirited, and the authentic, both in nature and in their relationships.

The poem concludes with a celebration of the wildflowers’ "fierce, / unruly joy," which encapsulates the essence of the speaker's love and the life they have built together. The use of the word "fierce" suggests a passion and strength that is often found in the most unexpected places, while "unruly" implies a refusal to conform to societal expectations or norms. The joy that these wildflowers bring is a joy that comes from embracing the natural, the untamed, and the true.

In "Wildflowers," Linda Pastan offers a poignant reflection on the beauty of the wild and the value of what is often overlooked or dismissed. Through her celebration of these resilient and joyful plants, she draws a parallel to the relationships and choices that define a meaningful life. The poem ultimately serves as a reminder to find beauty in the unconventional, to cherish the gifts that life offers us in their most natural and unrefined forms, and to embrace the joy that comes from living authentically and fully.

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