Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"March: A Birthday Poem" by John Updike beautifully explores the month of March, weaving its characteristics into a rich tapestry that anticipates the birth of his child, who is expected to be born during this month. The poem connects personal, historical, and natural elements to create a complex portrait of a time of year that is often overshadowed by its successor, April.

Updike begins by establishing a personal connection with March, noting that both he and his unborn child are (or will be) March babies. He describes March as a month "largely unloved," setting a tone of underappreciation that he contrasts with the lively, celebrated nature of April. Yet, there is a fondness and familiarity in his tone, suggesting a deep-seated affection for this overlooked month.

The historical context of March is richly layered in the poem. Updike refers to the old English name for March, "Hlyd-monath," which means "stormy month" or "loud month," reflecting the transitional and often harsh weather of early spring. Yet, he contests this notion by calling March "mild" and a "murmurer," presenting it as more gentle and subdued than its reputation suggests.

Updike delves into the astrological signs that govern March, Pisces and Aries, and discusses the symbolic elements associated with being born in this month—bloodstone or diamond as the birthstones, and colors crimson or silver-gray. These details enrich the poem with a sense of destiny and characteristic traits that his child might inherit, linking the personal to the cosmic.

The practical and agricultural advice interspersed throughout—"So press your business ventures, wear cravats, / And swear not by the moon. If planting wheat, / Do it at dawn. At dusk for barley."—reflects age-old wisdom and the rhythms of rural life that are tied to the seasonal nature of March. These snippets serve as both literal advice and metaphorical suggestions for living a life in tune with natural cycles.

Historical figures such as Caesar, Stalin, and Beethoven, who each died in March, are mentioned to underscore the month’s significance in history. This lends a gravity to March, aligning the personal event of his child's birth with pivotal historical moments.

Towards the end, Updike vividly describes the thawing of the last snowflakes and the emergence of spring signs like kites and crocuses. He captures the sensory experiences of the month—"Doors slap open. Dogs snuffle soggy leaves"—which paint a lively scene of awakening and renewal.

The poem closes with a reflective and hopeful tone, acknowledging March's "weight of compromise and hope." It is described as modest and unextreme, yet it is precisely this balance that makes it a fitting backdrop for the birth of a new life. Updike reassures the unborn child that despite its subtleties and modest celebrations, March is "far from a bad month," offering a gentle welcome into the world.

"March: A Birthday Poem" is a contemplative and richly woven piece that uses the month of March as a backdrop to explore themes of anticipation, legacy, and the natural cycle of life. It is both a personal letter to his unborn child and a poetic tribute to the time of year that he holds dear, filled with nuanced appreciation for its quiet beauty and understated significance.

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