Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Song of the Worms" by Margaret Atwood is a compelling and imaginative poem that gives voice to worms, creatures often overlooked or regarded with disdain in human culture. Through this unique perspective, Atwood explores themes of resilience, the cycle of life, and the inevitable return to nature. The poem serves as a meditation on the interconnectedness of all living beings and the natural world's quiet yet persistent power.

The opening lines, "We have been underground too long, we have done our work, we are many and one, we remember when we were human," immediately establish the worms as entities with a collective consciousness and a deep, ancient connection to humanity. This assertion that they "remember when we were human" blurs the lines between species, suggesting a shared origin and destiny that humans often forget.

Living "among roots and stones," the worms describe their existence as unnoticed, their songs unheard by those who walk aboveground. Their emergence into the open air at night "only to love" introduces a theme of desire for connection and expression, even in the face of revulsion from humans ("which disgusts the soles of boots, their leather strict religion"). This juxtaposition of love and disgust reflects the poem's broader exploration of beauty and value in places society often deems unworthy of attention.

The worms' knowledge of boots—from the perspective of being underneath them—symbolizes the oppressive forces of human civilization and its disregard for the natural world. The "philosophy of boots" and their "metaphysic of kicks and ladders" represent the hierarchical structures that prioritize human needs and desires at the expense of other forms of life. Despite this, the worms express both fear and contempt for the human reliance on such artifacts, highlighting the strength and independence of the natural world.

The poem then shifts to a prophetic vision of a world where nature reclaims its dominance: "fences will topple, brick walls ripple and fall, / there will be no more boots." This imagery of revolution and rebirth speaks to the cyclical nature of life and the inevitability of change, where even the most enduring symbols of human civilization—fences, walls, boots—will eventually succumb to the relentless force of nature.

The closing lines, "Meanwhile we eat dirt and sleep; we are waiting under your feet. / When we say Attack / you will hear nothing at first," evoke a sense of impending transformation that is silent and subtle, yet unstoppable. The worms' patient, understated waiting underscores their confidence in the natural order's eventual restoration, a reminder of the power and resilience inherent in the world beneath our feet.

"Song of the Worms" is a poetic celebration of the unseen and underappreciated aspects of nature, offering a profound commentary on the relationship between humans and the earth. Atwood's use of the worm's perspective challenges readers to reconsider their views on life, death, and the interconnectedness of all beings, urging a deeper respect for the natural world and its hidden complexities.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...