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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
The poem begins with a rich description of nature and a physical connection to the earth, setting a tone of primal, organic connection that transcends the mundane. The imagery of elm branches radiating heat and blackbirds strutting across fields serves as an entry point into a world where the boundaries between the self and the natural world blur, inviting the reader into a space of deep engagement with the forces of life. Baca then transitions into a mystical, dreamlike sequence where elements of Navajo culture and mythology come alive under his Navajo blanket. The Corn Dancers and Buffalo Dancer, evocative of Native American ceremonial figures, emerge in a vivid, animate procession that traces the contours of the narrator's body, symbolizing a journey that is both physical and spiritual. This passage not only highlights the connection to heritage and the earth but also the transformative power of imagination to animate and give meaning to our existence. The pursuit of Deer Woman by the Buffalo Dancer and the narrator's heart as the Red Bird further develops the theme of longing and the quest for something elusive and transcendent. Deer Woman, fading into the hills, represents the ineffable, the beauty, and mystery that always seems just beyond grasp, while the Red Bird's thrashing signifies the intense desire and tumultuous emotion that drives the human experience. Baca's reflection on the follies of adulthood—"What a stupid man I have been!"—marks a moment of realization about the value of letting go of the constraints of logic and the weight of decisions. The poet advocates for a liberation from the "worrisome events" and the detritus of life that clutters our paths, suggesting that true freedom comes from embracing the unstructured, the unfinished, and the playful chaos of life as children experience it. The final stanza offers a powerful contrast between the "tidy appearance" the narrator presents to the world and the tumultuous, vibrant life of the Red Bird within. This internal struggle between conformity and authenticity, order and chaos, reflects the universal human challenge of reconciling our inner selves with the roles and expectations imposed by society. "As Children Know" concludes with a poignant image of a world "left as toys after dark in the sandbox," a metaphor for the remnants of unbridled joy and creativity that persist even after the play has ended. This image serves as a reminder of the impermanence of our constructions and the enduring value of moments of imagination and freedom. Through "As Children Know," Baca celebrates the power of imagination to liberate and transform, urging readers to reconnect with the spontaneous, unencumbered spirit of childhood. The poem is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the capacity for wonder, creativity, and renewal that lies within us all.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE THREE CHILDREN by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN CHILDREN SELECTING BOOKS IN A LIBRARY by RANDALL JARRELL COME TO THE STONE ... by RANDALL JARRELL THE LOST WORLD by RANDALL JARRELL A SICK CHILD by RANDALL JARRELL CONTINENT'S END by ROBINSON JEFFERS ON THE DEATH OF FRIENDS IN CHILDHOOD by DONALD JUSTICE THE POET AT SEVEN by DONALD JUSTICE |
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