Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Koreans" by Clayton Eshleman is a poignant poem that captures a complex snapshot of cultural and personal interactions in a specific Korean context, reflecting on themes of power, identity, and economic disparity. Eshleman, through sparse, impactful imagery and dialogue, delves into the lived experiences of individuals in a landscape marked by military presence and socio-economic tensions.

The poem opens with a statement that sets a tone of underlying strength and resilience attributed to the Korean people: "she said / 'get their power from garlic and intestines'." This line, referencing garlic and intestines, could allude to traditional Korean cuisine, which often includes these ingredients known for their robust flavors and supposed health benefits. More deeply, it may symbolize a kind of gritty vitality and endurance, perhaps reflecting the speaker's perception of how Koreans cope with or adapt to challenging circumstances.

"Flower and family set down, the woman-mountain / crouched in the ditch by Gate 9 / raised the ends of her mouth without smiling." This segment vividly describes a woman, metaphorically called a "woman-mountain," indicating her perhaps indomitable presence or the burdens she carries. Her positioning "in the ditch" suggests marginalization or a lower social status, while her smile that isn’t quite a smile could indicate resignation or a facade of compliance in the face of adversity.

As the poem progresses, the imagery of the environment— "fresh manured fields speeding to ASCOM daily in a limousine, kids old farmers lugging rock, bumping past"—juxtaposes the luxury of a limousine against the manual labor of children and elderly farmers. This stark contrast underscores economic disparities and suggests a critical view of societal divisions. The reference to ASCOM (Army Service Corps of Ministry) hints at the military context, introducing another layer of power dynamics between the foreign military presence and local populace.

The description of a woman with "black hair, thick-necked, / GI overcoat pulled / tight round her belly, black combat-boots" follows, painting a picture of a tough, resilient figure shaped by her environment. Her attire, particularly the GI overcoat and combat boots, might symbolize her connection or adaptation to the military-dominated surroundings.

The encounter with the woman becomes more personal and disturbing as she offers, "I give you / anysing you rike baby whan dolla you dont pay nuhsing." This dialogue, portrayed in a possibly broken English meant to mimic her accent, highlights her desperate economic situation, where offering goods or services at such a low cost becomes a means of survival. The transactional nature of this interaction, mixed with a sense of exploitation and resignation, provides a powerful commentary on the socio-economic conditions faced by those living in the shadows of more privileged entities, such as the military or foreigners.

Finally, the poem closes with a moment of decision or hesitation at a gate, a literal and metaphorical threshold. "We walk. We reach / —a light, a gate / I start / 'rook baby' / coat open, quiet, open / 'anysing you rike'." This ending leaves the reader with an unresolved tension, highlighting the complex emotions and ethical dilemmas faced in such interactions. The repeated "anysing you rike" underscores the persistence of the woman’s situation, her vulnerability, and perhaps her exploitation.

Overall, "The Koreans" by Clayton Eshleman is a stark, vividly drawn poem that captures the intersections of culture, power, and economic disparity through focused, compelling imagery and dialogue. It challenges the reader to reflect on the dynamics of power and the human cost of survival in a globalized world.

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