Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Albert Goldbarth's poem "When Wild Beasts Charge" masterfully blends historical narrative with personal reflection, creating a tapestry that explores themes of struggle, survival, and the universal desire for rescue. Through the story of Samuel and Mrs. Baker’s harrowing experiences in Africa, the chaotic life of artist Amadeo Modigliani, and the poet’s own marital conflict, Goldbarth delves into the human condition’s resilience and need for salvation.

The poem begins with an account, sourced from Alan Moorehead and Ian Cameron, of Samuel Baker and his wife, who faced numerous dangers and challenges during their African expedition in the 19th century. Goldbarth vividly describes their ordeals: the death of their animals, failed food supplies, misleading guides, and attacks by hostile tribes. Amidst these hardships, Mrs. Baker's unwavering courage stands out, with her husband noting that "she was not a screamer." This historical vignette serves as a testament to human endurance and the spirit of perseverance in the face of overwhelming adversity.

The poem then shifts to a specific moment of crisis in 1863, when Samuel Baker confronts a mutiny among his men. The tension escalates as Baker seizes the ringleader, leading to a violent struggle. Here, Goldbarth captures the intensity of the situation and the raw human emotions involved. The resolution comes with the unexpected intervention of Mrs. Baker, whose mere presence and plea for forgiveness defuse the conflict. This episode underscores the theme of rescue and the power of human connection to overcome dire circumstances.

Goldbarth seamlessly transitions from the historical to the personal, interweaving the story of Modigliani, the famous artist known for his tumultuous life and tragic end. The poem recounts Modigliani's birth under precarious financial conditions, his family's desperate measures to protect their belongings during his mother’s labor, and his eventual descent into chaos and addiction. The contrast between Modigliani's auspicious yet challenging beginnings and his later life of turmoil and violence adds depth to the exploration of human fragility and the persistent quest for meaning and redemption.

As the narrative returns to the present, the poet reflects on his own life, drawing parallels between the historical figures and his personal experiences. The description of a marital argument, laden with psychological tension and emotional pain, mirrors the intensity of the earlier stories. The imagery of "grouting drifted down from the moon and grudges mounded up" poetically conveys the weight of unresolved conflicts and the longing for reconciliation.

The poem concludes with a poignant scene: a man in an attic, struggling with his art and his emotions. His fingers are bleeding, a testament to his dedication and suffering. He gazes at a half-finished painting of Beatrice, symbolizing his unresolved love and internal turmoil. The impending dawn brings a new day, but the question remains: what will save him?

Goldbarth leaves the reader with this open-ended question, emphasizing the ongoing struggle for redemption and the hope for salvation. Throughout the poem, the recurring motif of rescue—from the Bakers' survival and Modigliani's early promise to the poet's own marital strife—highlights the universal human desire to be saved from life's hardships and find solace in connection and understanding.

"When Wild Beasts Charge" is a richly layered poem that intertwines historical narrative, personal reflection, and universal themes. Goldbarth's skillful storytelling and evocative imagery invite readers to consider their own struggles and the moments of rescue that offer hope and meaning. The poem ultimately speaks to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for redemption amidst the chaos of life.

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