Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sums" by Donald Hall is a historical poem that captures a harrowing moment of execution, reflecting on themes of mortality, brutality, and the visceral reality of death. The poem's archaic language and detailed imagery transport the reader to a different era, providing a stark and immersive depiction of the scene.

The poem begins with a reference to "The Daye-Boke of Adam Raison (1515-1560)," suggesting that the events described are drawn from a historical account. This sets the tone for the narrative, grounding it in a specific time and place.

The opening lines, "From that daye thee Hart strokys his meeter," introduce the central figure—a condemned man being led to his execution. The archaic spelling and syntax create an authentic medieval atmosphere, immersing the reader in the historical context. The phrase "Hart strokys his meeter" suggests a heartbeat, emphasizing the man's final moments of life.

"Kingesguard sette us at Rodesyde while they stepd himm past us in his whyte Veste" describes the preparation for the execution. The condemned man, dressed in a white vest, is led past onlookers, creating a sense of solemnity and ritual. The mention of the "Kingesguard" underscores the official and public nature of the execution.

The next lines, "Necke stode free of its Collare for thee Axe at thee 8e Belle," highlight the vulnerability of the condemned man. His neck, exposed and unprotected, is prepared for the axe, symbolizing the impending finality of his fate. The use of "8e Belle" (the eighth bell) likely refers to the time of the execution, adding a sense of foreboding.

"Somme theyre cryed: 'Kingeslayer Piggeshart!'" captures the crowd's reaction, with some onlookers hurling insults at the condemned man. This detail adds to the chaotic and emotionally charged atmosphere, revealing the harsh judgment and condemnation from the public.

The vivid imagery continues with "Boyes through Turdes striking his Bodye striding—his Feete wide to balance himm, his Handes thongedd thighither-the laste Rodd of his Manhode." This graphic description of the man's walk to the scaffold, with boys throwing filth at him and his wide stance for balance, emphasizes the physical and psychological torment he endures. The phrase "the laste Rodd of his Manhode" poignantly captures his final moments of dignity and strength.

"In his Necke a blew Veyne throbbed thee Hartsblodde onne, and onne— as if to rekkon Summes" shifts the focus to the man's neck, where a blue vein pulses with his lifeblood. The comparison of the vein's throbbing to "rekkon Summes" (reckon sums) suggests a grim tallying of his remaining moments, blending the physical with the metaphorical.

The poem culminates in the execution: "Then Knees bangd on newe Wode of Scaffholde, Axemann gruntyd, glintt of bryght Blade. Blodde-russhe." These lines capture the swift and brutal end, with the man's knees hitting the scaffold, the executioner's grunt, the gleam of the axe, and the rush of blood. The stark and concise language conveys the finality and violence of the act, leaving a powerful and lasting impression.

"Sums" by Donald Hall is a vivid and evocative poem that brings to life a historical moment of execution with intense imagery and archaic language. Through its detailed depiction and emotional resonance, the poem invites readers to reflect on the themes of mortality, brutality, and the enduring impact of historical events on our collective memory.

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