Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Unknown Color" by Countee Cullen is a brief yet evocative poem that captures a moment of intimate observation and reflection, sparked by the natural phenomenon of the wind and its impact on the senses. Through the recounting of a saying by the speaker's mother, the poem delves into themes of perception, fear, and the invisible forces that shape our experiences.

The poem begins with a setup that immediately draws the reader into a specific memory or piece of advice: "I've often heard my mother say." This introduction not only personalizes the poem but also establishes a connection to wisdom passed down through generations. The mention of "great winds blew across the day" evokes a vivid image of a landscape subject to the powerful, unseen force of the wind, setting the stage for the central metaphor of the poem.

As the poem progresses, Cullen uses the reaction of young pigs to the wind to explore the idea of perceiving and reacting to unseen forces. The description of the pigs, "cuddled close and out of sight," and their reaction, "squealed with sudden fright / Like something speared or javelined," captures a visceral sense of vulnerability and alarm. The pigs' fear is palpable, as is their instinct to seek comfort and safety in closeness, despite the source of their fear being invisible.

The mother's statement, "Poor little pigs, they see the wind," serves as the poem's central and concluding insight. On the surface, it is an empathetic observation of the animals' fear in response to something they cannot understand or see. However, the statement also invites deeper contemplation on the nature of fear and the human (or animal) response to the unknown or unseen. The notion that the pigs "see the wind" is both an imaginative leap and a metaphor for how beings react to the intangible or incomprehensible forces in their lives—whether it be emotions, societal pressures, or the metaphysical.

"The Unknown Color" subtly intertwines the themes of fear, perception, and the unseen, offering a poignant reflection on the broader human experience. Through the simple yet profound observation of animals reacting to the wind, Cullen touches on the universal tendency to fear what cannot be seen or fully understood. The poem is a testament to Cullen's ability to draw significant insight from everyday observations, highlighting the depth and complexity of our interactions with the world around us.

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