Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Maxine W. Kumin’s "Excrement Poem" delves into the often-ignored yet universal process of waste elimination, treating it with a mixture of frankness, humor, and a touch of reverence. The poem begins with an acknowledgment of the shared nature of excretion, placing humans within the continuum of life from the "least cast of worm" to the immense droppings of a brontosaur. This comparison immediately sets a tone that is both earthy and cosmic, grounding the reader in the everyday act while hinting at the grandeur and scale of life’s processes.

The imagery of "the brontosaur, say, spoor of considerable heft, something awesome" introduces an element of awe and respect for the natural processes that sustain life. The use of the word "awesome" conveys both the enormity and the wonder of these biological functions. This reverence continues as Kumin describes the routine of dealing with horse manure, where the mundane task of shoveling excrement becomes a moment of reflection on survival and the cycle of life.

Kumin’s detailed description of handling horse manure—"drawing the risen brown buns / toward me, fresh from the horse oven" and "culling the alfalfa-green ones, expelled / in a state of ooze"—captures the tactile and sensory aspects of the task. The imagery is vivid, almost visceral, yet Kumin’s tone remains matter-of-fact, highlighting the naturalness of these processes. The comparison of fresh manure to "buns" and "putty" brings a touch of humor and domesticity to the scene, making the reader more comfortable with a subject that is often considered taboo.

The poet's thoughts as she works—considering the "angle of repose the manure pile assumes," the sparrows picking at the grain, and the mushrooms that spring up—illustrate how waste contributes to the broader ecosystem. The "inky-cap / coprinus mushrooms" and the sparrows feeding on the grain highlight the interconnectedness of all life forms, where waste becomes nourishment and a part of the natural cycle. This perspective transforms the act of shoveling manure from a chore into an engagement with the cycles of nature.

Kumin reflects on the inevitability and necessity of excretion, recognizing it as a continuous process that ensures the survival and continuity of life. "What drops from us and must then / be moved to make way for the next and next" underscores the cyclical nature of existence, where waste is not an end but a part of ongoing life. This idea is further emphasized by the final lines, where Kumin acknowledges the mess and pollution humans create—"we stain the world, spatter / it with our leavings, make stenches, defile / the great formal oceans"—yet finds a note of resilience and continuity in the process.

The poem concludes with a powerful affirmation of life’s persistence: "I honor shit for saying: We go on." This closing line encapsulates the poem’s central theme—despite the mess and waste inherent in existence, life continues. Kumin elevates the mundane act of waste elimination to a metaphor for survival and endurance, finding dignity and continuity in an otherwise humble subject.

In "Excrement Poem," Kumin masterfully combines candidness, humor, and profound reflection to explore the universal and natural process of excretion. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful contemplation, she invites the reader to reconsider their relationship with the natural world and to find beauty and meaning in life’s most basic functions. The poem is a testament to the resilience of life and a celebration of the cycles that sustain it.

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