Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Alicia Suskin Ostriker's poem "Grandchild" is a tender and intimate portrayal of a moment shared between a grandparent and their grandchild. The poem captures the simplicity and purity of childhood, while also reflecting on the profound joy and spiritual connection that such moments can evoke in the older generation. Through its straightforward language and vivid imagery, the poem explores themes of innocence, love, and the cyclical nature of life.

The poem begins with the speaker recounting the simple activities they share with their grandchild: "I take her to the park, I swing her in the little swing / Help her on the slide, lotion her face and arms against the sun." These lines are filled with the loving attentiveness that characterizes the relationship between a grandparent and grandchild. The speaker’s actions—swinging the child, helping her on the slide, and protecting her from the sun—are everyday tasks, yet they are imbued with a sense of care and affection. The specificity of the details, such as "lotion her face and arms," emphasizes the tactile, nurturing bond that the speaker feels, highlighting the physical connection between them.

As the grandchild "runs around in her little bluejeans," the poem evokes the image of a carefree, active child, full of energy and curiosity. The bluejeans, a common and practical garment for children, serve as a symbol of the child’s grounded, unpretentious nature. This image of the child running freely also represents the boundless potential and vitality of youth, in contrast to the more reflective, measured pace of the grandparent.

The setting of the poem, with "the sun... getting higher, as it does every morning," suggests the passage of time and the routine nature of these shared moments. The rising sun can be seen as a metaphor for the child’s growth and development, with each day bringing new experiences and milestones. The "dusty and warm" air adds a sensory dimension to the scene, creating a sense of comfort and familiarity, as if this is a cherished ritual for the speaker.

The line "My God the soul you gave me is pure" introduces a moment of spiritual reflection. The speaker’s exclamation of "My God" can be read as both an expression of awe at the child’s innocence and a prayer of gratitude for the gift of life itself. The reference to the soul as "pure" underscores the idea that the child represents a kind of untainted, uncorrupted goodness that the speaker feels blessed to witness and be a part of. This line also suggests that the grandparent sees something divine or sacred in the child, a reminder of the inherent beauty and simplicity of life.

The poem concludes with a moment of excitement and connection, as the grandchild, upon seeing another child, "points excitedly and shouts: baby!" This reaction encapsulates the essence of childhood—an eagerness to connect with others, a sense of wonder at the presence of another young life. The grandchild’s joyful exclamation, "baby!" highlights the natural innocence and openness of children, who see the world with fresh eyes and a pure heart. It also suggests the cyclical nature of life, as the grandchild recognizes in another child the same qualities of youth and vitality that she herself embodies.

"Grandchild" is a beautifully simple yet deeply resonant poem that captures the essence of a fleeting moment shared between generations. Through its vivid imagery and heartfelt language, the poem explores the themes of love, innocence, and the passage of time. Ostriker’s portrayal of the grandchild’s innocence and the grandparent’s profound sense of gratitude and spiritual connection creates a moving reflection on the joys of life and the continuity of human experience. The poem serves as a reminder of the purity and beauty that can be found in everyday moments, especially those shared with loved ones across the generations.

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