Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "One Soldier" is a poignant and introspective reflection on the impact of a soldier's presence and absence on the speaker's life. The poem intertwines themes of war, solitude, and the creative power of poetry, using vivid imagery and emotional depth to convey the profound connection between the speaker and the soldier.

The poem begins with the speaker's thoughts of the soldier enveloping them in a sense of profound loneliness: "When I think of him, midnight / Opens about me, and I am more alone." The metaphor of midnight opening suggests a vast, encompassing darkness that symbolizes both the physical absence of the soldier and the emotional void it creates. This solitude, however, is not entirely devoid of life; it is within this midnight that "poems flower from the bone," indicating that the speaker's creativity and poetic inspiration are deeply rooted in this experience of loss and remembrance.

The imagery of "flower from the bone" evokes a sense of beauty emerging from something stark and skeletal, suggesting that poetry arises from the most fundamental and raw aspects of human experience. This transformation from bone to flower highlights the power of poetry to turn pain and emptiness into something meaningful and beautiful.

The poem then shifts to a more concrete memory of the soldier: "You came to me bearing the truth in your two hands; / I sit and look down at my hand like an astonished / Fortune-teller, seeing the mortal flesh." The soldier's arrival with "the truth" symbolizes a moment of profound revelation or understanding. The speaker's reaction, comparing themselves to a fortune-teller surprised by their own vision, underscores the shock and clarity of this truth, as well as the recognition of their own mortality and the tangible presence of the soldier.

The following lines reflect on the soldier's determination and the shared sense of purpose that existed before and during the war: "Your wish was strong the first day of the war / For it had been strong before, and then we knew / All that I had to be, you had to do." This passage suggests a deep, pre-existing bond and mutual understanding between the speaker and the soldier. Their destinies are intertwined, with the soldier's actions and sacrifices during the war reflecting the speaker's own aspirations and duties.

In the closing lines, the poem returns to a more intimate and tender moment: "Once when you stood before me, kisses rose / About my lips; poems at my lips rise, / Your live belief fills midnight and my eyes." The image of kisses rising about the speaker's lips signifies a moment of love and connection, which in turn inspires poetry. The soldier's "live belief" and presence infuse the darkness of midnight with a sense of purpose and vision, transforming solitude into a space where poetry can flourish.

"One Soldier" captures the complex interplay between love, loss, and creativity. Rukeyser's use of rich imagery and emotional resonance creates a powerful depiction of how the memory and influence of a loved one can inspire profound poetic expression. The poem highlights the soldier's enduring impact on the speaker, demonstrating how personal connections and shared experiences can transcend physical absence and continue to shape one's inner world and artistic output. Through this intimate exploration, Rukeyser emphasizes the enduring power of human connection and the transformative potential of poetry.

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