Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's poem "Think What We Might Have..." offers a poignant reflection on the interruptions and unfinished endeavors in life, set against the backdrop of the catastrophic eruption of Mount Vesuvius that destroyed Pompeii. Through this historical lens, Wilner explores themes of human frailty, ambition, and the futility of planning in the face of nature's overwhelming power.

The poem opens with a reference to Pompeii, a city famously frozen in time by the volcanic eruption. This serves as a metaphor for the ultimate interruption—nature's indiscriminate force halting all human activity. The inhabitants of Pompeii are depicted as caught in the midst of their everyday lives, leaving their mundane tasks incomplete. The list of unfinished chores—baking bread, putting children to bed, sewing togas, icing wine—emphasizes the ordinary, yet essential aspects of life that were abruptly suspended. This catalogue of daily activities underscores the universal nature of human existence, highlighting how catastrophe can render all plans and efforts meaningless.

Wilner's mention of writing a senator about Rome's corruption and impending war introduces a political dimension, suggesting that even larger societal concerns are powerless against nature's wrath. The eruption is described as "night visiting by day," a striking image that conveys the sudden and total darkness brought by the ash and smoke. This darkness represents both a literal and metaphorical obliteration of the future, as it engulfs the city and its inhabitants.

The focus then shifts to the Poet's House, where the aspiration to create a lasting literary work is thwarted. The image of a dog and the mosaic tile with the inscription "cave canem" (beware of the dog) adds a personal and poignant touch to the scene, symbolizing the domestic tranquility that is shattered by the eruption. The poet, who had hoped to compose a masterpiece that would rival Virgil's and endure for centuries, is silenced by the catastrophic event. This unfulfilled promise of a great poem reflects the broader theme of interrupted ambitions and lost potential.

Wilner's use of "jealous nature" anthropomorphizes the volcano, attributing a sense of intentionality to the natural disaster. The "furious, furnace breath" of Vesuvius metaphorically consumes not just the physical city but also the dreams and plans of its people. The poem thus critiques the notion of human control over destiny, emphasizing the unpredictable and often destructive power of nature.

In the final stanza, the poem shifts to the present-day experience of visiting Pompeii. The tourists' fatigue and disinterest contrast sharply with the gravity of the historical event they are witnessing. The commercialization of the tragedy is evident in the "dozen shops displaying skeletons of bats, the Tears of Christ, and Davids, Davids by the gross," where significant historical and religious symbols are reduced to souvenirs. This commercialization underscores a broader commentary on how contemporary society commodifies and trivializes profound historical experiences.

Wilner's poem ultimately reflects on the fragile nature of human endeavors and the inevitability of interruptions, whether by nature or time. The imagined grand poem, the daily tasks, and the political actions are all suspended, leaving a haunting sense of what might have been. The poem's contemplation of unfinished lives and unfulfilled ambitions serves as a meditation on the transient nature of existence and the enduring impact of sudden, catastrophic events. Through vivid imagery and historical context, Wilner invites readers to consider the limits of human control and the resilience of memory in the face of oblivion.

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