Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Karen Fleur Adcock's "Counting" is a tender exploration of the complexities of maternal love, the intimate ritual of inspecting a newborn, and the deep emotional shifts that accompany the arrival of a child. Through its meticulous attention to detail and understated humor, the poem captures both the profound joy and the subtle anxieties that define parenthood, weaving a narrative of love, gratitude, and acceptance.

The poem begins with the traditional act of counting fingers, a gesture that underscores the universal instinct of parents to ensure their baby's completeness and perfection. The phrase "it's traditional" introduces a conversational tone, grounding the reader in the everyday reality of childbirth. The counting of fingers is not merely a physical act but a symbolic reassurance, a way of connecting with the newborn while also confirming their wholeness. This ritual becomes a gateway into the poem’s deeper themes of scrutiny, imperfection, and the overwhelming gratitude of having a healthy child.

Adcock situates the reader firmly within the immediacy of the birthing moment, referencing the "slimy surprise" and the exact time of birth, "2.13 a.m." The specificity of the details mirrors the heightened awareness of new parents, for whom every moment feels monumental. The use of "slimy surprise" adds a touch of humor and realism, balancing the poem’s emotional weight with a sense of groundedness. Sister's instruction to "Remember the time" emphasizes the ritualistic nature of the event, while also hinting at the societal expectations placed on mothers to cherish and document every detail of their child’s life.

As the poem progresses, the focus shifts from the newborn's arrival to the speaker's quiet, almost obsessive observations of their child. The act of "fumbling under the gown" to inspect the baby’s feet and count their toes becomes a continuation of the initial counting ritual, extending the sense of awe and meticulous care. The reference to the mother’s embroidered gown, reminiscent of the speaker’s own baby clothes, creates a generational link, emphasizing the continuity of maternal love and the shared rituals of parenthood.

The introduction of the detail about the baby’s ears, "One has an extra whorl in it," introduces a moment of vulnerability and self-consciousness. Sister’s reassurance, "No one will notice," contrasts sharply with the mother’s heightened sensitivity: "You notice like mad. You keep on noticing." This hyper-awareness reflects the profound attachment of the speaker to their child, as well as the tendency of parents to magnify perceived flaws. The ear becomes a symbol of the child’s individuality, a minor imperfection that paradoxically deepens the speaker’s connection to them.

The juxtaposition of the speaker’s gratitude with the news of tragedy in the next ward adds a poignant layer to the poem. The mention of a stillbirth, or perhaps "something worse," reminds the speaker—and the reader—of the fragility of life and the extraordinary gift of a healthy child. The line "You lie there, bleeding gratefully" captures the physical toll of childbirth alongside the profound emotional gratitude that overshadows the pain. The comparison to winning the "Nobel Prize, and the VC, and the State Lottery" humorously emphasizes the speaker’s sense of triumph and privilege, as if their child’s survival is an extraordinary victory.

The poem's narrative arc extends beyond the immediate postpartum period, charting the baby’s growth and the speaker’s evolving relationship with their child. The act of counting transitions into a lifelong habit of observation and quiet pride, as the speaker notes the child’s developmental milestones and eventual independence. The repeated refrain of noticing, particularly the ears, underscores the persistence of parental vigilance and love, even as the child grows and others cease to see their perceived imperfections.

The poem’s final lines bring the narrative full circle, reflecting on the child’s maturity and the continuation of life through their own children. The description of the child as having "beautiful children" suggests a sense of closure and fulfillment, as the speaker witnesses the continuation of their family line. The imperfections that once seemed so significant—"No one ever notices his ears"—fade into irrelevance, replaced by the enduring beauty of the child’s character and legacy.

Adcock’s use of structure and tone enhances the poem’s intimacy and relatability. The conversational style invites the reader into the speaker’s private world, while the chronological progression mirrors the natural unfolding of a parent-child relationship. The humor interwoven with moments of poignancy reflects the duality of parenthood: its joys are tempered by anxieties, its mundane rituals suffused with profound meaning.

"Counting" is ultimately a celebration of imperfection and unconditional love. It captures the profound shift in perspective that accompanies parenthood, where the minutiae of a child’s being become a source of wonder and the imperfections that once seemed glaring are embraced as part of their unique identity. Adcock’s poem reminds us that love, at its core, is not about perfection but about the act of noticing, cherishing, and celebrating the small details that make each individual extraordinary.

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