Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Summing Up" by Claribel Alegría is a reflective and poignant poem that encapsulates the significant moments in the poet's life, highlighting the diverse experiences that have shaped her journey. In this piece, Alegría weaves together a tapestry of memories, ranging from personal milestones to historical events, to paint a picture of a life lived with intensity and emotional depth.

The poem opens with "In the sixty-three years / I have lived," setting the stage for a retrospective look at the poet's life. This introduction emphasizes the passage of time and the accumulation of experiences that define a person's existence.

Alegría then delves into a series of vivid, "electric" moments that have left an indelible mark on her. These include the simple joy of "jumping puddles," a mystical experience at Machu Picchu, and the anxious anticipation of a loved one's death. Each moment is distinct, yet together they form a mosaic of human experience, encompassing joy, wonder, anxiety, and sorrow.

The poet also touches on significant historical and personal events, such as "the ten minutes it took / to lose my virginity," a moment of personal transition and the "hoarse voice / announcing the assassination / of Archbishop Romero," a reference to a tragic event in Latin American history. These moments signify the intersections of personal history with larger historical narratives.

Alegría mentions "fifteen minutes in Delft" and "the first wail of my daughter," moments that capture the beauty of travel and the profound experience of motherhood. These experiences contribute to the richness of her life's journey.

The line "I don’t know how many years yearning / for the liberation of my people" reflects Alegría's deep connection to her homeland and her longing for social and political change. This line shows her empathy and commitment to broader social causes.

"Certain immortal deaths / the eyes of that starving child / your eyes bathing me in love / one forget-me-not afternoon" - these lines juxtapose the pain of witnessing suffering, the warmth of love, and the beauty of cherished memories. They illustrate the range of emotions and experiences that one encounters in life.

The closing desire "to mold myself / into a verse / a cry / a fleck of foam" speaks to Alegría's aspiration to transform her life experiences into art, to distill her essence into something lasting and impactful.

In "Summing Up," Claribel Alegría masterfully captures the essence of a life lived fully, with all its complexities and contradictions. The poem is a testament to the power of memory and the importance of the moments, both big and small, that shape our lives. Through her poetic narrative, Alegría invites readers to reflect on their own life experiences and the moments that have defined them. The poem is a reminder of the transient yet profound nature of human existence and the enduring impact of our experiences on our identity and perception of the world.

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