Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Equinox" by Elizabeth Alexander is a poignant and contemplative poem that draws parallels between the natural world and human experience, particularly focusing on themes of life, death, and the passage of time. The poem juxtaposes the erratic behavior of bees at the end of their season with the personal story of the speaker's grandmother, who is nearing the end of her life.

Behavior of Bees as a Metaphor:

The poem opens with a vivid description of bees in late September, their movements wild and erratic as they approach the end of their lives. Alexander uses this imagery to reflect on the urgency and intensity of life as it nears its end. The bees' "dervish" behavior, characterized by fast, looping flights and dive-bombs, symbolizes a final burst of energy and purpose.

Interplay of Life and Death:

The mention of finding "their dried husks in my clothes" serves as a stark reminder of mortality. The bees' final actions, whether to sting or produce honey, symbolize the dual nature of existence, encompassing both pain and sweetness.

Personal Narrative – The Grandmother's Stroke:

The poem then shifts to a personal narrative, recounting an episode where the speaker's grandmother, after suffering a stroke, unexpectedly recovers enough to exhibit a moment of startling vitality and defiance. This incident, where she slaps a nurse, stands up, and lies down in the snow, parallels the bees' final energetic actions, underscoring the unpredictable nature of life and death.

Waiting and Anticipation:

The closing lines of the poem, "Two years later there is no other way to say, we are waiting," convey a sense of anticipation and acceptance. The grandmother, now silent and "light as an empty hive," is still breathing, creating a tension between the inevitability of death and the lingering presence of life.

Themes of Resilience and Transition:

Throughout the poem, Alexander explores themes of resilience in the face of mortality and the transitions that mark the end of life. The equinox, a time of year when day and night are of equal length, serves as a fitting metaphor for this balance between life and death, activity and stillness.

In summary, "Equinox" by Elizabeth Alexander is a deeply moving poem that uses the natural phenomenon of bees' end-of-season behavior as a metaphor to explore human mortality and the complex emotions surrounding the decline and impending loss of a loved one. The poem's vivid imagery and the interweaving of natural and personal narratives create a powerful reflection on the cycles of life and the poignant moments that define our experiences of love, loss, and waiting.

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