Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"First Book of Odes: 35" by Basil Bunting is a deeply moving and evocative poem that grapples with themes of suffering, neglect, and the collective responsibility for the pain and loss within society. Through stark imagery and poignant reflections, Bunting invites the reader into a meditation on the visibility of suffering, the nature of compassion, and the consequences of societal actions and inactions.

The poem opens with a haunting image of searching "under every veil" for the "pale eyes, pale lips of a sick child," immediately setting a tone of urgency and distress. This visual motif of searching suggests an attempt to uncover and acknowledge the suffering that is often hidden or ignored within society. The "sick child" serves as a powerful symbol of vulnerability and innocence afflicted by circumstances beyond control, a figure that evokes a deep sense of empathy and sorrow.

The description of the child's "reluctant limbs" and the absence of kindness and gentle touch in her life further accentuates the theme of neglect and the profound isolation experienced by those who suffer. Bunting's depiction of a world in which "caress and kiss come nightly more amiss" reveals a stark disconnection between the need for love and the reality of its absence, underscoring the child's alienation from human warmth and comfort.

The poem then shifts to a reflective and accusatory tone with the lines "Say: Done, past help, preordained waste." This declaration introduces the notion of resignation to fate and the dismissal of the child's suffering as inevitable, challenging the reader to confront the moral implications of such indifference. Bunting's use of "Say" serves as a call to acknowledge and vocalize the harsh truths of societal failure and the devaluation of human life.

Further intensifying this critique, Bunting draws a parallel between the individual suffering of the child and the broader consequences of violence and conflict, as evidenced by the reference to "the dead they mourn, their bloodshed, the maimed who are the free." This juxtaposition highlights the paradox of freedom attained at the cost of immense suffering and loss, questioning the very foundations upon which societies build their notions of liberty and justice.

The poem culminates in a powerful admission of collective guilt with "We willed it, we," implicating society as a whole in the perpetuation of suffering. This acknowledgment is immediately followed by a moment of self-doubt—"Say: Who am I to doubt?"—which is quickly countered by the visceral response of "every vein" crying out. This final line captures the inescapable nature of compassion and the human instinct to respond to pain, suggesting that despite attempts to rationalize or ignore suffering, the body and soul inherently recognize and rebel against injustice.

"First Book of Odes: 35" is a profound and challenging poem that wrestles with the complexities of human empathy, the visibility of suffering, and the ethical responsibilities we bear towards one another. Through its haunting imagery and reflective tone, Bunting crafts a narrative that is both a lament for the lost and a call to action, urging readers to confront the realities of pain and to question their role in its perpetuation or alleviation. The poem stands as a testament to the power of poetry to illuminate the darkest aspects of human experience and to foster a deeper understanding of our collective humanity.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Complete_Poems/AWq5rlXayfgC?q=BUNTING+%22Dear+be+still!+Time%27s+start+of+us+lengthens+slowly%22&gbpv=1#f=false

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