Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Lamentations" by Rita Dove is a poignant meditation on existence, pain, and the acceptance of life with all its complexities. Through evocative imagery and a command to engage with the world, Dove navigates themes of darkness and light, emptiness and fulfillment, weaving a narrative that both acknowledges the suffering inherent in life and urges an embrace of its offerings.

The poem opens with an imperative: "Throw open the shutters / to your darkened residences." This action symbolizes a willingness to confront and engage with the world outside, despite the initial darkness that might make us hesitant. The imagery of opening shutters to a "darkened" space suggests that we often shield ourselves from the harsh realities of life, preferring the comfort of the dark, unknown, and unseen.

Dove then introduces the sound of pipes playing, a metaphor that conjures both the beauty and sadness of life. The music is described as having "hunger," a powerful personification that enhances the intensity of the sound, making it something that not only fills the air but also demands attention and response. The "olive branches" trembling at the sound evoke a scene filled with both peace and disturbance, reflecting the dual nature of existence.

The choice "To hear them sighing and not answer / is to deny this world" positions the act of listening and responding as essential to truly living. Ignoring the call of life's complexities is equated with a descent "rung by rung into no loss and no desire," suggesting a life void of both pain and passion, which Dove implies is a lesser existence.

The "Listen:" that follows serves as a hinge in the poem, urging the reader to pay attention to what follows, described as "empty yet full, silken / air and brute tongue." This paradox captures the essence of life’s contradictions—how experiences and sensations can be simultaneously void and rich, gentle and harsh. The description of the pipes' message is cryptic yet profound: "To refuse to be born is one thing— / but once you are here, / you’d do well to stop crying / and suck the good milk in." This statement, with its biblical resonance, underscores the inevitability of birth and the necessity of making the most out of life once we are part of it. The "good milk" symbolizes life's nourishments and opportunities, suggesting that despite the initial cries (or complaints and sorrows), there is richness to be had.

Overall, "Lamentations" by Rita Dove uses the act of opening up to the world and heeding its complexities as a metaphor for engaging with life fully. By juxtaposing the imagery of darkness with the call of the pipes, Dove illustrates the choice between withdrawal and engagement, between a half-life and a life fully embraced. The poem is a call to action, to live with eyes and ears open, ready to receive and respond to the vast array of experiences life has to offer.

POEM TEXT: https://persimmontree.org/winter-2012/twelve-poems/

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...