Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's poem "Blinks" is a poignant, humorous, and unflinchingly honest exploration of the challenges and nuances of living with and caring for someone who is blind. Field uses humor and irony to navigate sensitive issues, addressing misconceptions, prejudices, and the daily frustrations both the blind and their caregivers face.

The poem begins with a dark joke about a Helen Keller doll that "walks into the wall," establishing the tone for Field’s approach. He acknowledges that “all blind jokes are anti-blind” but adds that "you’ve got to watch them like a hawk," emphasizing the vigilance required when caring for a blind person. This vigilance is personal, as the narrator is responsible for steering his blind companion.

Navigating societal perceptions of their relationship is a recurring theme. The narrator must guide the blind person discreetly because “being blind doesn’t make him less of a WASP,” meaning that the companion does not want to appear vulnerable or in need of help. The narrator often finds himself "taken for the blink," as people mistake him for the one who is blind. Their unconventional way of walking together raises eyebrows in America, where “everything between men / is interpreted as sexual.”

The poem tackles misconceptions about blindness and sexuality. The narrator recounts how a truck driver shouted, "Hey, watch out! AIDS!" at them, as if touching someone’s shoulder could transmit the virus. In this way, Field touches on the ignorance and prejudice that still surround HIV/AIDS.

Field weaves in several jokes throughout the poem, balancing humor with the underlying seriousness of societal misconceptions. For instance, he shares a story about a blind man rewarding his guide dog despite nearly being led into traffic. The man replies to a concerned passerby that he needs to find the dog’s mouth so he can “kick his ass.” Another joke involves Helen Keller’s parents punishing her by making her “read the waffle iron.” These jokes reveal a coping mechanism and critique how humor is used to mask discomfort around disabilities.

The narrator reflects on the attitudes people have toward the blind, categorizing them into two groups: HB (Horror of the Blind) and AB (Adoration of the Blind). He describes the discomfort many feel when faced with blindness: “Who wants to have to think about such a calamity!” The adoration group, particularly prevalent among African-Americans, often extends excessive sympathy, stopping drug deals to help the blind man cross a broken sidewalk. This overprotection can be frustrating, as the blind companion is “perfectly able” to give directions and manage his surroundings.

The narrator, as the "sighted guide," finds fulfillment in helping his blind companion but also grapples with frustration when his guidance isn’t appreciated or when the blind man fails to understand simple instructions. He describes the pride and anger that come with the role: “How powerful, clever, useful, and virtuous / that makes me feel… / and then furious / when he isn’t grateful.” The narrator’s role as a caregiver brings a sense of purpose but also fatigue and resentment, leading him to identify at times as both a "helper" and a "slave."

Despite the frustrations, the narrator admits to having an "incurable case of AB," finding his purpose in life through caregiving after years of loneliness and depression. He compares his dedication to that of seeing-eye dogs, acknowledging that unlike the dogs, he cannot retire to a farm when he is old and tired: “I’ll probably drop dead in harness.”

Structurally, the poem is long and written in free verse, allowing Field to navigate the myriad emotions and situations with fluidity and nuance. The conversational tone creates an intimate atmosphere, drawing the reader into the narrator's world.

In summary, "Blinks" is a multifaceted exploration of blindness, caregiving, and societal perceptions. Edward Field masterfully blends humor with empathy to convey the frustrations, joys, and complexities of living with and caring for someone who is blind. The poem serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges faced by both the blind and their caregivers and the importance of understanding, acceptance, and genuine connection.

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