Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Carol Frost’s poem "Crows" delves into the primal, instinctual facets of human nature through a narrative that intertwines violence, the natural world, and personal introspection. The poem's protagonist, a woman driven to the edge by the incessant cawing of crows, embarks on a journey that reveals deeper layers of her psyche and the innate connection between humanity and the wild.

The poem begins with the woman stepping out "just after sunrise / into the morning green of the grassy earth," creating a serene yet charged atmosphere. Her nightgown, a symbol of domesticity and vulnerability, contrasts sharply with the "gun cradled lightly across her forearms." This juxtaposition sets the stage for the exploration of her internal conflict and her breaking point.

The crows, "which have waked her," serve as the catalyst for her action. Their "darkly solitary shape flaring / through the naves of alder and beech" and their calls pull her into the woods, embodying both a literal and metaphorical disturbance. The crows represent her disrupted peace and the embodiment of her frustrations and rage.

The poem then reveals her motive: "Those who have disturbed her sleep all month she means to kill, / for sleep is sacred, and private." Sleep, a fundamental human need, is depicted as something holy and inviolable. Her reaction to its disturbance is one of primal protectiveness, a need to reclaim this sacred space.

Despite her violent intent, she initially finds herself in a contemplative state, pondering the boundaries of life: "How far life reaches and where night and morning meet." This thought underscores the interconnectedness of life cycles and the fluid transition between night and day, echoing her own journey from domestic tranquility to primal aggression.

The sudden appearance of a deer brings her back to the immediacy of her actions. The deer, emerging "from the mist" and becoming a target, represents innocence and the unexpected intersections of life. Her decision to shoot the deer, striking it in the shoulder, marks a pivotal moment where thought translates into violent action.

The aftermath of her shot is chaotic and revelatory: "It falls, but when she leans into that remoteness—brown and still, its legs in the / air—it rolls to the right and springs away." The deer's escape signifies the elusive nature of violence's resolution and the difficulty of containing its consequences.

The woman's pursuit of the wounded deer is driven by an intrinsic recognition: "There is on her now what she can know only by violence." This line captures the transformative impact of her actions, revealing a deep-seated connection to the natural and violent aspects of existence. The sensory details—"fur, warmed earth, grass, blood"—immerse her in the raw reality of life and death, stripping away the veneer of civilized detachment.

As she follows the deer, the crows' raspings underscore the persistent presence of the wild and untamed. The poem concludes with a poignant acknowledgment of her dual nature: "—what has / reposed all along in the part of her that isn't and is beast." This final reflection recognizes the coexistence of human and animal instincts within her, highlighting the complexity and duality of her identity.

"Crows" by Carol Frost is a powerful exploration of the thin line between civilization and savagery. Through its rich imagery and introspective narrative, the poem delves into the primal urges that lie beneath the surface of human behavior, examining how moments of disruption can unveil the raw and instinctual aspects of our nature. Frost's portrayal of the woman's journey is both unsettling and enlightening, inviting readers to reflect on their own inner conflicts and the deep-seated connections to the natural world.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Venus_and_Don_Juan/SMw6m_pC274C?q=&gbpv=1&bsq=CROWS#f=false

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