Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Forrest Gander’s poem “Face of Another” immerses the reader in a haunting, war-torn landscape, where the visceral reality of battle coexists with the poignant yearnings of soldiers. Through a series of evocative images and a narrative that blends historical detail with lyrical reflection, Gander explores the physical and emotional toll of war, as well as the profound human connections that persist even in the midst of conflict.

The poem begins with a scene of soldiers encamped: “Pitched around small fires run through with wind, soldiers snore. / Torches splash their tents with simulacra of rifles tethered to bamboo, stiff men dropping dice.” The imagery here is vivid and immediate, capturing the weariness of soldiers who, even in sleep, are surrounded by the symbols of war. The torches casting shadows of rifles on the tents create a haunting visual, a reminder of the omnipresent violence.

The poem then shifts focus to the unconscious actions of the soldiers: “Some spit in their sleep. / Along the shallow moat / the lifeless shift like swollen fish.” This simile compares the bodies of the fallen to swollen fish, emphasizing the grim and dehumanizing effects of war. The shallow moat, a barrier intended for protection, becomes a resting place for the lifeless, further highlighting the futility and horror of conflict.

Gander introduces a personal element with the image of a letter home: “A letter home: the moon whole.” This brief, serene image stands in stark contrast to the surrounding chaos, offering a glimpse of the soldiers’ longing for normalcy and connection. The moon, a symbol of constancy and beauty, serves as a silent witness to the soldiers’ suffering and their yearning for peace.

The character of Tokugawa is introduced, providing a focal point for the poem’s exploration of individual experience within the broader context of war: “Cross-legged, massive right forearm planted on a stool, Tokugawa pulls his mustache absently like a woman opening and closing an exquisite fan.” This detailed description conveys Tokugawa’s physical presence and his introspective state. The comparison to a woman with a fan adds a layer of delicacy and introspection, contrasting with the harshness of the war environment.

Tokugawa’s longing to hear the enemy flute underscores the human desire for connection, even with those deemed adversaries: “He aches to hear the enemy flute, his soldierly eyelids crust / with snow.” The snow on his eyelids suggests a frozen, numbing effect, both literally and metaphorically, as he waits for a sound that humanizes the enemy. The music becomes a bridge between opposing sides, a shared moment of beauty amidst the brutality.

As the poem progresses, the soldiers’ reactions to the flutist’s music are described: “The staffs that mark his chair rattle in the dirt. When the flutist mounts the wall, those awake halt their conversation to listen. / Others waken.” The music has a unifying effect, momentarily halting conversations and waking those asleep, demonstrating its power to transcend the immediate circumstances of war.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of connection and yearning: “Inside the fortress, men hear the same music in sleep, grappling their wives.” This final line bridges the physical and emotional divide, showing that the music reaches even those far removed from the battlefield. The soldiers, in their dreams, hold onto their loved ones, illustrating the deep and enduring bonds that sustain them through the horrors of war.

“Face of Another” is a profound exploration of the human condition in wartime, highlighting the contrasts between violence and beauty, separation and connection. Gander’s masterful use of imagery and narrative creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to reflect on the complexities of conflict and the enduring power of human connection. The poem’s blend of historical detail and lyrical reflection offers a poignant reminder of the shared humanity that persists even in the most trying circumstances.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Rush_to_the_Lake/ESa3DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1

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