Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Linda Hogan’s "Gamble" is a sharp, playful exploration of power dynamics, deception, and resilience, particularly through the lens of indigenous culture and gender. Hogan, known for her nuanced depictions of Native American experiences, often intertwines the natural world with human affairs, blending myth, tradition, and modernity. In "Gamble," she juxtaposes the cunning of the crow—a recurring symbol of trickery and intelligence in Native folklore—with the lively spirit of indigenous women who navigate, and subvert, the structures of power imposed upon them. The poem unfolds as both a celebration of survival and a commentary on the inherent risks of life, love, and cultural exchange.

The poem opens with the image of men—“those men with dollars on the mind”—caught in a cycle of routine and vulnerability: “pushed around by Monday / and tricked by Crow.” The phrase “dollars on the mind” immediately establishes these men as materialistic, perhaps representatives of a capitalist mindset that values wealth over deeper, more meaningful connections. Their susceptibility to being “pushed around by Monday” suggests they are not in control of their lives but rather at the mercy of the workweek and societal expectations. The crow, a traditional trickster figure in many Native American cultures, becomes the agent of their downfall, exploiting their superficial focus and exposing their weaknesses.

Hogan’s depiction of the crow is layered and evocative: “tricked by the broken look of Crow’s thin legs. / That hungry Crow. / But its wings, oh! / Oh! and its laughter.” The crow’s “broken look” belies its cunning nature, hinting at the deceptive appearances that fool the unsuspecting. While its legs seem fragile, the crow’s “wings” and “laughter” reveal its true power and vitality. The repetition of “Oh!” adds a sense of wonder and admiration, suggesting that even in its trickery, the crow embodies a kind of wild, untamed beauty. This duality of fragility and strength mirrors the experiences of marginalized groups who, despite appearing vulnerable, possess resilience and resourcefulness.

The crow’s theft of radishes from “those big men’s fingers” transforms a simple act into a metaphor for the broader dynamics of power and deception. The radishes, likely symbolic of something small yet valuable, are snatched from the grasp of men who underestimate the crow’s agility. This act of theft parallels the subsequent description of indigenous women engaging in a “hand game” with white men: “where dark women / deceive white men, singing, / You’re crazy, / bad luck.” The “hand game” is both literal and figurative, representing a traditional game of chance as well as the larger game of navigating and subverting colonial power structures. The women’s playful deception echoes the crow’s trickery, highlighting their ability to turn the tables on those who might otherwise exploit or dismiss them.

The women’s words—“You’re crazy, / bad luck”—are described as “sounding like love songs,” blurring the line between affection and manipulation. This ambiguity adds a layer of complexity to the poem, suggesting that deception is not merely a means of survival but also a form of intimacy and connection. The men, despite being deceived, “pay up / with big grins on their faces,” indicating that they are complicit in the game, perhaps even enjoying the thrill of being outwitted. This complicity reflects the intricate dynamics of power and desire, where the boundaries between oppressor and oppressed, trickster and tricked, are fluid and intertwined.

The poem’s tone shifts from playful to admiring as Hogan focuses on the women: “Those women, oh! / in blue shoes / arm in arm / with their laughter.” The repetition of “Oh!” mirrors the earlier admiration of the crow’s wings, linking the women’s vitality and camaraderie to the crow’s cunning spirit. The “blue shoes” serve as a vivid, almost whimsical detail, grounding the women’s resilience in the tangible world. Their “laughter” becomes a symbol of defiance and joy, a testament to their ability to find strength and solidarity in the face of adversity.

Hogan elevates the women’s power to a cosmic level with the line: “They have even bilked the moon; / that’s why I love them so.” The moon, often associated with femininity, cycles, and mystery, represents a force of nature that is typically beyond human control. By claiming that the women have “bilked the moon,” Hogan suggests that their power transcends earthly confines, positioning them as figures of extraordinary influence and resilience. This cosmic trickery ties back to the theme of the trickster, blending indigenous folklore with contemporary realities.

The poem concludes with a sense of richness and fulfillment: “and why tonight is rich and dark.” The darkness here is not ominous but rather fertile and full of potential, a space where hidden truths and subversive acts flourish. The richness of the night suggests abundance—not of material wealth, but of spirit, community, and resilience. Hogan’s choice to end the poem on this note emphasizes the enduring strength of those who, like the crow and the women, navigate life’s gambles with wit and courage.

Structurally, "Gamble" employs free verse with short, rhythmic lines that mirror the playful, unpredictable nature of the poem’s subject matter. The lack of punctuation and the fluid movement from one image to the next create a sense of spontaneity and momentum, reflecting the dynamics of a game where outcomes are uncertain and constantly shifting. Hogan’s use of repetition—particularly the exclamatory “Oh!”—adds a lyrical quality, infusing the poem with a sense of wonder and admiration.

Thematically, "Gamble" explores the intersections of deception, power, and survival within the contexts of indigenous identity and gender. Hogan celebrates the cunning and resilience of marginalized groups, drawing parallels between traditional trickster figures and contemporary acts of subversion. The poem also delves into the complexities of human interaction, where deception can coexist with affection, and power dynamics are fluid rather than fixed.

In conclusion, "Gamble" is a vibrant, multifaceted exploration of the risks and rewards inherent in life’s games, whether they are played at the level of personal relationships, cultural interactions, or cosmic forces. Through her vivid imagery and playful yet profound tone, Linda Hogan highlights the resilience and ingenuity of those who navigate systems of power with grace and cunning. The poem ultimately affirms the richness of life, not in material wealth, but in the strength, laughter, and solidarity of those who, like the crow and the women, embrace the gamble and emerge victorious.

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