Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

June Jordan's "Moving Towards Home" is a searing exploration of violence, loss, and the universal longing for safety and belonging. Through evocative language and powerful imagery, Jordan connects the suffering of Palestinians to broader themes of human rights and dignity, ultimately calling for a return to a sense of home and justice.

The poem opens with a poignant quote from a grieving woman, setting the tone for the lament that follows. This immediate appeal to human empathy underscores the personal devastation experienced during the conflict. Jordan’s refusal to speak about specific atrocities—such as bulldozers covering bodies and nightlong screams—ironically amplifies their horror. The repetition of “Nor do I wish to speak about” serves to build a litany of grief and outrage, creating a rhythm that conveys the inescapable and relentless nature of the violence.

Jordan's choice of imagery is stark and visceral. The bulldozer and red dirt evoke a brutal finality, the screams and cries pierce through the narrative, and the recurring mention of families torn apart highlights the deeply personal impact of the conflict. Each refusal to speak about these events paradoxically draws the reader deeper into the tragedy, making it impossible to look away.

The poem shifts from this detailed recounting of atrocities to a broader indictment of the language and actions of those in power. Phrases like “to purify,” “to exterminate,” and “beasts with two legs” expose the dehumanizing rhetoric that often precedes and accompanies acts of violence. Jordan critiques these euphemisms and the way they sanitize brutality, urging readers to confront the true nature of these acts. This section of the poem serves as a powerful condemnation of the systemic forces that perpetuate violence and oppression.

Jordan’s need “to speak about home” marks a turning point in the poem. Here, she shifts from recounting horrors to envisioning a space of peace and normalcy. The repetition of “I need to speak about living room” emphasizes her longing for a safe, nurturing environment. This living room becomes a symbol of domestic tranquility and a microcosm of a just and humane society. By contrasting the horrors described earlier with this vision of home, Jordan highlights the profound loss experienced by those affected by conflict.

The personal becomes political as Jordan declares, “I was born a Black woman / and now / I am become a Palestinian.” This identification with Palestinian suffering underscores the interconnectedness of all struggles for justice and human rights. Jordan’s use of “relentless laughter of evil” captures the pervasive and mocking nature of injustice, yet her call to “make our way home” offers a glimmer of hope and resistance.

"Moving Towards Home" is not just a lament but a call to action. Jordan’s vivid portrayal of suffering and her insistence on the right to a peaceful home compel readers to consider their own responsibilities in the face of injustice. The poem’s final lines—questioning the whereabouts of loved ones and asserting the need to return home—serve as a powerful reminder of the ultimate goal of all struggles for justice: a place where people can live without fear and with dignity.

In essence, June Jordan’s "Moving Towards Home" is a profound meditation on the impact of violence, the importance of human connection, and the enduring quest for a place of safety and peace. Through her evocative language and passionate advocacy, Jordan encourages us to confront the horrors of the world and to strive for a more just and compassionate society.

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