Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Voice of Col. von Stauffenberg Rising from Purgatory," Donald Justice captures the haunting reflections of a historical figure, Colonel Claus von Stauffenberg, who played a pivotal role in the July 20, 1944, assassination attempt on Adolf Hitler. The poem, delivered from the perspective of von Stauffenberg posthumously, delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and the bittersweet nature of failed heroism.

The poem opens with a quote from General Fellgiebel, which starkly announces the failure of the assassination plot: "Something fearful has happened.... The Führer is alive!" This sets a grim tone, reflecting the despair and hopelessness following the unsuccessful attempt to alter the course of history.

Justice then moves into a serene and reflective tone, depicting the last night von Stauffenberg spent with his brother. "That last night we passed quietly, my brother and I. / We sat talking of poems into the small hours." This intimate moment contrasts sharply with the chaos and violence of their mission. The discussion of poems symbolizes a clinging to culture, intellect, and humanity in the face of impending doom. The "beautiful tall windows" and the "smoke as of some great sacrifice suspended over the city" evoke a sense of tragic grandeur, as if they are witnessing the last vestiges of a world they know they will soon leave behind.

Justice uses vivid imagery to emphasize the finality and solemnity of their last moments. The smoke is described as "suspended over the city," suggesting a stillness and a moment of calm before the storm of their execution. This smoke, likened to that of a "great sacrifice," underscores the magnitude of their actions and the profound consequences they face.

The poem then shifts to the existential contemplation of turning away from God: "And to turn away then, to turn one's back to God, / To cast one's self aside as simply as a child / Discards the doll he has grown weary of ..." This metaphor poignantly captures the sense of abandonment and resignation. Von Stauffenberg’s choice to cast himself aside reflects the ultimate sacrifice of giving up his life for a cause greater than himself, akin to a child outgrowing a toy and moving on, but with far graver implications.

The poem's climax comes with the description of their execution: "They led us out that evening into the courtyard. / There was a mound of earth there, left from the excavations, / Against which they posed us / And it was there that the lights of the parked trucks found us." The scene is stark and somber, with the "lights of the parked trucks" casting an eerie glow, symbolizing the harsh, unforgiving reality of their fate.

The final lines of the poem encapsulate the tragic irony of von Stauffenberg's situation: "All it would ever come to now was grief and a little Gret, / Pride, and the overwhelming regret / That through failure one had been spared for heaven after all." Here, Justice captures the profound sense of regret and the painful recognition that despite their noble intentions, their failure has consigned them to continued suffering. The reference to "a little Gret" (a term of endearment for Margaret) hints at personal loss and the small, intimate pains that accompany larger tragedies.

Justice’s poem, through its delicate balance of personal reflection and historical context, provides a deeply human perspective on von Stauffenberg’s last moments. It highlights the courage and the ultimate sacrifice made by those who stand against tyranny, while also acknowledging the haunting, pervasive sorrow of their failure. The poem resonates with a quiet dignity, capturing the essence of a hero's tragic end and the unresolved grief that lingers in the wake of such monumental events.

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