Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jane Kenyon's poem "Back" poignantly captures the experience of returning to a semblance of normalcy after a period of illness or turmoil. Through the use of vivid similes and evocative imagery, Kenyon explores themes of recovery, memory, and the comforting familiarity of home.

The poem begins with the introduction of a new treatment: “We try a new drug, a new combination of drugs, and suddenly I fall into my life again.” This line immediately establishes the speaker’s medical journey and the transformative impact of finding the right treatment. The phrase “fall into my life again” suggests a sudden and almost miraculous return to a previous state of being, highlighting the profound relief and renewal that effective treatment can bring.

Kenyon then employs a striking simile to describe this return: “like a vole picked up by a storm then dropped three valleys / and two mountains away from home.” This comparison to a small, disoriented animal emphasizes the speaker’s dislocation and struggle during the period of illness. The image of being carried away by a storm underscores the uncontrollable and chaotic nature of their experience, while the mention of “three valleys and two mountains” evokes a sense of distance and hardship.

Despite the disorientation, the speaker expresses a determined hope: “I can find my way back.” This assertion conveys a sense of resilience and certainty. The speaker's confidence in recognizing familiar landmarks and routines symbolizes the comforting power of memory and the inherent connection to one’s past life: “I know I will recognize the store / where I used to buy milk and gas.”

The poem then transitions into a series of cherished memories that anchor the speaker: “I remember the house and barn, the rake, the blue cups and plates, the Russian novels I loved so much, / and the black silk nightgown that he once thrust / into the toe of my Christmas stocking.” Each of these items carries a personal and emotional significance, painting a picture of a life rich with ordinary yet deeply meaningful details. The mention of “Russian novels” suggests a love for literature and intellectual engagement, while the “black silk nightgown” introduces a touch of intimacy and personal history.

In "Back," Jane Kenyon masterfully captures the complex emotions of returning to normalcy after a period of upheaval. Through her precise and evocative language, she conveys the profound relief and joy of regaining one's life and the comfort found in familiar routines and cherished memories. The poem serves as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of memory in reconnecting us to our sense of self and place in the world.

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