Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Galway Kinnell's "To Christ Our Lord" delves into the themes of nature, survival, and the ethical complexities of hunting, framed within the context of a Christmas celebration. The poem juxtaposes the harsh realities of life in the wild with the spiritual and moral questions that arise from these experiences.

The poem opens with a vivid description of the natural world, where "the legs of the elk punctured the snow's crust" and "wolves floated lightfooted on the land." This imagery sets the stage for the story, highlighting the stark and unforgiving landscape in which both animals and humans must survive. The wolves hunting the "Christmas elk" underscore the relentless cycle of life and death in nature.

Inside a home, the scene shifts to a more domestic and civilized setting. The image of a woman basting a bird over a coal bed contrasts with the cold, snowy exterior. However, even this scene is marked by the cold, as "snow had sealed the windows" and the "Christmas grace chilled the cooked bird." The boy's internal conflict becomes apparent during the long-winded grace, as he contemplates the morality of eating the bird he himself killed.

The boy's experience of killing the bird is described with a mix of reluctance and necessity. He ventures out alone on snowshoes at dawn, and despite his hesitation and the love stirred by the sight of the bird, he ultimately fires his shotgun. The act of killing the bird is depicted as a struggle between his love for the creature and his need for survival. The phrase "the sound / Of wings beating into the hushed air / Had stirred his love" emphasizes his inner turmoil and the inherent violence in the act of hunting.

As the boy eats the bird, he reflects on the morality of his actions. The bird on his plate "stared at his stricken appetite," symbolizing his guilt and the moral weight of taking a life. The grace, which praises his "wicked act," adds to his confusion and sense of wrongdoing. This moment highlights the complex relationship between humans and animals, where love and necessity often collide.

The poem concludes with the boy's continued contemplation under the night sky. He wonders for whom his love stirred as he shot the bird, seeking answers from the stars that "glittered on the snow." The image of the Swan spreading her wings, described as "the pattern and mirror of the acts of earth," suggests a universal connection between all living beings and the cyclical nature of life and death. The Swan, a symbol of beauty and grace, also represents the cold, indifferent universe that offers no easy answers to the boy's moral questions.

"To Christ Our Lord" is a poignant exploration of the ethical dilemmas faced by individuals living close to nature. Kinnell's evocative imagery and careful attention to the boy's internal conflict create a powerful narrative that resonates with themes of survival, guilt, and the search for meaning in a seemingly indifferent world. The poem ultimately reflects on the complexity of human emotions and the moral ambiguities that arise from our interactions with the natural world.

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