Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "Familial" captures the warmth and complexity of family life, blending moments of comfort and connection with reflections on aging and mortality. Through vivid imagery and thoughtful introspection, Matthews explores the interplay between everyday experiences and deeper existential questions.

The poem opens with a serene domestic scene: "When the kitchen is lit by lilacs / and everyone's list is crumpled or forgot." This image of a kitchen filled with the fragrance of lilacs and the carefree abandonment of to-do lists sets a tone of ease and contentment. It suggests a moment where the burdens of daily responsibilities are set aside, allowing for a more spontaneous and organic expression of love and connection.

Matthews compares the family's energy to that of an anthill: "when love seems to work without plans and to use, like an anthill, all its frenetic / extra energy." This simile highlights the natural, almost instinctual way in which love and familial bonds operate, driven by an inherent vitality and purpose. The image of holding "like a mugful of cooling tea, my grandmother's advice: Don't ever / grow old" juxtaposes the bustling activity with a moment of quiet reflection and wisdom passed down through generations.

The speaker acknowledges his resistance to this advice: "But I'm disobedient / to the end, eager to have overcome something, to be laved by this light, / to have gone to the heaven of grown-ups." This desire to experience and conquer the challenges of life, despite the inevitability of aging, reflects a deeper longing for growth and accomplishment. The phrase "to be laved by this light" suggests a yearning for enlightenment and fulfillment that comes with maturity and the acceptance of life's impermanence.

As the poem continues, the speaker expresses a desire for order and place: "I want my place in line, the way / each word in this genial chatter has its place. That's why we call it / grammar school, where we learn to behave." This line underscores the importance of structure and belonging, both in language and in life. The reference to "grammar school" serves as a metaphor for the lessons we learn about social behavior and the formation of our identities within the family and society.

Matthews then contemplates the allure of heaven and the continuation of familial bonds in the afterlife: "I understand why everyone wants to go up to heaven, to rise, / like a ship through a curriculum / of locks, into the eternal light of talk after dinner." The imagery of a ship passing through locks conveys a sense of progression and elevation, mirroring the journey of life toward a hoped-for reunion and eternal communion. The "eternal light of talk after dinner" evokes a scene of everlasting conversation and connection, free from the constraints of time and mortality.

However, the speaker questions the fear of death: "What I don't / understand is why one would balk to die / if death were entry to such heaven." This rhetorical question challenges the common dread of death by presenting it as a gateway to a continuation of the familial warmth and togetherness experienced in life. It suggests that if the afterlife promises the same kind of joy and connection, then the fear of death may be unfounded.

"Familial" by William Matthews is a poignant and introspective meditation on the nature of family, aging, and the human desire for continuity and belonging. Through its rich imagery and thoughtful reflections, the poem invites readers to consider the deeper meanings of their everyday experiences and the wisdom found in familial bonds. Matthews' exploration of the tension between the desire to live fully and the acceptance of mortality resonates with the universal human condition, offering a comforting perspective on the journey of life and beyond.

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