Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser’s "Cats and a Cock" is a richly layered poem that weaves together themes of resistance, transformation, and the continuous struggle for freedom and unity. Dedicated to Eleanor Clark, the poem presents a narrative that moves fluidly between images of nature, social struggle, and personal reflection, ultimately highlighting the resilience and perseverance required in the face of adversity.

The poem begins with a vivid scene: "What hill can ever hold us? / Standing high / we saw December packed, snow upon snow," setting the stage with an image of an expansive, snow-covered landscape. This serves as a metaphor for the challenges and obstacles that lie ahead. The imagery of "cars, leaping in beams below" and "the shadow of the trees in fans / enormous on the plain" evokes a sense of movement and change, emphasizing the dynamic nature of the journey the speaker and their companions are undertaking.

Rukeyser introduces a pack of cats "bursting from hollows, streaming to the crest," which symbolizes the collective energy and momentum of those rising to meet the dawn. The cry of the "rigid cock" at five in the morning over "cold water" marks a moment of awakening and readiness for the challenges to come, as the cats move towards their "sole proud objective" with a sense of purpose and determination.

Transitioning to the city, the poem describes the "dark city" where activists walk with "placards at back / light in our heads," illustrating the ongoing struggle for justice and the power of solidarity. The imagery of "Strike and support us / the strike-songs go" captures the spirit of collective action, while the celestial references ("Ceilings of stars disturb our faces") underscore the connection between the personal and the universal in their cause.

The poem's tone shifts to a more introspective reflection on the nature of struggle and the search for unity: "Come chop the days / lop off the moving hours, / we had not known there were disparate things." Here, Rukeyser urges a focus on the present moment and the importance of continuous effort towards a common goal. The metaphor of "galloping figures at a column’s base / hungrily running from death and marble space" highlights the relentless pursuit of life and freedom, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable obstacles.

Rukeyser’s invocation to poets and pickets to "prepare for dawn" reinforces the call to action, emphasizing that both artistic and political efforts are necessary to drive change. The poem then takes a darker turn, describing the pervasive nature of conflict and the persistent struggle against decay and dissolution: "Witness the unfailing war, season with season, / license and principle, sex with tortured sex, / class versus class." This passage highlights the interconnectedness of various forms of oppression and the need for comprehensive resistance.

In a moment of resolve, Rukeyser writes, "Resent the nightmare, assume a waking stance, / this clock revolt, held in the hand and striking," urging a proactive approach to confronting the harsh realities of the world. The poem acknowledges the cyclical nature of history and struggle, suggesting that the fight for justice is both an ongoing process and a series of significant moments that define and shape the collective experience.

The final stanzas bring a sense of culmination and hope, as Rukeyser reflects on the transformative power of unity and action: "Moment of proof, when the body holds its vision, / masses recognize masses, knowledge without all end; / face fathoms other face, all the hills open sunrise." This imagery of recognition and mutual understanding emphasizes the potential for change when individuals come together with a shared purpose.

The poem concludes with a powerful affirmation of solidarity and resilience: "Mayday is moment of proof, when recognition / binds us in protest, binds us under a sun / of love and subtle thought and the ductile wish." Rukeyser envisions a future where collective efforts lead to a more just and equitable world, celebrating the "valid country" created through continuous struggle and belief in a better tomorrow.

"Cats and a Cock" is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who fight for justice and change. Through its rich imagery and reflective narrative, Rukeyser captures the complexity and beauty of the human struggle, urging readers to remain steadfast and united in their pursuit of a better world.

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