Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Bestiary U.S.A.: June Bug," Anne Sexton creates a vivid and somewhat whimsical portrait of the June bug, a creature that is both ordinary and extraordinary in its persistence and purpose. The poem delves into the June bug's seemingly simple existence, while simultaneously exploring deeper themes of survival, connection, and the inherent challenges of life.

The poem opens with the arrival of the June bug: "June bug came on the first of June, / plucking his guitar at the west window, / telling his whole green story, telling." Sexton anthropomorphizes the insect, imbuing it with a sense of agency and artistry. The June bug is not merely a bug but a storyteller, a musician "plucking his guitar" as he arrives, suggesting a creative and almost poetic spirit. The phrase "his whole green story" highlights the bug’s connection to nature, emphasizing its role within the broader tapestry of the natural world.

Sexton then describes the June bug as a "little buzzard who is all heart," a creature driven by instinct and determination. This characterization brings a certain pathos to the June bug, elevating it from a mere insect to a symbol of resilience. The bug "wants us to know how expensive it is / to keep the stars in their grainy places," a metaphor that reflects the immense effort required to maintain balance and order in the universe. This line suggests that even the smallest creatures are engaged in the cosmic struggle to sustain life, contributing in their own way to the greater whole.

The poem continues with the June bug lamenting the difficulties of existence: "to keep the moles burning underground / for the roots are stealing all the water." Here, Sexton touches on the theme of survival, as the June bug acknowledges the challenges faced by other creatures in the ecosystem. The imagery of "moles burning underground" evokes a sense of toil and struggle, as if these animals are working tirelessly, only to be undermined by forces beyond their control—like the roots that "steal all the water." This line underscores the interconnectedness of life, where each being's survival is dependent on the delicate balance of nature.

As the poem progresses, the June bug becomes a "presence, / a huge hairy question who sees our light / and thinks of it." The bug is described as an enigmatic figure, almost existential in its significance. The "huge hairy question" implies a deeper, unanswerable inquiry into the nature of existence—why we are here, what it all means. The June bug, in its simplicity, is drawn to the light, perhaps symbolizing the human tendency to seek meaning and understanding in a world that often seems chaotic and incomprehensible.

The bug's thoughts turn to the light, which it perceives as both sustenance and connection: "You are the food, / you are the tooth, you are the husband." These metaphors convey the idea that light—whether literal or metaphorical—is essential to life. The light is nourishment ("food"), a tool for survival ("tooth"), and a partner in existence ("husband"). The June bug’s attraction to the light can be seen as a reflection of the human desire for knowledge, comfort, and companionship.

In the final lines, Sexton brings the poem to a close with an image of the June bug’s persistent effort: "light, light, sieving through the screen / whereon I bounce my big body at you / like shoes after a wedding car." The repetition of "light, light" emphasizes the bug’s fixation on the light, symbolizing its unwavering pursuit of something vital and life-affirming. The comparison to "shoes after a wedding car" adds a touch of humor and humanity to the poem, likening the bug’s relentless bouncing to the celebratory, if somewhat chaotic, aftermath of a wedding. This image encapsulates the June bug’s determination and the almost absurd, yet deeply meaningful, nature of its quest.

"Bestiary U.S.A.: June Bug" is a meditation on the small yet significant struggles that define life. Through the figure of the June bug, Sexton explores themes of survival, connection, and the search for meaning in a world that is both beautiful and challenging. The poem highlights the resilience of even the smallest creatures, drawing a parallel to the human condition and our own efforts to navigate the complexities of existence. In doing so, Sexton reminds us of the profound connections that bind all living beings together, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.

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