'Birth And Death' by Robinson Jeffers
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I am old and in the ordinary course of nature
shall die soon, but the human race is not old
But rather childish, it is an infant and acts
like one,
And now it has captured the keys of the kingdoms
of unearthly violence. Will it use them? It
loves destruction you know.
And the earth is too small to feed us, we must
have room.
It seems expedient that not as of old one man,
but many nations and races die for the people.
Have you noticed meanwhile the population
explosion
Of man on earth, the torrents of new-born babies,
the bursting schools? Astonishing. It saps
man's dignity.
We used to be individuals, not populations.
Perhaps we are now preparing for the great
slaughter. No reason to be alarmed; stone-dead
is dead;
Breeding like rabbits we hasten to meet the day.
Submitted by Holt
Editor 1 Interpretation
Birth and Death: An Exploration of Life's Cycles
Robinson Jeffers' Birth and Death is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that explores the cyclical nature of life and death. In this 36-stanza poem, Jeffers takes us on a journey from the birth of a newborn to the inevitable death of a lifeless body, with all the joys and sorrows that come in between. Through the use of vivid imagery, metaphors, and symbolism, Jeffers creates a profound meditation on the human experience, one that challenges our understanding of what it means to be alive.
The poem begins with a description of a newborn child, "a little new who drowses softly,/Whose breathing is pure, whose eyes are clear,/And whose head is covered with silky hair" (1-3). Jeffers' language is gentle and soothing, evoking the innocence and vulnerability of a new life. But even in these early lines, there is a sense of impermanence and fragility, as the child is described as "a little new," reminding us that life is fleeting and transitory. The child is also described as "drowsy," suggesting a state of liminality, between the world of the living and the world of dreams.
As the poem progresses, Jeffers explores the many stages of life, from childhood to old age, with all their attendant joys and sorrows. He describes the "boy who bounds with the morning" (10), the "maiden with the laughing eyes" (15), the "man with the furrowed brow" (19), and the "old man with the sorrowful eyes" (27). Each of these characters is presented with empathy and compassion, as Jeffers recognizes the unique struggles and joys that come with each stage of life.
But it is not just the individual experiences of these characters that Jeffers is interested in. He is also concerned with the broader cycles of life, the rhythms and patterns that define our existence. He writes:
So life runs on; and so we fleet away,
Even as the rolling tides go out to sea,
Leaving their treasures on the shore for us,
And then retire and come again no more. (33-36)
Here, Jeffers compares life to the ebb and flow of the tides, suggesting that our existence is part of a larger cycle, one that is beyond our control. The idea that we are like "treasures on the shore" is both beautiful and melancholic, as it suggests that our lives are fleeting and ultimately insignificant.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers also makes use of powerful symbolism, using natural imagery to underscore his themes. For example, he describes "the oak tree dreaming in the sunlight" (12), a metaphor for the beauty and strength of youth. He speaks of the "red leaves that flutter on the autumn bough" (20), symbolizing the decline of old age. And he writes of the "white sea-gulls that glide on the pale blue sky" (31), representing the freedom and transcendence of death.
One of the most striking aspects of Birth and Death is its contemplation of mortality. Jeffers refuses to shy away from the darker aspects of life, instead embracing them as an essential part of the human experience. He writes:
For life is but a brief and fitful dream,
A burst of music that soon fades away,
A fair rose that blooms but for a day,
A fleeting shadow on a summer stream. (16-19)
Here, Jeffers acknowledges the impermanence of life, the fleeting nature of our existence. But even in this acknowledgement, there is a sense of beauty and wonder, as he describes life as a "burst of music" and a "fair rose." Jeffers' poetry is a celebration of life, even as he recognizes its transience.
In the final stanza of the poem, Jeffers brings us back to the beginning, to the newborn child. He writes:
So let the little new be glad and gay,
And dance and sing in the morning light,
For soon the night will come, and all be gray,
And they that danced will have forgotten quite. (33-36)
Here, Jeffers reminds us of the cyclical nature of life, the constant movement from birth to death and back again. But even in this final acknowledgment of mortality, there is a sense of hope and joy, as he encourages the child to "dance and sing in the morning light." Jeffers' poetry is a celebration of life, even as it acknowledges its inevitable end.
In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' Birth and Death is a profound exploration of the cyclical nature of life and death. Through the use of vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and contemplation of mortality, Jeffers creates a work of art that challenges our understanding of what it means to be alive. His poetry is a celebration of life, even as it acknowledges its impermanence, and his message resonates with us still, almost a century after it was written.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Birth and Death: A Poem of Life's Cycles
Robinson Jeffers' Birth and Death is a classic poem that explores the cyclical nature of life. The poem is a meditation on the interconnectedness of all things, and the inevitability of birth and death. Jeffers' use of vivid imagery and powerful language creates a sense of awe and wonder, as well as a deep appreciation for the beauty and complexity of the natural world.
The poem begins with a description of the birth of a fawn, a symbol of new life and innocence. Jeffers' language is rich and evocative, painting a picture of the fawn's first moments in the world:
"The fawn-eyed girl with the red head And silky skin stept softly Through the meadow grass, the young hares Found her a marvel, and the leaping Over the long green rollers of the sea Where the moon swam comely and curious."
The imagery here is both beautiful and haunting, as the fawn-eyed girl is both innocent and vulnerable, yet also full of life and vitality. The young hares are in awe of her, and the moon is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life, as it waxes and wanes in the sky.
As the poem progresses, Jeffers explores the theme of death, and the inevitability of all things coming to an end. He writes:
"The redwoods stood up Naked and dead, witnesses Of unimaginable lifetimes."
Here, the redwoods are a symbol of the passage of time, and the inevitability of death. They stand as witnesses to the cycles of life, and the passing of generations. Jeffers' language is powerful and evocative, creating a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world.
Throughout the poem, Jeffers uses vivid imagery to explore the interconnectedness of all things. He writes:
"The sea roared hollowly, and the same Pale stars were there, but the lover Whose arms were wrapped about the goddess's Body, the night before, and held her Tightly while she dreamed of the mortal Hero beneath her breasts, him also They had set on his way across the dark wave."
Here, Jeffers is exploring the idea that even in death, there is a connection between all things. The sea roars, the stars shine, and the lovers are reunited in death. The mortal hero is also set on his way, continuing the cycle of life and death.
Jeffers' use of language is powerful and evocative, creating a sense of wonder and awe at the beauty and complexity of the natural world. He writes:
"The beauty of things was born before eyes And sufficient to itself, the heart-breaking Beauty Will remain when there is no heart to break for it."
Here, Jeffers is exploring the idea that beauty exists independently of human perception. The beauty of the natural world is self-sufficient, and will continue to exist even when there is no one to appreciate it. This is a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world, and the need to protect it for future generations.
In conclusion, Robinson Jeffers' Birth and Death is a powerful meditation on the cyclical nature of life. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Jeffers explores the interconnectedness of all things, and the inevitability of birth and death. The poem is a reminder of the beauty and complexity of the natural world, and the need to protect it for future generations.
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