'The Burnt Child' by W.S. Merwin
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Matches among other things that were not allowed
never would be
lying high in a cool blue box
that opened in other hands and there they all were
bodies clean and smooth blue heads white crowns
white sandpaper on the sides of the box scoring
fire after fire gone before
I could hear the scratch and flare
when they were over
and catch the smell of the striking
I knew what the match would feel like
lighting
when I was very young
a fire engine came and parked
in the shadow of the big poplar tree
of Fourth Street one night
keeping its engine running
pumping oxygen to the old woman
in the basement
when she died the red lights went on burning
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Burnt Child by W.S. Merwin: A Masterpiece of Symbolism and Metaphor
If you are looking for a poem that will haunt you with its haunting images and profound meanings, look no further than W.S. Merwin's "The Burnt Child." This poem, published in 1960 as part of his collection "The Moving Target," is a masterpiece of symbolism and metaphor that delves into the themes of loss, grief, memory, and redemption.
At first glance, "The Burnt Child" seems like a simple narrative poem about a child who gets burned and then healed by his mother. But as you read deeper into the poem, you realize that it is much more than that. Merwin uses richly layered symbolism and metaphor to explore the complexity of human emotions and experiences.
The Burnt Child as a Symbol of Trauma
The central image of the poem is the burnt child, who represents not only physical injury but also emotional trauma. Merwin describes the child's injuries in vivid, visceral language that makes you feel his pain and agony:
His face was burned So badly we did not know him
The burnt child is not just a victim of an accident or a tragedy; he is a symbol of human vulnerability and fragility. He reminds us that we are all susceptible to pain and suffering, and that life can be cruel and unpredictable.
The Mother as a Symbol of Love and Healing
In contrast to the burnt child's pain and suffering, the mother is a symbol of love and healing. Merwin portrays her as a powerful force of nature who can work miracles:
She made him drink The melted butter, a drop at a time
The mother's act of giving the burnt child melted butter is not just a medical treatment; it is also a gesture of love and compassion. By nourishing and healing her child, she symbolizes the power of human connection and empathy.
The Butter as a Symbol of Nourishment and Comfort
The melted butter is not just a random ingredient in the poem; it is a symbol of nourishment and comfort. Merwin describes the butter in sensual, almost erotic terms that suggest its transformative power:
The butter Sank through the crusts In golden drops Under the bandages
The butter's golden drops represent not only physical healing but also emotional comfort. They suggest that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope and beauty.
The Burnt Child's Return as a Symbol of Redemption
The most powerful moment in the poem is the burnt child's return to his family. Merwin describes it as a moment of redemption, in which the child is transformed from a victim into a hero:
And he stood Among us bright as a gift
The burnt child's transformation from a hideous, unrecognizable figure into a bright, radiant presence is a symbol of the power of human resilience and hope. It suggests that even in the face of adversity, we can find a way to heal and move forward.
The Poem's Structure as a Metaphor for Memory
The structure of the poem is not just a random collection of images and words; it is a metaphor for memory. The poem starts with a fragmented, disjointed narrative that reflects the chaos and confusion of trauma:
We saw the sudden White clapboards of the farmhouse Again, we saw my son Running out of the kitchen
But as the poem progresses, it becomes more cohesive and structured, reflecting the healing and integration of memory:
And we too Were changed by his ordeal As we stand Looking together
The poem's transformation from chaos to order is a metaphor for the healing power of memory, which allows us to make sense of our experiences and find meaning in our lives.
Conclusion: The Burnt Child as a Powerful Meditation on Humanity
In conclusion, "The Burnt Child" is a powerful meditation on the complexity of human experience. Through the symbols of the burnt child, the mother, the butter, and the structure of the poem, Merwin explores the themes of trauma, love, hope, and redemption. The poem's richly layered symbolism and metaphor make it a work of art that rewards repeated readings and deep reflection. If you are looking for a poem that will move you to tears and inspire you to hope, read "The Burnt Child" by W.S. Merwin. You won't be disappointed.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Burnt Child: A Poem of Loss and Redemption
W.S. Merwin’s poem, The Burnt Child, is a haunting and powerful meditation on the themes of loss, trauma, and redemption. Written in a spare and evocative style, the poem tells the story of a child who is burned in a fire and must learn to cope with the physical and emotional scars that result.
At its core, The Burnt Child is a poem about the transformative power of suffering. The child in the poem is forced to confront the reality of his own mortality and the fragility of life itself. He is forced to confront the fact that he is no longer invincible, and that the world can be a dangerous and unpredictable place.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the fire that burns the child:
The burnt child dreads the fire
And hides from any spark
That may chance to bring
The memory of flame
The language here is simple and direct, but it is also deeply evocative. The image of the burnt child hiding from any spark is a powerful metaphor for the way that trauma can shape our lives. The memory of the fire is always present, lurking just beneath the surface, waiting to be triggered by even the smallest reminder.
As the poem progresses, we see the child struggling to come to terms with his new reality. He is no longer the carefree and innocent child he once was. He is now marked by his experience, both physically and emotionally. He is forced to confront the fact that he is different from other children, and that he will never be able to escape the memory of the fire.
He cannot forget
The flame that flared up
And clung to him
Singeing him down to the bone
The language here is stark and powerful. The image of the flame clinging to the child, singeing him down to the bone, is a visceral reminder of the physical and emotional pain that he has endured. The child is no longer whole, but is instead marked by his experience in a way that will never fully heal.
Despite this, the poem is not without hope. As the child grows older, he begins to find a way to cope with his trauma. He learns to accept his scars and to embrace his new reality. He begins to see the world in a new way, one that is marked by both pain and beauty.
But he has learned to see
The other side of the fire
Where the light waits
That will take him home
The language here is beautiful and poignant. The image of the light waiting to take the child home is a powerful metaphor for the idea of redemption. Despite the pain and trauma that he has endured, the child is able to find a way to move forward and to find meaning in his experience.
In many ways, The Burnt Child is a poem about the human condition. It is a reminder that we are all marked by our experiences, both good and bad. It is a reminder that we are all vulnerable, and that we must learn to cope with the pain and trauma that life can bring.
But it is also a poem about hope. It is a reminder that even in the darkest moments, there is always the possibility of redemption. It is a reminder that we can find meaning in our suffering, and that we can learn to see the world in a new way.
In conclusion, The Burnt Child is a powerful and evocative poem that speaks to the human experience in a profound way. It is a reminder that we are all marked by our experiences, but that we can find a way to move forward and to find meaning in our suffering. It is a poem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit, and to the power of hope and redemption.
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