Poem Analysis - First Day

A Momentary Glimpse of Life

Jacques Prévert's "first day" offers a stark and compressed meditation on the beginning of life, framed by the looming presence of mortality. The poem uses simple language and a cyclical structure to depict birth not as an isolated joyous event, but as intrinsically linked to pain, anxiety, and the wider world. The tone is initially observational and detached, but shifts to a crescendo of emotional intensity with the mention of "death," before settling back into a sense of fragile hope. This brevity allows the poem to explore profound themes within a small space.

The Confines of New Life

One dominant theme is the confinement inherent in the beginning of life. The poem moves outward in concentric circles, starting with the "white blankets in the closet" and "red blankets in the bed," symbols of domesticity and preparation, and progressing through the mother, the father, the corridor, the house, and the city. This progression highlights how the newborn is initially confined within these spaces, dependent on them for survival and gradually expanding its influence. The image of "the city in the night" suggests a vast and potentially overwhelming world awaiting the child.

The Dance of Life and Death

The poem explores the theme of mortality, deeply interwoven with the celebration of new life. The phrase "death in a cry" is particularly striking. It immediately acknowledges the pain associated with childbirth and suggests that death, or at least the awareness of it, is present from the very beginning. This juxtaposition reinforces the idea that life and death are not separate entities, but rather two sides of the same coin. The baby's cry is not just a sign of life, but also a reminder of its vulnerability and eventual demise. Is "death in a cry" metaphorical? Could it represent the mother's pain, the ending of her prior life, or the anxieties the father faces? The poem leaves these questions open to interpretation, adding to its complexity.

Colors, Spaces, and Hope

Color symbolism is present. The "white blankets" evoke purity and new beginnings, while the "red blankets" perhaps suggest the blood and pain of childbirth, or a more general sense of life's vitality. More significantly is the symbol of the corridor: it represents both a physical space connecting different rooms, and a metaphorical passage between different stages of life. The father's presence in the corridor reflects his anxious waiting, his role as a protector, and the liminal space he occupies between the expectant parent and the new father. The final image, "the infant in the life," contrasts starkly with "death in a cry," implying that life, despite its inherent pain and challenges, ultimately prevails. This provides a glimmer of hope at the poem's conclusion.

A Circle of Existence

In conclusion, "first day" is a powerful and concise meditation on the complexities of birth. Through its cyclical structure, stark imagery, and juxtaposition of life and death, Prévert crafts a poignant exploration of the confinement, pain, and ultimate hope that accompany the beginning of existence. The poem's enduring significance lies in its ability to capture the profound weight and beauty of a single moment, reminding us that life is both fragile and resilient.