Poem Analysis - As Children Know

Initial Impressions and Tone

Jimmy Santiago Baca's "As Children Know" is a vivid and introspective poem that explores the speaker's inner turmoil and eventual acceptance of life's uncertainties. The poem begins with a serene and almost mystical tone, describing natural scenes and cultural imagery. However, it shifts towards a more reflective and self-critical mood as the speaker acknowledges past mistakes and the need to let go of worries and decisions. The poem's free verse form allows for a fluid and unconstrained expression of these themes.

Themes of Self-Reflection and Acceptance

The poem delves deeply into the theme of self-reflection. The speaker's realization of past mistakes is evident in the lines "What a stupid man I have been!" This introspection leads to a theme of acceptance. The speaker learns to let go of worries and decisions, symbolized by the imagery of papers blowing in the wind. This acceptance is crucial for the speaker's emotional and psychological well-being, as it allows them to move forward without the burden of past regrets.

Themes of Cultural Identity and Imagination

The poem also explores the theme of cultural identity, particularly through the use of Navajo and Native American imagery. The mention of the Navajo blanket, Corn Dancers, and Buffalo Dancer connects the speaker to their cultural heritage. This cultural grounding provides a sense of stability and identity amidst the speaker's internal struggles. Additionally, the theme of imagination is prominent. The speaker's vivid descriptions of natural and cultural scenes suggest a rich inner world, which is both a source of comfort and a means of escape from reality.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The Red Bird is a recurring symbol in the poem, representing the speaker's inner turmoil and emotional state. It is described as thrashing wildly, toppling what is erected, and indulging in unfinished things. This symbolizes the speaker's restless and chaotic emotions, which disrupt their attempts at order and completion. The Red Bird's actions reflect the speaker's struggle to maintain a tidy appearance while dealing with inner chaos. Another vivid image is the "toys after dark in the sandbox," which symbolizes the speaker's world left in a state of disarray and imperfection, much like a child's toys left unattended. This imagery underscores the theme of acceptance, suggesting that it is okay for things to be left unfinished or imperfect.

Conclusion and Significance

The poem "As Children Know" by Jimmy Santiago Baca is a profound exploration of self-reflection, acceptance, and cultural identity. Through vivid imagery and symbolic language, Baca conveys the speaker's journey from self-criticism to acceptance of life's uncertainties. The Red Bird and the toys in the sandbox serve as powerful symbols of the speaker's inner turmoil and the need to embrace imperfection. Ultimately, the poem offers a message of hope and resilience, encouraging readers to let go of worries and accept the natural ebb and flow of life, much like children who play and leave their toys in the sandbox at the end of the day.