Poem Analysis - Choices

Initial Impression and Tone

Jimmy Santiago Baca's poem Choices presents a stark contrast between two lifestyles and the choices that define them. The tone shifts from a reflective and somewhat melancholic mood to a more contemplative and introspective one. The poem begins with a sense of detachment and ends with a poignant reflection on the consequences of personal decisions. The narrative voice is straightforward, allowing the reader to easily follow the events and emotions described.

Themes of Contrast and Consequence

The poem explores several themes, with the most prominent being the contrast between rural and urban lifestyles, and the consequences of personal choices. The speaker's acquaintance at Los Alamos Labs represents a shift from a rural, agricultural life to a more technologically advanced and urban existence. This contrast is highlighted through the imagery of muddy boots and patched jeans versus a white intern's coat and black polished shoes. The theme of consequence is evident in the speaker's reflection on what might have been lost if the acquaintance had not taken the job at the lab. The poem suggests that choices have far-reaching impacts, shaping not only individual lives but also relationships and communities.

Symbolism of the Well and the Heart

The well and the heart are recurring symbols in the poem, each carrying significant meaning. The well represents the depth of emotions and the silence that often accompanies difficult choices. The speaker's heart, thrown into the well, symbolizes the emotional investment and vulnerability that come with making life-altering decisions. The silence between the speaker and his acquaintance is described as gray water in a tin pail, suggesting a sense of heaviness and introspection. The well also serves as a metaphor for the past, with its silence milled in continental grindings millions of years ago, indicating the enduring nature of choices and their consequences. The heart's descent into the well can be seen as a metaphor for the speaker's emotional journey, where words are hard to come by, and the weight of choices is deeply felt.

Friendship and Silence

The poem concludes with a reflection on the rippling away of friendship, highlighting the theme of isolation that can result from divergent life paths. The silence between the speaker and his acquaintance is not just physical but emotional, representing the distance that choices can create. The final lines suggest a sense of loss and the inevitable changes that come with personal growth and decision-making. The poem leaves the reader with a poignant reminder of how choices can alter the course of relationships and lives, often in ways that are both profound and irreversible.