Poem Analysis - This Day

Initial Impression and Tone

Jimmy Santiago Baca's "This Day" presents a reflective and somewhat melancholic tone, shifting towards a more hopeful and lighthearted mood as the poem progresses. The speaker begins by expressing feelings of foolishness and self-pity, comparing himself to robins that seem mindless and silly. However, the poem transitions into a message of acceptance and joy, urging the speaker to embrace the present moment and find happiness in the simplicity of life. The poem's conversational tone and vivid imagery make it accessible and relatable, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences and perceptions of life.

Themes of Self-Pity and Acceptance

The poem explores the theme of self-pity, as the speaker initially feels foolish and compares himself negatively to the robins. The speaker's self-deprecating tone is evident in lines such as "I feel foolish" and "Those robins do not have the grand style of the red tailed hawk, no design, no dream, just robins acting stupid." However, the poem also delves into the theme of acceptance, as the robins' mindless fluttering and nonsensical chatter serve as a reminder to the speaker to open his life and embrace the present moment. The robins' message to "be happy" and "make this day a tree leaning over the river eternity" encourages the speaker to find joy and meaning in the simplicity of life.

Themes of Nature and Spirituality

The poem also touches on the themes of nature and spirituality. The robins, as symbols of nature, represent a connection to the natural world and the Great Spirit. The speaker's initial dismissal of the robins' simplicity and lack of design contrasts with the deeper wisdom they impart. The robins' message to "open my life and make this day a bough on a tree leaning over infinity" suggests a spiritual awakening, where the speaker is encouraged to see the eternal and infinite nature of life. The river, carrying all that falls into it, symbolizes the flow of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The robins' advice to "fuss about in its branches" implies a sense of playfulness and engagement with the natural world, fostering a deeper spiritual connection.

Recurring Symbols and Imagery

The robins serve as a central symbol in the poem, representing both the speaker's initial feelings of foolishness and the ultimate message of acceptance and joy. The robins' mindless fluttering and nonsensical chatter initially seem trivial, but they ultimately convey a profound wisdom. The image of the tree leaning over the river eternity is particularly vivid and evocative, symbolizing the eternal and infinite nature of life. The river, with its constant flow, represents the passage of time and the interconnectedness of all things. The speaker's transformation from self-pity to acceptance is mirrored in the shift from viewing the robins as silly to recognizing their deeper wisdom. The poem's imagery and symbolism work together to convey a message of hope and spiritual awakening, encouraging readers to embrace the present moment and find joy in the simplicity of life.

Conclusion

In "This Day," Jimmy Santiago Baca uses vivid imagery and symbolism to explore themes of self-pity, acceptance, nature, and spirituality. The poem's shift from a melancholic tone to one of hope and joy reflects the speaker's journey from self-deprecation to spiritual awakening. The robins, initially dismissed as silly, ultimately convey a profound message of acceptance and engagement with the natural world. The image of the tree leaning over the river eternity serves as a powerful symbol of the eternal and infinite nature of life. Through its exploration of these themes, the poem offers a message of hope and encouragement, urging readers to embrace the present moment and find joy in the simplicity of life.