Poem Analysis - We Bought A Small House

Initial Impression and Tone

Jimmy Santiago Baca's "We Bought A Small House" is a vivid and evocative poem that chronicles the transformation of a dilapidated house into a symbol of love, family, and personal empowerment. The poem begins with a sense of desolation and hardship, as the speaker describes the rundown state of the house and the surrounding land. However, as the speaker works to renovate the house, the tone shifts to one of determination and triumph. The poem's narrative structure, moving from decay to renewal, reflects the speaker's journey from despair to hope.

Themes of Transformation and Resilience

The central theme of the poem is transformation, both of the physical house and the speaker's emotional and psychological state. The house, initially described as a "shack" and a "weather-rotted roost for junkies and vagrants," undergoes a dramatic change as the speaker works tirelessly to repair and renovate it. This physical transformation mirrors the speaker's own journey, as they move from a state of decay and neglect to one of strength and resilience. The repetition of verbs like "nailed," "poured," "piled," "burned," "cleaned," and "painted" emphasizes the speaker's relentless effort and determination, highlighting the theme of resilience in the face of adversity.

Themes of Love and Family

The poem also explores the theme of love and family. The house, once restored, becomes a symbol of the speaker's love and commitment to their family. The phrase "our own version of love, family and power" suggests that the house represents not just a physical dwelling, but a deeper emotional and spiritual connection. The use of the word "our" emphasizes the collective effort and shared vision of the speaker and their family, underscoring the theme of unity and togetherness. The house, with its "calloused handed, muscle-firmed, sleek hard bodied" appearance, becomes a testament to the speaker's love and dedication, as well as a source of pride and empowerment.

Symbolism of the House and the Land

The house and the surrounding land serve as powerful symbols in the poem. The house, in its initial state of decay, represents the speaker's past struggles and hardships. The "half-acre of land" heaped with "decades of scrap," "tumbleweeds," and a "mountain of decaying harvest" symbolizes the speaker's burden of the past, which they must overcome to move forward. As the speaker works to renovate the house, they also work to reclaim and transform the land, symbolizing their journey towards healing and renewal. The final image of the house as a "plaster wood tablet" upon which the speaker "re-writes" their own story further emphasizes the theme of transformation and the power of personal narrative.

Conclusion

In "We Bought A Small House," Jimmy Santiago Baca uses vivid imagery and powerful symbolism to explore themes of transformation, resilience, and love. The poem's journey from decay to renewal reflects the speaker's own journey from despair to hope, highlighting the power of personal effort and determination. The house, as a symbol of love, family, and empowerment, serves as a testament to the speaker's resilience and their ability to overcome adversity. Through its evocative language and compelling narrative, the poem offers a profound meditation on the transformative power of love, family, and personal resilience.