Poem Analysis - Child Logic

A Loss of Innocence in the Australian Bush

Les Murray's "Child Logic" is a stark and unsettling poem about the brutal realities of childhood, played out against the backdrop of the Australian bush. The poem's tone is initially matter-of-fact, almost detached, as it recounts a violent act. However, it shifts to a poignant blend of fear and resignation, culminating in a chilling acceptance of blame. The poem explores themes of violence, culpability, and the distorted perspective of a child grappling with adult expectations.

Violence and its Casual Acceptance

The poem unflinchingly presents a scene of violence. The "wild kid's gang" and the "tomahawk idea" immediately suggest a raw, untamed environment where harm is commonplace. The phrase "It hurt bad, dropping off" is a jarring understatement that highlights the child's attempt to process a traumatic event. The boy's immediate flight after realizing he "gone too far" suggests a cycle of violence and evasion. The subsequent intended maiming of her brother reveals a disturbing pattern of escalating aggression, highlighting the cyclical nature of violence passed down through generations, or perhaps learned within the "wild kid's gang".

The Weight of Unfair Culpability

One of the most unsettling aspects of the poem is the little girl's internalization of blame. Instead of focusing on the pain and injustice of the act itself, her primary concern is "what her parents would say / to waste of a finger." This reveals a world where blame is readily assigned to the victim, where accidents are perceived as moral failings. The words "Carelessness. Mad kids. / She had done wrong some way" encapsulate the pressure she feels to conform to adult expectations and accept responsibility for things beyond her control. This highlights a societal tendency to place undue burden on children, particularly in a context of rural hardship and potentially limited resources, where the loss of a finger is seen as an economic burden.

Blood as Ink: A Child's Silent Scream

The image of the girl writing "in blood on the logs" is a powerful and disturbing symbol. The blood, representing her injury and trauma, becomes a medium for communication, a desperate attempt to record her experience and perhaps leave a mark on the world. The logs, standing for nature and perhaps also representing the record books and stories passed down in human society, are stained with her pain. It could be interpreted as a silent scream for help or a desperate attempt to make sense of the senseless. The phrase "gripped her gapped hand, afraid" further emphasizes her vulnerability and the lasting impact of the violence she has endured. The "gapped hand" visually represents her loss, a constant reminder of the incident and the unjust blame she carries.

A Final Resignation

In conclusion, "Child Logic" offers a disturbing glimpse into a world where childhood innocence is shattered by violence and the pressures of adult expectations. The poem explores themes of violence, culpability, and the distorted perspective of a child grappling with trauma. Through vivid imagery and a carefully crafted tone, Murray reveals the tragic consequences of a culture that prioritizes blame over compassion. Ultimately, the poem leaves the reader with a haunting sense of unease and a profound question about the responsibility adults have to protect children from both physical harm and the burden of unfair culpability, especially in the stark and unforgiving landscape of the Australian bush. The poem, while focusing on a specific incident, suggests a broader commentary on the vulnerability of children and the ways in which they are often failed by the adults in their lives.