Poem Analysis - Cotton Flannelette

Les Murray's "Cotton Flannelette" is a harrowing portrayal of a child's suffering and a family's relentless devotion in the face of unimaginable pain. The poem's tone is initially one of weary desperation, depicting a scene of constant motion and exhaustion. This shifts to moments of stark horror and medical realism before settling into a rhythm of enduring love and repetitive care. Ultimately, the poem explores the boundaries of human endurance and the complex tapestry of trauma and resilience woven within a family.

Love and Trauma Intertwined

One of the central themes of the poem is the inextricable link between love and trauma. The family's devotion to the burned child is evident in their tireless efforts to alleviate her suffering. They "take shifts," "stand watches," and "weave" her life "on devotion’s loom." This selfless care is juxtaposed with the graphic descriptions of the child's injuries: "nude bladders and blood-webbed chars," "contour whorls and braille tattoos." The poem suggests that their love is defined and intensified by the trauma they collectively endure. The love isn't simple, it's complex. It's expressed not in hugs and kisses, but in the relentless, wearying act of "rick-racking the bed," a physical manifestation of their emotional commitment.

The Weight of Responsibility

The poem also grapples with the immense weight of responsibility placed on the family. The mother's "unsleeping absolute" vigilance and the father's "cranky evasive" attempts to help highlight the toll that constant caregiving takes. The doctor's plea, "Let her go!" underscores the sheer impossibility of the task. However, the family rejects this option, choosing instead to shoulder the burden of care for decades. Even the young siblings participate, taking "shifts" with the baby, revealing the deeply ingrained sense of familial duty. The poem suggests that responsibility, born of love and necessity, can be both a source of strength and a profound burden.

Repetition as Respite and Reminder

The recurring image of "shaking the bed" becomes a powerful symbol within the poem. It represents not only the physical act of soothing the child but also the repetitive, cyclical nature of her care. The lines "Shake the bed. Like: count phone poles, rhyme, / classify realities, bang the head, any / iteration that will bring, in the brain’s forks, / the melting molecules of relief" connect the action to other repetitive actions people perform to find relief. The repetition itself is a form of coping, a way to create a sense of normalcy amidst the chaos and pain. However, it also serves as a constant reminder of the child's suffering and the family's ongoing struggle. The phrase "O rock the bed!" is an urgent plea, a mantra of hope and perseverance, capturing the desperate need for relief.

Final Thoughts on Enduring Affection

"Cotton Flannelette" is a visceral and emotionally challenging poem that explores the depths of human resilience and the enduring power of familial love. Through its unflinching imagery and repetitive rhythms, Murray creates a portrait of a family bound together by tragedy and unwavering devotion. The poem leaves us contemplating the meaning of care, the burden of responsibility, and the complex ways in which love can be expressed in the face of unimaginable suffering. It is a testament to the strength found in the face of adversity and the enduring bonds that hold families together, even in the most trying circumstances. The question of whether the constant care truly benefits the child, or serves more to ease the family's conscience, remains an open and unsettling aspect of the poem.