Poem Analysis - I Wrote A Little Haiku

A Haiku's Hidden Depth

Les Murray's "I Wrote A Little Haiku" is a deceptive poem. Beginning with a seemingly simple anecdote about a rejected haiku, it quickly descends into a much darker and more complex meditation on the American Civil War and its lingering consequences. The poem initially carries a tone of light irony, almost self-deprecating in its portrayal of the misunderstood artist. However, this quickly shifts to a tone of somber reflection, even horror, as the haiku's intended meaning is revealed.

The Civil War as Lingering Trauma

The poem grapples with the theme of historical trauma, specifically that of the American Civil War. Murray suggests that the war's effects are not confined to the past but continue to seep into the present, much like the lead dripping from the burning farm rail. The haiku itself, "The Springfields," serves as a symbolic representation of this trauma. The rifle, a tool of division and destruction, becomes a focal point. The mention of "both American sides bore" it highlights the fratricidal nature of the conflict, suggesting that its scars run deep within the American psyche. The image of the burning farm rail further reinforces this sense of destruction and the enduring impact on the land and its people.

Violence and Annulled Life

A central theme is the brutal reality of violence and its power to annul life. The poem vividly depicts the destructive force of the Minié bullet, which tore "often wet with blood and sera / into the farmyard timbers." This visceral imagery underscores the senselessness and wastefulness of war. The metaphor of "wasted semen" in the closing lines is particularly powerful, suggesting that the violence of the Civil War not only destroyed existing life but also foreclosed future possibilities, a potential for growth and generation violently aborted. The lead, transformed into "silvery ichor," takes on a morbidly fertile quality, highlighting the disturbing connection between destruction and creation.

Recurring Images of Poison and Purity

Several recurring images contribute to the poem's overall meaning. The image of lead is particularly striking. Initially, it is presented as a component of the bullet, a direct instrument of death. However, as it drips from the burning rail, it transforms into something almost organic, taking on the appearance of "silvery ichor." This transformation suggests that violence, once unleashed, can take on a life of its own, poisoning the landscape and the collective memory. The color "silvery" adds a layer of perversion, implying a defiled purity where something once valuable has been corrupted into an awful relic of war.

A Poem's Persisting Echoes

In conclusion, "I Wrote A Little Haiku" is far more than a simple anecdote about a misunderstood poem. It is a powerful and unsettling exploration of the enduring legacy of violence, particularly the American Civil War. Through vivid imagery and a shift in tone from ironic to somber, Murray masterfully conveys the idea that the past is never truly past, and that its traumas can continue to haunt the present, poisoning the land and the collective consciousness. The poem ultimately leaves the reader with a lingering sense of unease and a profound awareness of the destructive potential inherent in human conflict.