Poem Analysis - Unto Us

A Life Denied: Introduction

Spike Milligan’s "Unto Us..." is a deeply unsettling and poignant poem that grapples with the profound injustice of abortion. The poem unfolds as a tragic monologue from the perspective of a developing fetus, narrating its brief existence and abrupt end. Initially, the tone is expectant and hopeful, brimming with the potential for life and love. However, this hope is brutally shattered as the poem progresses, giving way to a sense of utter helplessness, abandonment, and ultimately, bitter irony.

Social Context: The Shadow of Legal Abortion

While the poem doesn't explicitly state its stance, it's impossible to ignore the context of legal abortion when interpreting "Unto Us...". Written by a British author, the poem reflects a society where abortion was becoming increasingly accessible. The reference to "Wimpole Street," a historically significant location for medical practices in London, further grounds the poem in a specific social reality. Milligan, known for his absurdist humor and often subversive social commentary, uses the poem to explore the ethical and emotional complexities surrounding the termination of pregnancy, presenting a visceral counter-narrative to the clinical detachment often associated with the procedure.

The Crushing of Potential: Themes of Life and Loss

One of the central themes is the inherent value of nascent life. The poem begins with an emphatic assertion of existence: "Somewhere at some time / They committed themselves to me / And so, I was! / Small, but I WAS!". This repetition of "WAS!" underscores the fetus's claim to being. The lines "Lusting to live / I hung in my pulsing cave" highlight the primal instinct for survival and the innate desire to experience life. Another key theme is the loss of innocence and trust. The unborn child places complete faith in its parents: "I lived on trust / And love / Tho' I couldn't think." This trust is betrayed when it is "taken / Blind, naked, defenseless." Finally, the poem explores the theme of indifference and societal detachment. The father's smile upon hearing of the abortion and the celebration with tickets to a show reveal a chilling lack of empathy and a societal devaluation of unborn life.

Graven Names and Sterile Floors: Symbolism in Death

The poem employs stark imagery to convey its message. The "brass plate in Wimpole Street" symbolizes the cold, institutional authority that facilitated the abortion, masking the profound human cost. The "foot operated plastic waste bucket" is a particularly gruesome image, representing the dehumanization of the fetus and the casual disposal of a potential life. The "cot I might have warmed / Stood in Harrod's shop window" serves as a poignant symbol of unfulfilled potential and the stark contrast between the consumerist world and the denied opportunity for life. The image of Danny La Rue, "pretending to be a woman," is bitterly ironic. Is Milligan suggesting that the mother, in choosing abortion, is also "pretending" to be a mother, or is he highlighting the artificiality and superficiality of a society that can celebrate entertainment while dismissing the value of human life? The ambiguity leaves room for interpretation and further emphasizes the poem's unsettling nature.

A Silent Scream: Concluding Thoughts

"Unto Us..." is a powerful and disturbing poem that forces readers to confront uncomfortable truths about abortion. Through the voice of the unborn child, Milligan challenges us to consider the moral implications of terminating a potential life. By using vivid imagery and stark contrasts, the poem evokes a sense of profound loss and injustice, leaving a lasting impression on the reader long after the final line. It serves as a chilling reminder of the silenced voices and unrealized potential lost in the clinical procedures that define modern abortion practices, regardless of one’s personal stance on the matter.