One such powerful narrative is about the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is seen in this piece. This highly important poem transports readers to the haunting aftermath of the atomic bombing, where hope and compassion shine amidst the darkest of times.
Kurihara’s words are a plea for empathy, reminding readers of how important it is to take care of one another and fight for peace.
This poem was translated by Richard Minear.
Summary
‘Let Us Be Midwives!’ by Sadako Kurihara is an emotional poem that tells a story about what happened after the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima.
The poem opens with a scene set in a basement, now a ruined concrete structure, where survivors of the atomic bomb seek shelter. The atmosphere is described as devoid of light, with victims overflowing the room; their suffering is through the smell of blood and death.
The concluding lines of the poem echo with a plea and a call to action: “Let us be midwives! Let us be midwives! Even if we lay down our own lives to do so.”
Structure and Form
‘Let Us Be Midwives!’ by Sadako Kurihara is an eighteen-line poem that was originally written in Japanese. It was translated into English by Richard Minear. The poem is written in block form, meaning that it is contained in a single stanza and does not have any line breaks.
It’s also important to note that because this poem was written in Japanese and translated to English, it’s hard to know which literary devices were present in the original and which are a result of the translation. One should keep this in mind when interpreting the text.
Literary Devices
In this poem, the poet makes use of several literary devices. For example:
- Imagery: the use of particularly memorable images that should trigger the reader’s senses. For example, “The smell of fresh blood, the stench of death, / The closeness of sweaty people, the moans.”
- Juxtaposition: an intentional contrast between two things. For example, the darkness of the room with the hope that the child brings.
- Caesura: an intentional pause in the middle of a line of verse. For example, “It was dark—not even a single candle.”
Detailed Analysis
Lines 1-7
Night in the basement of a concrete structure now in ruins.
Victims of the atomic bomb jammed the room;
It was dark—not even a single candle.
The smell of fresh blood, the stench of death,
The closeness of sweaty people, the moans.
From out of all that, lo and behold, a voice:
“The baby’s coming!”
The first seven lines of this poem bring readers into a dark and intense atmosphere. The opening line, “Night in the basement of a concrete structure now in ruins,” immediately establishes the setting as a dark, destroyed space. The use of the word “ruins” suggests the devastating impact of the bombing and conveys a sense of desolation. This is contrasted by what is revealed as the poem progresses.
The poet also makes use to emphasize the darkness, stating, “It was dark—not even a single candle.” The darkness becomes symbolic of the overall state of the survivors’ lives and the uncertainty of their future.
The seventh line serves as a turning point in the poem: “From out of all that, lo and behold, a voice: / ‘The baby’s coming!'” Here, amidst the chaos and suffering, a voice breaks through, letting readers know that a baby is about to be born. This unexpected declaration introduces a glimmer of hope and new life amidst the darkness and destruction.
Lines 8-13
In that hellish basement,
At that very moment, a young woman had gone into labour.
(…)
The speaker, seriously injured herself, had been moaning only moments before.
In the next few lines, the poet goes on to write about a young woman in labor. The phrase “In that hellish basement” conveys the intense and unbearable conditions in which the events unfold. It emphasizes the overwhelming sense of suffering and despair that permeates the environment.
The next line, “In the dark, without a single match, what to do?” emphasizes the extreme challenges faced by everyone who is present in the basement. The lack of light is a clear symbol of the general absence of resources. This serves to highlight the desperation of the situation.
The next lines introduce a voice declaring, “I’m a midwife. I’ll help with the birth.” This proclamation is a powerful act of bravery. Despite being seriously injured themselves, this person steps forward to offer their expertise and assistance. Everyone forgot, for a moment, what was going on around them and turned to help the young woman in need.
The concluding line of this section, “The speaker, seriously injured herself, had been moaning only moments before,” emphasizes the sacrifice and determination of the midwife. It highlights that this selfless act of offering help comes from someone who has experienced her own pain and suffering. It further underscores the resilience and strength of the human spirit to rise above personal anguish and extend a helping hand.
Lines 14-18
And so new life was born in the dark of that pit of hell.
(…)
Even if we lay down our own lives to do so.
Despite the overwhelming suffering and despair, the birth of a child represents a symbol of hope and renewal. It emphasizes the resilience and indomitable spirit of life that can emerge even in the most horrific situations.
But, the poem takes another turn, describing how the injured midwife died. The image of her dying before dawn, still covered in the blood of the newborn, serves as a powerful testament to her unwavering commitment to helping the young woman.
These closing lines of the poem leave a lasting impact, urging readers to reflect on their own capacity for compassion and selflessness while reminding everyone of the horrors of the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
FAQs
The poem is set in the aftermath of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during World War II. It reflects the experiences and untold stories of the survivors who endured immense suffering and destruction.
The poem portrays the resilience of the human spirit through the birth of a child in the basement, despite the devastating circumstances. It highlights the ability to find hope and renewal even in the darkest of times, emphasizing the strength and determination to move forward.
The midwife represents selflessness, sacrifice, and compassion. Despite her own injuries and pain, she steps forward to help the young woman in labor, ultimately sacrificing her own life. The midwife becomes a symbol of empathy, resilience, and the willingness to prioritize the well-being of others.
The tone of the poem ‘Let Us Be Midwives!’ by Sadako Kurihara can be described as a mix of somberness and despair with hope. The birth of a child in such dire circumstances brings a tone of hope, symbolizing the triumph of life.
Similar Poetry
Readers who enjoyed this poem should also consider reading some related poems. For example:
- ‘November’ by William Stafford – is a heart-wrenching and important poem that was inspired by the WWII bombing of Hiroshima.
- ‘Morning Song’ by Sylvia Plath is a powerful poem about motherhood. The speaker explores the emotions related to it as well as its implications.
- ‘Carrion Comfort’ by Gerard Manley Hopkins describes the depths of a speaker’s despair and the realizations he came to by not giving in.
