Here's a breakdown of the poem's key elements and themes:
Setting and Context: The poem is set in a fictionalized version of the Philippines, where the speaker, a young girl, witnesses the brutal realities of colonial rule. The poem's title, "Break," suggests both the physical and psychological fracture caused by the colonizers.
The Speaker's Voice: The speaker is a child, which makes her perspective both innocent and deeply unsettling. Her simple, direct language highlights the stark contrast between the beauty of nature and the violence she experiences.
The Power of Memory: The poem is framed as a flashback, with the speaker recalling a specific event from her childhood. This act of remembering is crucial, as it demonstrates the enduring impact of trauma and the importance of preserving history.
Themes:
* Colonialism: The poem starkly portrays the violence and oppression inflicted upon the indigenous people of the Philippines. The speaker's description of "the soldiers' boots" and "the smell of death" emphasizes the brutality of the colonizers.
* Violence: The poem confronts the reader with graphic imagery of violence, both physical and emotional. The speaker's description of "the girl with the broken arm" and "the man with the shattered face" highlights the devastating consequences of colonial rule.
* Resilience: Despite the trauma she has endured, the speaker shows remarkable resilience. Her simple act of picking up "a piece of broken glass" symbolizes her ability to find beauty and hope even amidst devastation.
Symbolism:
* The Break: The "break" in the poem represents the physical and psychological fragmentation caused by colonialism. The broken glass, the shattered bodies, and the broken spirit of the people all symbolize the lasting impact of violence.
* Nature: The natural imagery in the poem, such as the "green rice fields" and the "blue sky," offers a contrast to the violence and emphasizes the beauty and resilience of the land.
* The Girl Picking up the Glass: This act represents the speaker's determination to find beauty and hope even in the midst of suffering. It symbolizes the power of the human spirit to overcome adversity.
Overall: "Break" is a powerful and moving poem that exposes the devastating effects of colonialism and the importance of remembering the past. It also celebrates the resilience and enduring spirit of the human soul.