In the Kingdom of Pleasure By Alan R. Shapiro - Giggle Poems

Original Poem：

Unwitting accomplice in the scheme of law
she thought to violate, man-set as it was,
and, here, inconsequential as the sun
at midnight, drought at flood-time—
when she heard a baby in the tall reeds
at the river’s brink, she was nobody’s
daughter, subject of no rule
but the one his need for her established
as she knelt down to quell his crying
with a little tune just seeing him there
had taught her how to hum.
Now as then,
it is the same tune, timelessly in time,
your mother hums as she kneels down
beside your little barge of foam,
smiling to see you smile when she wrings
out from the sponge a ragged string
of water over the chest and belly,
the dimpled loins, the bud so far
from flowering, and the foot slick
as a fish your hand tries to hold up
till it slips back splashing
with such mild turbulence that she laughs,
and you laugh to see her laugh.
Here now, as it was then, it is still
so many years before the blood’s smeared
over doorposts, before the Nile clots
with the first-born, and the women
wailing,wailing throughout the city;
here now again is the kingdom of pleasure,
where they are safe still, mother and child,
from the chartered rod of the Fathers,
and where a father can still pray, Lord,
Jealous Chooser, Devouring Law, keep
away from them, just keep away.

Analysis and Interpretation of the Poem

This evocative poem explores themes of motherhood, protection, innocence, and the tension between natural human needs and societal laws or expectations. The speaker reflects on a moment when a woman, initially seen as an "unwitting accomplice" in breaking a law established by men, finds herself responding instinctively to a baby's cry by soothing him with a simple, timeless tune. This act transcends legal or social constraints, emphasizing the primal bond between mother and child.

The poem contrasts the harshness of imposed laws ("man-set as it was") with the natural, tender moments of caregiving that exist outside such regulations. The reference to the "blood smeared over doorposts" and "the Nile clots with the first-born" alludes to the biblical story of the Passover, symbolizing a time of suffering and oppression. Yet, the poem situates the mother and child in a "kingdom of pleasure," a safe space free from the "chartered rod of the Fathers," suggesting a sanctuary where love and care prevail over rigid authority.

The repetition of the tune that the mother hums "timelessly in time" connects past and present, highlighting the universality and continuity of maternal love. The imagery of the child as a "little barge of foam" and the playful interaction between mother and child—laughing as the child's foot slips back into the water—creates a vivid, tender scene of intimacy and joy.

Background and Author Introduction

This poem likely draws inspiration from ancient narratives, particularly from the biblical Exodus story, where a mother hides her infant son to save him from a decree that all Hebrew male infants be killed. The poem reimagines this historical and religious context with a focus on the human emotions and relationships behind the events.

The author, though unnamed here, demonstrates a deep sensitivity to maternal experience and the tension between law and love. Their style is lyrical and rich in symbolism, blending historical allusion with intimate, everyday moments. The poem invites readers to reflect on how laws and social structures impact personal lives, especially those of vulnerable individuals like mothers and children.

Reflections and Insights

Reading this poem evokes a sense of protection, hope, and resilience. It reminds us that despite harsh external circumstances—whether laws, social expectations, or historical tragedies—the bond between mother and child remains a source of comfort and strength. The poem also prompts us to consider the ways in which authority can sometimes conflict with human needs, and the quiet acts of resistance or care that persist nonetheless.

Educational Value and Learning Points

For children and students, this poem offers several valuable lessons and knowledge points:

• Understanding Historical and Cultural Context: The poem references biblical events, providing an opportunity to learn about the story of Passover and its significance.
• Exploring Themes of Law vs. Compassion: Students can discuss how laws affect people differently and the importance of empathy and care.
• Appreciating Literary Devices: The poem uses symbolism, imagery, repetition, and contrast, which can be analyzed to enhance literary comprehension.
• Emotional Intelligence: The tender depiction of mother-child interaction encourages students to recognize and express emotions like love, care, and joy.

Practical Applications in Life and Learning

• In Literature Classes: This poem can be used to illustrate how historical or religious themes are reinterpreted in modern poetry.
• In Social Studies: It can serve as a starting point for discussions about the impact of laws on families and individuals.
• In Emotional Learning: Teachers can use the poem to foster empathy and understanding of family bonds.
• In Creative Writing: Students can be inspired to write their own poems or stories about family, protection, or overcoming adversity.

Reading Comprehension Questions

1. What is the main theme of the poem?
2. How does the poem contrast the laws set by men with the actions of the mother?
3. What historical or biblical event is alluded to in the poem?
4. Describe the significance of the "tune" that the mother hums.
5. How does the poem portray the relationship between mother and child?
6. What emotions are evoked by the imagery of the child’s foot slipping back into the water?
7. Why does the poem mention the "chartered rod of the Fathers"?
8. What does the "kingdom of pleasure" symbolize in the poem?

Answers to Reading Comprehension Questions

1. The main theme is the bond between mother and child and the conflict between natural human love and imposed laws.
2. The poem shows that while men set laws to control or harm, the mother’s instinctive care transcends and defies these laws.
3. The poem alludes to the Passover story from the Bible, where Hebrew infants were threatened by a decree.
4. The "tune" symbolizes timeless maternal love and comfort, passed down and repeated through generations.
5. The relationship is portrayed as intimate, nurturing, and joyful, full of tenderness and laughter.
6. The imagery evokes feelings of playfulness, innocence, and warmth, highlighting the joy of simple moments.
7. The "chartered rod of the Fathers" represents patriarchal authority and harsh laws that threaten the mother and child.
8. The "kingdom of pleasure" symbolizes a safe, loving space free from oppression and fear.

This poem offers a rich exploration of history, emotion, and the enduring power of maternal love, making it a valuable resource for both literary study and personal reflection.