At the Border, 1979
By Choman Hardi
‘It is your last check in point in this country!’
We grabbed a drink, soon everything would taste different.
The land under our feet was divided by a thick iron chain.My sister put her leg across it.
‘Look over here,’ she said to us,
‘my right leg is in this country
and my left leg in the other.’
The border guards reprimanded her.My mother told me, ‘We are going home.’
She said that the roads are much cleaner, the landscape is more beautiful,
and people are much kinder.Dozens of families waited in the rain.
‘I can hear home,’ somebody said.
Now our mothers were crying. I was five years old,
standing at the check in point, comparing both sides of the border.The autumn soil continued on the other side
with the same colour, the same texture.
It rained on both sides of the chain.We waited while our papers were checked, our faces thoroughly inspected.
Then the chain was removed to let us through.
A man bent down and kissed his muddy homeland.
The same chain of mountains encompassed all of us.
Summary of At the Border, 1979
- Popularity of At the Border, 1979: This narrative poem, penned by the acclaimed poet, writer, and academic Choman Hardi, offers a poignant exploration of immigration experienced through the innocent eyes of a child. First written in 1979, the poem was first published in 2004. It draws heavily from Hardi’s personal experience of crossing a border with her family and beautifully captures the child’s attempt to reconcile the changes with the continuous nature of the world around her.
- “At the Border, 1979,” as a representative of wonder: The poem recounts a family crossing a border, returning ‘home’ as viewed through the perception of a young child. The poem begins as the speaker and her family reach a final checkpoint before crossing, anticipating a change. The speaker’s sister playfully straddles the border, highlighting the absurdity of division, while the mother assures them of a better life ahead. The poem is steeped in the anxiety and emotional weight felt by adults, contrasting sharply with the child’s simple observations. The speaker, at five years old, struggles to understand the significance of the border, noticing only the continuity of the soil and the rain on both sides. It’s a powerful depiction of immigration viewed not through political or social lenses, but through the pure, unfiltered gaze of a child.
- Major Themes in “At the Border, 1979”: The innocence of childhood, the artificiality of borders, and the complex emotions surrounding migration are central themes in the poem. Hardi expertly portrays the emotional contrast between adults, who carry the weight of displacement and hope, and the child, who seeks simple continuities. The poem subtly questions the rationale behind borders, highlighting their disruption to natural connections while simultaneously acknowledging the human need for home and belonging.
Analysis of Literary Devices Used in “At the Border, 1979”
Choman Hardi masterfully employs various literary devices to create a powerful and emotionally resonant poem. Understanding these devices enriches our appreciation of the work.
- Assonance: Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds, adds a musical quality to the poem and reinforces certain ideas. For example, the repetition of the short ‘i’ sound in “my right leg is in this country” subtly emphasizes the playful, childlike nature of the sister’s action.
- Alliteration: The use of alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, also contributes to the poem’s sonic texture. Notice the repetition of the ‘m’ sound in “My mother informed me,” which creates a sense of familiarity and intimacy.
- Enjambment: Enjambment, where a sentence or phrase continues onto the next line, is used throughout the poem. Consider this example: “The autumn soil continued on the other side
with the same colour, the same texture.” This creates a sense of continuity, mirroring the child’s perception that little has changed despite crossing a border. The lines flow together, resisting the imposed division. - Irony: A subtle irony underscores the poem. While the adults are deeply affected by the border crossing, the child observes a seamless continuity. This contrast highlights the arbitrary nature of borders and the different ways in which individuals experience them.
- Imagery: Hardi utilizes vivid imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. “A man bent down and kissed his muddy homeland” is a powerful image that evokes a sense of deep connection and belonging. “Dozens of families waited in the rain” paints a scene of vulnerability and collective experience.
- Symbolism: The border itself, and the “thick iron chain,” function as powerful symbols of division, separation, and the imposed restrictions on movement. The chain is not just a physical barrier but also represents the emotional and psychological barriers between people and places. The continuous landscape, however, symbolizes the underlying unity of the natural world, unaffected by human-made divisions.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in “At the Border, 1979”
Beyond literary devices, Hardi skillfully utilizes several poetic techniques to shape the poem’s meaning and impact.
- Free Verse: This poem is written in free verse, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This allows Hardi to prioritize natural language and rhythm, mirroring the natural flow of thought and experience.
- Quatrain: Though not consistently employed, a quatrain (four-line stanza) appears at times, offering a subtle structuring element within the free verse form.
- Stanza: The poem is divided into seven stanzas, each with varying lengths. This structure creates a visual rhythm and allows Hardi to shift focus and explore different aspects of the experience.
- Tercet: A tercet (three-line stanza) appears in the opening and later stanzas, providing a contrasting rhythm and emphasis. This can be seen as a framing device, drawing attention to key moments or ideas.
Quotes to be Used
The following lines from the poem are particularly evocative and lend themselves well to discussions about connection, place, and identity.
“The autumn soil continued on the other side
with the same colour, the same texture.
It rained on both sides of the chain.”
This passage beautifully encapsulates the poem’s central idea: the underlying continuity of the natural world, despite artificial boundaries. It serves as a powerful reminder that much more unites us than divides us.
“At the Border, 1979” is a poignant and thought-provoking poem that continues to resonate with readers. Its simple yet powerful language, coupled with its skillful use of literary and poetic devices, creates a lasting impression. By understanding these techniques, we can more fully appreciate the artistry and depth of Choman Hardi’s work.