September Twelfth, 2001 Analysis - Literary devices and Poetic devices

September Twelfth, 2001

By X. J. Kennedy

Two caught on film who hurtle
from the eighty-second floor,
choosing between a fireball
and to jump holding hands,

aren’t us. I wake beside you,
stretch, scratch, taste the air,
the incredible joy of coffee
and the morning light.

Alive, we open eyelids
on our pitiful share of time,
we bubbles rising and bursting
in a boiling pot.

Exploring poetry allows for a deeper understanding of human experience, and X. J. Kennedy’s “September Twelfth, 2001” offers a profound reflection on life’s most challenging moments. This poem, a poignant response to a collective tragedy, invites readers to contemplate the fragility of existence and the enduring power of human connection. Through careful craftsmanship, Kennedy crafts a piece that resonates with quiet contemplation, making it a significant work for anyone seeking to understand how literature processes grief and resilience.

Understanding “September Twelfth, 2001”: Summary and Central Ideas

X. J. Kennedy’s “September Twelfth, 2001” is a concise yet deeply moving poem that serves as a powerful meditation on life, death, and the arbitrary nature of survival in the wake of immense tragedy. First published in 2004, this poem does not recount the events of September 11th, 2001, in detail. Instead, it offers a deeply personal and reflective response to the day after, focusing on the stark contrast between unimaginable loss and the continuation of ordinary life.

The Poem’s Central Idea: The Preciousness of Fleeting Life

The core message of “September Twelfth, 2001” revolves around the profound fragility of human life and the immense value of each moment. The poem juxtaposes the horrific image of individuals making an impossible choice between two forms of death with the speaker’s simple, everyday morning routine. This stark contrast underscores the idea that life is a delicate, temporary gift, and that survival itself can be a matter of chance. The poem encourages a profound appreciation for the present, even amidst the shadow of collective grief.

Noteworthy Knowledge for Readers

A Personal Lens on Public Tragedy: The poem avoids grand pronouncements about the 9/11 attacks, instead offering a quiet, intimate reflection. This personal perspective allows readers to connect with the universal themes of vulnerability and gratitude.
The Power of Contrast: Kennedy masterfully uses juxtaposition to highlight the poem’s central themes. The horror of the falling figures is set against the comfort of morning coffee, creating a powerful emotional impact.
Focus on the “Day After”: The title “September Twelfth, 2001” is crucial. It shifts the focus from the immediate chaos of the attacks to the quiet, reflective aftermath, where survivors grapple with the meaning of their continued existence.

In-Depth Analysis of “September Twelfth, 2001”

X. J. Kennedy employs a range of literary and poetic devices to imbue “September Twelfth, 2001” with its profound emotional depth and intellectual resonance. A close examination of these techniques reveals the poem’s intricate layers of meaning.

Thematic Exploration

The Fragility of Life: This theme is central, powerfully conveyed through the poem’s opening and closing stanzas. The image of those “choosing between a fireball / and to jump holding hands” immediately confronts readers with the ultimate vulnerability of human existence. This idea is reinforced in the final lines, where life is described as “we bubbles rising and bursting / in a boiling pot,” a poignant metaphor for its ephemeral nature.
The Value of the Everyday: In stark contrast to the tragedy, the speaker’s mundane morning routine highlights the preciousness of ordinary life. Lines such as “I wake beside you, / stretch, scratch, taste the air, / the incredible joy of coffee / and the morning light” elevate simple actions to moments of profound gratitude, emphasizing that these everyday experiences are gifts.
Human Connection Amidst Despair: The heartbreaking detail of the two individuals “to jump holding hands” speaks volumes about the human need for connection and comfort even in the face of unimaginable horror. This act of solidarity, even in death, underscores the enduring power of love and companionship.
The Arbitrary Nature of Survival: The speaker’s declaration, “aren’t us,” creates a clear distinction between the victims and the survivors. This line subtly acknowledges the arbitrary nature of who lives and who dies, prompting reflection on the sheer chance involved in one’s continued existence.

Literary Devices and Their Impact

Kennedy’s careful selection of literary devices deepens the poem’s emotional resonance and thematic complexity.

Allusion: The poem’s title, “September Twelfth, 2001,” serves as a direct and powerful **allusion** to the September 11th attacks. This immediate reference anchors the poem in a specific historical moment, allowing readers to bring their own understanding and emotional context to the text.
Imagery: Kennedy masterfully employs **imagery** to create vivid sensory experiences that evoke both horror and comfort. The chilling image of “Two caught on film who hurtle / from the eighty-second floor” immediately plunges the reader into the tragedy. This contrasts sharply with the comforting, sensory details of the speaker’s morning: “taste the air, / the incredible joy of coffee / and the morning light,” which evoke warmth and routine.
Metaphor: The poem’s most striking **metaphor** appears in its final lines: “we bubbles rising and bursting / in a boiling pot.” This comparison powerfully conveys the fleeting, fragile, and often chaotic nature of human existence, suggesting that life is both beautiful and transient.
Juxtaposition: The entire poem is built upon a foundation of **juxtaposition**, creating a stark contrast between the horrific events of the previous day and the speaker’s peaceful morning. The opening stanza’s depiction of falling figures is immediately followed by the speaker’s awakening to “the incredible joy of coffee,” highlighting the profound chasm between life and death, and tragedy and routine.
Symbolism: Various elements carry symbolic weight within the poem. “Holding hands” symbolizes love, comfort, and solidarity in the face of ultimate despair. “Coffee and the morning light” symbolize the continuation of life, routine, and the simple, often overlooked, joys of existence. The “boiling pot” symbolizes the tumultuous and unpredictable nature of the world in which life’s “bubbles” rise and burst.
Diction: The poem employs simple, direct **diction**, avoiding ornate or overly academic language. Words like “hurtled,” “stretch,” “scratch,” and “pitiful” are accessible and immediate, contributing to a tone of quiet contemplation and understated grief. This directness enhances the poem’s raw emotional impact.

Poetic Devices and Structure

Beyond literary devices, the poem’s impact is amplified by Kennedy’s deliberate choices in poetic form and sound.

Free Verse: “September Twelfth, 2001” is written in **free verse**, meaning it does not adhere to a strict rhyme scheme or meter. This choice allows for a conversational, natural rhythm that emphasizes emotional content and thought progression rather than formal constraints. The lines flow organically, mirroring the speaker’s reflective state.
Stanza Structure: The poem is divided into three quatrains, or four-line stanzas. This consistent **stanza structure** provides a sense of balance and order amidst the chaotic subject matter. Each stanza presents a distinct yet connected thought, allowing for shifts in perspective from the tragic event to the personal reflection, and finally to a universal truth about life.
Assonance: The repetition of vowel sounds, known as **assonance**, adds a subtle musicality to the poem. For example, the long ‘o’ sound in “Two caught on film who hurtle / from the eighty-second floor” creates a somber, drawn-out effect, while the ‘oy’ sound in “incredible joy of coffee” emphasizes the pleasantness of the speaker’s experience.
Alliteration: The repetition of initial consonant sounds, or **alliteration**, adds rhythmic texture and emphasis. The line “stretch, scratch, taste the air” uses the ‘s’ sound to create a sense of quiet, deliberate movement, drawing attention to the speaker’s mundane actions.
Consonance: The repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, or **consonance**, further enhances the poem’s sonic qualities. The ‘b’ and ‘s’ sounds in “we bubbles rising and bursting” reinforce the imagery of fragility and sudden cessation, making the final metaphor more impactful.
Tone: The overall **tone** of the poem is one of quiet contemplation, somber reflection, and profound gratitude. It is not overtly mournful or angry, but rather thoughtful and appreciative of life’s precariousness. This understated tone allows the gravity of the subject matter to speak for itself.

Conclusion: A Timeless Reflection on Life’s Preciousness

X. J. Kennedy’s “September Twelfth, 2001” stands as a powerful testament to poetry’s ability to process and articulate complex human emotions in the face of tragedy. Through its masterful use of juxtaposition, vivid imagery, and poignant metaphors, the poem invites readers to confront the fragility of life while simultaneously cherishing the simple, everyday moments that define our existence. It is a work that encourages deep introspection, reminding all to appreciate the precious, fleeting nature of our time, and the enduring power of human connection, even when confronted with the unimaginable.