The Manhunt

The Manhunt

After the first phase,
after passionate nights and intimate days,

only then would he let me trace
the frozen river that ran through his face,

only then would he let me explore
the blown hinge of his lower jaw,

and handle and hold
the damaged porcelain collar‑bone,

and mind and attend
the fractured rudder of his shoulder‑blade,

and finger and thumb
the parachute silk of his punctured lung.

Only then could I bind the struts
and climb the rungs of his broken ribs,

and feel the hurt
of his grazed heart.

Skirting along,
only then could I picture the scan,

The foetus of metal beneath his chest
where the bullet had finally come to rest.

Then I widened the search,
traced the scarring back to its source

to a sweating, unexploded mine
buried deep in his mind, around which

every nerve in his body had tightened and closed.
Then, and only then, did I come close.

What the Poem Is About

“The Manhunt” is a deeply moving exploration of the aftermath of war, focusing on the intimate and painstaking process of a woman attempting to understand the physical and emotional wounds her husband has sustained. The poem doesn’t depict battlefield scenes; instead, it portrays a quiet, internal landscape of post‑traumatic injury and the slow, delicate act of loving care. The speaker isn’t simply observing injuries; she’s actively tracing and mapping them, attempting to connect with her husband’s hidden pain and rebuild intimacy after the trauma he’s endured. The poem is a powerful testament to the lasting impact of conflict and the enduring strength of human connection.

How the Poem Works

Structure and Form

The poem is structured into seven two‑line stanzas, or couplets. This concise structure creates a sense of deliberate, controlled observation, mirroring the careful and measured way the speaker approaches her husband’s injuries. The regularity of the couplets, while not adhering to a strict rhyme scheme, provides a rhythm that feels both clinical and tender. The short lines emphasize individual details, drawing attention to each specific wound and its impact. The consistent form reflects the speaker’s sustained focus and unwavering attention.

Key Literary Devices

1. Imagery: The poem is richly textured with striking and often unsettling imagery. Lines such as “the frozen river that ran through his face” and “blown hinge of his lower jaw” create vivid and unsettling pictures in the reader’s mind. This isn’t gratuitous description; the imagery is used to convey the severity of the husband’s injuries and the speaker’s painstaking process of discovery.
2. Metaphor: The poem relies heavily on extended metaphor, comparing the husband’s body to a damaged landscape. The “fractured rudder of his shoulder‑blade” suggests a loss of control and direction, while the “parachute silk of his punctured lung” evokes fragility and vulnerability. These metaphors transform physical wounds into symbolic representations of deeper emotional and psychological damage.
3. Repetition: The phrase “only then” is repeated throughout the poem, creating a powerful rhythmic effect and emphasizing the gradual, step‑by‑step nature of the speaker’s exploration. This repetition underscores the idea that true understanding and intimacy can only be achieved through patience, sensitivity, and a willingness to confront difficult truths.
4. Symbolism: The “foetus of metal” lodged in the husband’s chest is a potent symbol of the lasting, inescapable trauma he carries within him. This image suggests that the wound is not merely physical but has taken root deep within his being, shaping his identity and impacting his future.

Language and Tone

The language of the poem is deliberately restrained and clinical, creating a tone that is both compassionate and unsettling. The speaker uses precise, anatomical terms to describe the husband’s injuries, yet these descriptions are infused with a deep sense of empathy and tenderness. The lack of overtly emotional language allows the images themselves to convey the weight of the husband’s suffering. The tone shifts subtly as the poem progresses, moving from detached observation to a more intimate and emotional connection as the speaker nears the husband’s heart.

A Deeper Look at Key Lines

Let’s examine a few specific lines to understand how these devices work together:

“after passionate nights and intimate days” – This opening line establishes the context of a loving relationship before the trauma of war. It emphasizes what has been lost and what the speaker is trying to rebuild.

“the frozen river that ran through his face” – This striking image evokes a sense of coldness, stillness, and emotional numbness. The “river” suggests a channel through which pain and trauma flow, but it’s “frozen,” indicating a blockage or suppression of feeling.

“the parachute silk of his punctured lung” – The juxtaposition of “parachute silk” – something associated with safety and protection – with a “punctured lung” creates a jarring and unsettling effect. It highlights the fragility of life and the vulnerability of the human body.

“to a sweating, unexploded mine / buried deep in his mind” – This powerful metaphor reveals the underlying psychological trauma. The “mine” represents a hidden danger, a source of ongoing fear and anxiety. The fact that it’s “unexploded” suggests that the trauma is still active, still capable of inflicting damage.

Why This Poem Matters

“The Manhunt” is a profoundly moving and relevant poem that explores the often‑invisible wounds of war and the challenges of rebuilding intimacy in the aftermath of trauma. It offers a powerful reminder that the impact of conflict extends far beyond the battlefield, leaving lasting scars on individuals and families. The poem also celebrates the enduring power of love, compassion, and the human capacity for healing. It asks us to consider not only the physical costs of war but also the emotional and psychological toll it takes on those who serve and those who love them.

Engaging with the Poem

1. Read Aloud: Experience the poem’s rhythm and flow by reading it aloud. Pay attention to the pauses and inflections that emphasize key words and images.
2. Visual Response: Create a visual representation of one of the poem’s images. How does this exercise deepen your understanding of the poem’s themes?
3. Discussion: How does the poem challenge traditional notions of heroism and masculinity?
4. Creative Writing: Write a response poem from the husband’s perspective, describing his experience of returning home.

Key Takeaway

“The Manhunt” is not simply a depiction of physical injuries; it’s a meticulous exploration of the emotional landscape of trauma and the painstaking process of rebuilding connection. Through careful observation and compassionate attention, the speaker attempts to understand her husband’s hidden pain, demonstrating that true healing begins with seeing, acknowledging, and embracing the full extent of another person’s suffering.