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"For the Record"
Rich's verses in the poem, "For the Record," give us a look at her passion
for fairness by allowing us to experience how those that can be tamed can also be inclined
to participate in choices not of their making. Every other line works in contrast to the
others aim, which enlightens us to the fact that "subjugation reeks over the perils
of those that are meek." The idea that a tree, a homeless person or a cloud would
have the ability to affect such monstrous damage to our community is ridiculous.
This is never more apparent then when I read (line 25-27) of Rich's frightful
description: "so many depths of vomit, tears, /slow-soaking blood had not 'offered '
themselves for this." Here we see the sacrifices of the masses at the hand of the
more powerful, all in the name of success. She pins down the cost to man, the environment
and our morality that have produced our creature comforts. It sends chills down my spine
as I contemplate the word "offered." (Line 28) where Rich seems to be implying
"offered" was truly a more kinder way of saying "sacrificed." These
sacrifices have given unfairly, which is her point. "Not everyone will be dealt the
same hand." Some will die, some will get lost and some will have been forgotten. All
we have to show for these annihilations are new and improved this; drive through that; or
a new easy to use widget.
Another obvious injustice slaps us in the face (lines 28-30) "The trees didn't
volunteer to be cut into boards/ nor thorns for tearing flesh. Look around at all of
it." We are reminded that volunteering should mean a desire to aid, not a choices
being taken from us. Volunteering in the context of this poem is meant that our collective
choices aren't being counted. They are being disguised behind a veil of gracious words
such as progress, growth or improvement. Using the word "volunteering" is the
crudest of them all though. It hides itself by placating us into thinking we all agree
that a North-South freeway for instance, would be more convenient and far more valuable
then the masses of people uprooted, their homes demolished, their small business's folded
just so we can feel as if we truly did "help, sacrifice or volunteer". Yet
progress will be the Day's gain. Who got to take and not be accountable? Surely it wasn't
the community. They have not spoken. They don't even have the power to speak. They do
however get to participate at any cost.
At the end of these matters of unfairness, Rich has given us a task, a task to be
revered. "Ask where you were" (line 35). Stand up and be culpable for your
community. Do not "volunteer or sacrifice" if you believe it is wrong or unjust.
Lend a hand to those less capable, reach-out and protect those without options or choices.
Finally, quietly remember at what price generations have paid for the sky-scrappers,
pollution, poverty and everything else we would never (line 32-33) "stamp on the
orders or trace in the corner of the building plans" because we do have a voice, a
conscience.
Works Cited
Rich, Adrienne. "For the Record." The Fact of a Doorframe, Poems Selected and
New, 1950-1984 by Adrienne Rich, by permission of W.W. Norton & Company, Inc., 1984
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