The Emotional Turmoil of Vietnam Veterans

The poem "Facing It" by Komunyakaa depicts the challenges experienced by Vietnam veterans as they attempt to reintegrate into society following intense mental and physical trauma, often exacerbated by unfriendly attitudes from certain people. Consequently, many veterans struggled with clinical depression or even madness while confronting their memories and internal turmoil.

Yusef Komunyakaa is often seen as the narrator of this poem, recalling his memories of the Vietnam War in first person. He utilizes the physical properties of the wall and his surroundings to portray his recollections, using the polished surface to create a ghostly illusion that mirrors his struggle for emotional closure.

Brown suggests that the common nickname "the wall" for the Vietnam Veterans Memorial symbolizes the emotional dead end many survivors encounter when visiting the site. Throughout his poetry, Komunyakaa delves into perception and illusion, demonstrating how memories of war persistently haunt him and distort his perception of time and space.

Included in Dien Cai Dau, which sheds light on various aspects of the Vietnam War, “Facing It” by Komunyakaa is the second work in the collection and the second work completed by the poet.

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In an interview with Muna Asali, Komunyakaa expressed feelings of loneliness during his time in Vietnam, stating, “I was very conscious of what I was doing and what was happening to me.” Komunyakaa p.77 The central theme of self-identity is evident from the opening lines of the poem, where the narrator reflects on a black face symbolizing self-discovery. By concealing the face within black granite, the narrator suggests a loss of self-image and identity.

The speaker's introspection serves as a poignant reminder of inner turmoil. The choice to depict a black face implies the narrator's African American heritage, highlighting the significance of racial identity in self-perception. Had the description been of a faceless white figure, the impact would have been different, lacking specific racial connotations.

The speaker's grief and shock are evident as he describes himself as both flesh and stone, symbolizing vulnerability and numbness against powerful emotions. The image of the speaker as a bird of prey portrays the danger of emotions and self-doubt. The Vietnam Veterans Memorial, designed by Maya Ying Ling, is shaped like a "V" out of black granite with the names of missing and dead Americans. The speaker feels emotionally connected to the wall, seeing himself as integral to the history created by his fallen comrades.

The speaker mentions the 58022 names of both the MIA and POW in lines fourteen through sixteen, expressing his alienation and numbness over the losses by half expecting to find his own name on that wall. The letters are described as smoke, portraying their transitory and vague nature just like actual smoke. In lines seventeen through twenty-one, the narrator touches a name on the wall and is flooded with painful memories of his past, particularly the death of a fellow soldier that feels like it's happening all over again. The rapid shifts in scenery emphasize the speaker's dream-like state, reminiscent of surrealistic art, reflecting his perception. By juxtaposing unrelated elements, the arts captured the dream-like quality of human existence.

The lines from twenty-two to twenty-four disrupt our narrator's dreamlike state and bring him back to reality. The soldier is no longer just staring at the wall, but is grappling with inner turmoil and emotions. This poem has various interpretations, with the title "Facing It" suggesting the soldier confronting himself in the wall. By facing their fears, one can confront the issue at hand. Thomas Marvin notes that the poem provides a release from the horrors of war, offering a glimpse of love that sustains future generations. The wall serves as both a memorial and a place for reflection for those lost in war.

Works Cited

• Brown, James W. "Overview: "Facing It"." Poetry for Students 5 (1999): n. pag. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
• Komunykaa, Yusef, and Muna Asali. "An Interview With Yusef komunyakaa." Blue Notes: Essays, Interviews, and Commentary 207 (2000): 76-84. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.
• Marvin, Thomas F. "Komunyakaa's Facing It." The Explicator 61.2 (2003): 262. Web. 22 Mar. 2014.