John Haines’ poetry has the ability to evoke various emotions from the audience. Although his poems vary in topic, they tend to have a similar theme, which is remembrance. Haines’ recalls many examples not only from American history, but Canadian, French, and German history as well, that most people would rather be forgotten. By glazing over some of the injustices in our Nation’s history, people trick themselves into an exceptionalist way of thinking which Haines’ seems to find objectionable.
As the old saying goes “those who do not know their history are doomed to repeat it”, it seems to me that Haines’ held this idea in high regard, especially when writing his poetry. In the poem “In the house of Wax”, Haines’ brings light to the injustices enacted by empowered historical figures (Franklin, Minuit, Henry, Kennedy, Nixon, and so on) onto slaves, natives, and fellow countrymen. The passage that caught my attention was referring to the slaves in America, the line reads,”Call those from underneath, the sold and trodden, their slow and sweating sons, elevate and crown them.” This excerpt stirred up a feeling of sadness, while most of the others passages like the one pertaining to the dealings (Minuit’s payment for land) with natives was just frustrating.
I understand that people act in a self interested way, but mistreating others in order to accomplish something should not be commemorated. I believe Haines’ biggest issue with historical figures is the fact that their efforts are often applauded and celebrated and never questioned or thought to be inhumane. Perhaps the most telling passage that gives the audience insight into Haines’ point of view is in the last full stanza of the poem, when he writes, “Were we not lost, condemned to repeat these names and to honor their crimes”.
I found this photo on a blog. I though that it was relevant because the title was "Some of the Slaves Who Built the White House" and Haines' refers to many of the most popular U.S. presidents in history.
"In the House of Wax" by John Haines from For the Century's End, Poems:
1990-1999. Copyright © 2001 by John Haines. Reprinted by permission of
University of Washington Press
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