Meaning: This quote, "The doctor punched my vein, the captain called me Cain, upon my belly sat the sow of fear," is a powerful and evocative line from a poem by Karl Shapiro. The imagery and language used in this quote convey a sense of pain, guilt, and fear, and it invites readers to delve into the deeper meanings and emotions behind the words.

Karl Shapiro was an American poet who was known for his vivid and often autobiographical poems. Born in 1913, Shapiro’s experiences as a soldier in World War II deeply influenced his poetry, and themes of war, trauma, and human suffering are prevalent in his work. This quote is a poignant example of Shapiro’s ability to capture complex emotions and experiences in a few striking words.

The first part of the quote, "The doctor punched my vein," immediately draws the reader into a scene of physical pain and vulnerability. The use of the word "punched" creates a jarring and visceral image, suggesting a forceful and invasive medical procedure. This line conveys a sense of helplessness and discomfort, as well as the experience of being subjected to a painful and perhaps frightening medical intervention.

The next part of the quote, "the captain called me Cain," introduces a biblical allusion that adds a layer of religious and moral complexity to the poem. In the Bible, Cain is the firstborn son of Adam and Eve, and he is known for committing the first murder by killing his brother Abel. By invoking the name of Cain, Shapiro introduces themes of guilt, sin, and the burden of wrongdoing. The use of "captain" suggests a figure of authority, possibly within a military context, adding a further dimension to the poem’s exploration of power dynamics and responsibility.

The final part of the quote, "upon my belly sat the sow of fear," introduces a vivid and unsettling image of fear taking on a physical form. The use of "sow," a female pig, creates a grotesque and unsettling picture, as fear is depicted as a heavy, oppressive presence. The placement of fear "upon my belly" suggests a sense of weight and burden, as well as a close and intimate connection between the speaker and their fear. This line encapsulates the emotional core of the poem, conveying the experience of being overwhelmed and immobilized by fear.

Overall, this quote from Karl Shapiro’s poem is a rich and evocative exploration of pain, guilt, and fear. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Shapiro invites readers to confront the complexities of human experience and emotion. The quote captures a moment of vulnerability and discomfort, while also delving into deeper themes of morality, authority, and the visceral impact of fear. Shapiro’s ability to distill complex emotions into a few poignant lines is a testament to his skill as a poet and his enduring impact on the world of poetry.