Meaning: Thom Gunn, an influential British poet, made this statement about the prevalent themes in poetry during the last few decades. The quote suggests that two major societal issues, the Vietnam War and the AIDS epidemic, have been the primary subjects that have deeply affected people and have consequently become significant themes in poetry. This quote encapsulates the impact of these two historical events on society and the arts, reflecting the way in which poetry often responds to and reflects the collective emotions and experiences of a given time period.

The Vietnam War, which took place from 1955 to 1975, had a profound impact on the global consciousness. The war was divisive and controversial, leading to widespread protests and social unrest. Many poets and writers responded to the war through their work, expressing their opposition to the conflict, mourning the loss of lives, and reflecting on the profound emotional and psychological toll it took on soldiers and civilians alike. The poetry of this era often grappled with themes of violence, trauma, and the futility of war, capturing the complex and often devastating realities of the conflict.

Similarly, the AIDS epidemic, which emerged in the early 1980s, had a profound and lasting impact on society. The disease initially stigmatized and affected marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community, and led to widespread fear and misinformation. As the epidemic grew, it became a global health crisis, affecting millions of people and their loved ones. The poetry that emerged during this time often grappled with the themes of loss, grief, and the human toll of the epidemic. Poets responded to the AIDS crisis by bearing witness to the suffering and loss, humanizing the experiences of those affected, and advocating for greater awareness and compassion.

Thom Gunn's observation about the prevalence of these two themes in poetry reflects the way in which poetry serves as a medium for processing and documenting societal trauma and upheaval. Throughout history, poetry has often been a means for individuals and communities to make sense of and respond to difficult and challenging events. By capturing the emotional and human dimensions of these experiences, poets have the power to create empathy and understanding, as well as to critique and challenge prevailing narratives and power structures.

Gunn's assertion also raises important questions about the relationship between art and society. The prevalence of these two themes in poetry suggests that art is deeply intertwined with the events and experiences that shape our world. As poets respond to the pressing issues of their time, they not only bear witness to historical events but also contribute to shaping the cultural memory and understanding of those events. Through their work, poets have the ability to amplify marginalized voices, challenge dominant narratives, and provide a space for collective mourning and reflection.

In conclusion, Thom Gunn's quote captures the enduring impact of the Vietnam War and the AIDS epidemic on poetry and society. The prevalence of these themes in poetry reflects the way in which art serves as a response to and reflection of historical events and societal trauma. By grappling with these themes, poets have the power to create empathy, challenge prevailing narratives, and contribute to our collective understanding of these pivotal moments in history.