What is 'Bangor, 1982' by Eryn Rowan Laurie about?

Eryn Rowan Laurie's 'Bangor, 1982' captures the anxieties surrounding the peace movement and the threat of nuclear war during the Cold War. The poem reflects the tensions between military presence, spiritual seeking, and the yearning for peace. It highlights the complex emotions of that era and invites contemplation on the intersection of military might and the desire for peace.

What is the significance of Bangor as the setting for the poem 'Bangor, 1982'?

The location of Bangor, Wales, near a major naval base during the Cold War is significant. It underscores the tensions between the military's mission of nuclear deterrence, specifically referencing Trident submarines, and the peace movement's call for disarmament. Bangor serves as a localized focal point for the global anxieties surrounding nuclear conflict.

In 'Bangor, 1982,' what do the 'cryptic messages' and 'peace-invoking words' symbolize?

In 'Bangor, 1982', 'cryptic messages' represent the coded commands and secrecy associated with military technology, particularly nuclear weapons systems like Trident submarines. Conversely, 'peace-invoking words,' such as the Buddhist chant 'namu myoho renge kyo,' symbolize the spiritual counterforce advocating for peace. The poem emphasizes the power of language to shape reality, whether through military directives or heartfelt pleas for peace.

What does the phrase 'preserving peace / at any cost' reveal about nuclear strategy in 'Bangor, 1982'?

The sailors' conviction in 'Bangor, 1982' that they are 'preserving peace / at any cost' reveals the paradox of nuclear strategy. They believe nuclear deterrence prevents war, but 'at any cost' hints at the potential for unintended consequences and immense risks. This reflects the complex moral calculus of those tasked with maintaining nuclear deterrence, highlighting the precarious balance between security and potential annihilation.

How does 'Bangor, 1982' relate to contemporary discussions about peace and security?

'Bangor, 1982' connects to contemporary discussions about peace and security by highlighting the enduring need for dialogue, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace. The poem transcends its historical context by exploring the universal desire for a more peaceful future. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of nuclear weapons and the importance of addressing global tensions through peaceful means, urging us to embrace these principles 'at any cost'.

Surreal illustration of a submarine near monks chanting for peace.

The Silent Echoes of Bangor: Can Poetry Unlock the Secrets of Peace and Protest?

Lena Voss in Culture & Society August 2025 • 5 min read.

"Decoding Messages in Verse: How Eryn Rowan Laurie's 'Bangor, 1982' Reflects the Tensions of a Nuclear Age"

In the tapestry of human experience, poetry often serves as a mirror, reflecting the anxieties, hopes, and dreams of a particular moment in time. Eryn Rowan Laurie’s 'Bangor, 1982' is one such mirror, capturing the complex emotions surrounding the peace movement and the ever-present threat of nuclear war during the Cold War era. Published in Anthropology of Consciousness, the poem acts as a powerful cultural artifact, inviting us to contemplate the intersection of military presence, spiritual seeking, and the yearning for peace.

The poem's title immediately grounds us in a specific place and time: Bangor, a town in Wales, 1982. This location is significant because it is near a major naval base, a strategic site during the Cold War. The poem explores the tensions between the military's mission of deterrence and the peace movement's call for disarmament, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of human consciousness in the face of existential threat.

Laurie’s verse weaves together stark imagery – from submarines and missiles to chanting monks and peace banners – creating a multi-layered narrative that speaks to the heart of the era's anxieties. By understanding the poem's context and dissecting its key elements, we can gain a deeper appreciation for its enduring message and its relevance to contemporary discussions about peace, security, and the human condition.

Decoding the Poem's Key Elements: Unpacking the Symbols of Conflict and Hope

Surreal illustration of a submarine near monks chanting for peace.

The poem opens with a sense of clandestine activity, 'In my hands / cryptic messages / fragments of code / sent on satellites to Tridents out at sea.' This immediately establishes the presence of military technology and the secrecy surrounding it. The 'Tridents' reference specifically points to Trident submarines, a key component of nuclear deterrence, underscoring the immediacy of the nuclear threat.

Juxtaposed against this military presence is the image of monks chanting outside the gate: 'namu myoho renge kyo, / peace-invoking words / on banners in the wind.' This Buddhist chant, often associated with the Soka Gakkai International, a lay Buddhist movement known for its peace activism, symbolizes a spiritual counterforce to the destructive potential of nuclear weapons. The wind carrying these words suggests their power to spread and influence.

Military vs. Spiritual: The poem's juxtaposition of military technology and spiritual practice highlights the core conflict between the drive for security through strength and the pursuit of peace through inner transformation.
The Power of Language: The 'cryptic messages' and 'peace-invoking words' both emphasize the power of language to shape reality, whether through coded commands or heartfelt pleas.
Location Specificity: Bangor's role as a site of both military significance and peace activism underscores the localized impact of global tensions.

The sailors who 'shout deprecations, / say we're right, / preserving peace / at any cost,' reveal the complex moral calculus of those tasked with maintaining nuclear deterrence. Their conviction that they are 'preserving peace' highlights the paradox of nuclear strategy, where the threat of annihilation is intended to prevent actual war. The phrase 'at any cost' hints at the potential for unintended consequences and the immense risks involved.

The Enduring Relevance of 'Bangor, 1982': A Call for Peace in a Precarious World

Eryn Rowan Laurie's 'Bangor, 1982' remains a potent reminder of the ever-present need for peace and understanding in a world still grappling with the dangers of nuclear weapons. By weaving together images of military might, spiritual yearning, and human vulnerability, the poem transcends its specific historical context and speaks to the universal desire for a more peaceful future. As we navigate the complexities of the 21st century, Laurie's words serve as a powerful call to action, urging us to embrace dialogue, diplomacy, and the pursuit of peace 'at any cost'.