“A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay: A Critical Analysis

Introduction: “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

“A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay, first published in the 2015 collection Catalog of Unabashed Gratitude, is a poignant exploration of grief, loss, and resilience. The poem, characterized by its understated tone and vivid imagery, delves into the tragic death of Eric Garner, a victim of police brutality. Gay employs a seemingly simple narrative, focusing on Garner’s role as a horticultural worker, to highlight the stark contrast between life and death. The central idea of the poem is that even in the face of immense tragedy, beauty and growth can persist. Gay’s skillful use of language and his ability to evoke powerful emotions make this a deeply moving and thought-provoking piece.

Text: “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

Is that Eric Garner worked
for some time for the Parks and Rec.
Horticultural Department, which means,
perhaps, that with his very large hands,
perhaps, in all likelihood,
he put gently into the earth
some plants which, most likely,
some of them, in all likelihood,
continue to grow, continue
to do what such plants do, like house
and feed small and necessary creatures,
like being pleasant to touch and smell,
like converting sunlight
into food, like making it easier
for us to breathe.

Annotations: “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

Line	Annotation
Is that Eric Garner worked	The poem begins by referencing Eric Garner, a man whose death during an encounter with police sparked national protests. The speaker draws attention to his work, shifting the focus from his death to his life.
for some time for the Parks and Rec.	This line introduces Garner’s employment at the Parks and Recreation Horticultural Department, framing his connection to nature and growth.
Horticultural Department, which means,	The line sets up the idea that his work involved tending plants, introducing a more reflective tone on how this work carries on even after his death.
perhaps, that with his very large hands,	The use of “perhaps” introduces a gentle tone of speculation. Eric Garner is often remembered for his physical size, which is now being linked to nurturing and care rather than violence.
perhaps, in all likelihood,	Repetition of “perhaps” underscores the uncertainty but suggests a reasonable likelihood, building a subtle connection between life, death, and what continues.
he put gently into the earth	This line emphasizes Garner’s nurturing side, presenting a tender image of him planting life. This is juxtaposed with the tragic way his own life was cut short.
some plants which, most likely,	The line hints at continuity, noting that some of the plants he may have planted continue to grow, reinforcing the idea of life moving forward despite his absence.
some of them, in all likelihood,	The repetition adds a rhythmic, meditative quality to the poem, reflecting on the connection between past actions and present outcomes.
continue to grow, continue	The growth of the plants serves as a metaphor for life, endurance, and the cycle of nature. This line emphasizes the idea that Garner’s contributions live on.
to do what such plants do, like house	The plants represent life and nourishment, and this line expands on the ecological role they play, creating a connection between Garner’s hands and the thriving of small creatures.
and feed small and necessary creatures,	The imagery here focuses on the simple, essential aspects of life – how nature provides sustenance for small creatures. This parallels the “small” but meaningful acts of everyday life.
like being pleasant to touch and smell,	Plants are described not only for their ecological value but also for their sensory beauty, reflecting the peace and goodness that can be found in the simplest things, perhaps hinting at the lost humanity in Garner’s story.
like converting sunlight	Plants, through photosynthesis, convert sunlight into food, symbolizing the transformation of something intangible into something life-sustaining, a subtle nod to Garner’s legacy.
into food, like making it easier	The role of plants in producing food is highlighted as another essential function, emphasizing life’s continuous need for nourishment.
for us to breathe.	The final line delivers a poignant reminder of the literal connection between plants and life – oxygen production. It also indirectly references Eric Garner’s last words, “I can’t breathe,” linking the personal to the universal act of breathing.

Literary And Poetic Devices: “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

Device	Definition	Example	Explanation
Alliteration	The repetition of initial consonant sounds.	“put gently into the earth”	Emphasizes the gentle action of planting.
Anaphora	The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.	“like house and feed small and necessary creatures, like being pleasant to touch and smell”	Reinforces the idea of the plant’s functions.
Assonance	The repetition of vowel sounds within words.	“like house and feed”	Creates a melodic quality and emphasizes the plant’s nurturing role.
Connotation	The emotional associations attached to a word.	“very large hands”	Suggests strength and capability, reflecting Garner’s occupation.
Consonance	The repetition of consonant sounds within words, often at the ends of words.	“Horticultural Department”	Adds a rhythmic quality and emphasizes the connection to nature.
Enjambment	The continuation of a sentence or thought beyond the end of a line.	“some plants which, most likely, some of them, in all likelihood”	Creates a sense of fluidity and natural flow.
Imagery	The use of vivid language to create mental images.	“like converting sunlight into food”	Paints a picture of the plant’s life cycle.
Metaphor	A comparison between two unlike things without using “like” or “as.”	“like making it easier for us to breathe”	Compares the plant’s contribution to the environment to human respiration.
Parallelism	The use of similar grammatical structures.	“like house and feed small and necessary creatures, like being pleasant to touch and smell”	Creates a sense of balance and rhythm.
Personification	Giving human qualities to non-human things.	“plants…continue to grow”	Attributes human-like qualities of growth and persistence to the plants.
Repetition	The repeated use of words, phrases, or sounds.	“in all likelihood”	Emphasizes the certainty of the plant’s actions.
Simile	A comparison between two unlike things using “like” or “as.”	“like being pleasant to touch and smell”	Compares the plant’s sensory qualities to human experience.
Symbolism	The use of objects, characters, or events to represent something else.	“plants”	Represent life, growth, and resilience, despite the tragedy of Garner’s death.
Tone	The author’s attitude toward the subject matter.	Understated and hopeful	Expresses a sense of quiet optimism in the face of loss.
White Space	The intentional use of blank space on a page.	Throughout the poem	Creates a sense of calm and reflection, emphasizing the poem’s contemplative nature.
Word Choice	The careful selection of words to convey meaning and evoke emotion.	“gently,” “pleasant”	Creates a positive and uplifting atmosphere.
Syntax	The arrangement of words in sentences.	The use of simple sentence structures	Contributes to the poem’s clarity and directness.
Theme	The central idea or message of the poem.	The resilience of life and the enduring power of nature	Explores the concept that even in the face of tragedy, life continues and beauty persists.
Versification	The use of rhythm and meter to create a poetic structure.	The poem’s free verse form	Allows for a natural and flexible flow of language.
Voice	The author’s distinctive style and perspective.	Reflective and contemplative	Creates a personal and intimate connection with the reader.

Themes: “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

1. Life and Continuity: One central theme of the poem is the continuity of life, even in the face of death. The image of Eric Garner planting plants that “continue to grow” suggests that while he is no longer alive, his contributions to nature endure. The plants, which “house and feed small and necessary creatures,” symbolize a life-giving force that persists, much like how people’s legacies continue to influence the world after they are gone. This theme is reflected in the line “some of them, in all likelihood, continue to grow.”
2. Human Connection to Nature: The poem explores the intimate relationship between humans and the natural world. Eric Garner’s work in the Parks and Recreation Horticultural Department ties him directly to nature through his labor of planting. By nurturing plants that “convert sunlight into food” and “make it easier for us to breathe,” the poem highlights the essential role humans play in fostering and sustaining life in the environment. This connection emphasizes the peaceful, life-affirming qualities of Garner’s actions, contrasting with the violence of his death.
3. Gentleness and Care: Ross Gay underscores the theme of gentleness and care throughout the poem, especially in how Garner is portrayed. Despite being a large man, often remembered for the forceful way he was restrained during his arrest, here he is shown using his “very large hands” to “gently” plant life into the earth. The poem reframes Eric Garner’s memory from one of violence to one of tenderness, shifting the narrative to focus on the nurturing, caring aspects of his life.
4. Transformation and Legacy: The theme of transformation is woven through the poem, particularly in the metaphor of plants growing and converting sunlight into sustenance. This transformation can be seen as symbolic of how Garner’s memory might be transformed into a legacy of life and care. While his life was tragically cut short, the plants he may have nurtured continue to live, “house,” and “feed” others, signifying the positive impact one can leave behind. The poem suggests that even after death, there is a quiet, enduring legacy that continues to grow and nourish the world.

Literary Theories and “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

Ecocriticism	Focuses on the relationship between literature and the natural world, often analyzing how nature is depicted and the connection between humans and the environment.	The poem emphasizes Eric Garner’s work in the “Horticultural Department,” where he likely contributed to nature by planting and fostering growth, tying human action to environmental impact.
Critical Race Theory	Examines how race and racism intersect with literature and culture, often exploring themes of systemic inequality, identity, and social justice.	Eric Garner’s legacy is subtly invoked, highlighting systemic racism and police brutality. The peaceful, nurturing work of “put[ting] gently into the earth” contrasts with his violent death.
Humanism	Centers on human dignity, values, and the potential for moral growth. It often looks at the positive contributions of individuals in society, promoting empathy and human connection.	The poem humanizes Garner by presenting his role as a caretaker of nature, evoking empathy as it reflects on his contribution to life and breath—”making it easier for us to breathe.”

Critical Questions about “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

• How does the poem’s focus on Eric Garner’s occupation as a horticultural worker contribute to its overall theme?
• Ross Gay’s decision to center the poem on Eric Garner’s work as a horticultural worker is a strategic choice that significantly enhances the poem’s thematic depth. By highlighting Garner’s connection to nature, Gay suggests a parallel between Garner’s life and the resilience and growth of the plants he tended. This juxtaposition underscores the enduring power of life even in the face of tragedy. Furthermore, the image of Garner nurturing plants creates a sense of hope and possibility, suggesting that despite his untimely death, his legacy lives on through the natural world.
• What is the significance of the repetition of the phrase “in all likelihood” throughout the poem?
• The repeated use of the phrase “in all likelihood” serves a dual purpose in “A Small Needful Fact.” On one hand, it conveys a sense of uncertainty and the unpredictable nature of life. By acknowledging the possibility of alternative outcomes, the poem emphasizes the fragility of existence and the tragic randomness of Garner’s death. On the other hand, the repetition of this phrase also suggests a degree of inevitability. It implies that despite the uncertainty surrounding life, certain things, such as the growth of plants, are more or less guaranteed. This contrast between uncertainty and inevitability adds a layer of complexity to the poem’s exploration of life and death.
• How does the poem’s use of simple language and imagery contribute to its emotional impact?
• “A Small Needful Fact” employs a deceptively simple style, relying on straightforward language and concrete imagery. This deliberate choice enhances the poem’s emotional impact by allowing readers to connect with the subject matter on a visceral level. The poem’s focus on the mundane activities of a horticultural worker, such as planting and tending to plants, creates a sense of familiarity and relatability. By grounding the poem in everyday experiences, Gay is able to evoke powerful emotions without resorting to overt sentimentality.
• How does the poem’s understated tone contribute to its overall message?
• The poem’s understated tone plays a crucial role in conveying its message. By avoiding excessive emotionalism or rhetoric, Gay allows the reader to experience the poem’s impact more subtly. The poem’s quiet contemplation of Garner’s life and the resilience of nature creates a sense of peace and reflection. This understated approach also reinforces the idea that even in the face of tragedy, there is beauty and hope to be found.

Literary Works Similar to “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

1. “The Summer Day” by Mary Oliver: Like Gay’s poem, this work contemplates the beauty and simplicity of nature, while raising profound questions about life and death.
2. “Those Winter Sundays” by Robert Hayden: Both poems explore the unnoticed, tender acts of care performed by figures whose significance is often overlooked.
3. “Let America Be America Again” by Langston Hughes: Hughes, like Gay, reflects on social justice and the American experience, focusing on marginalized voices and their contributions.
4. “A Litany for Survival” by Audre Lorde: Lorde’s poem, similar to Gay’s, addresses the experiences of marginalized people, emphasizing endurance and the need for recognition of life’s small, essential moments.
5. “Facing It” by Yusef Komunyakaa: Both works meditate on memory and loss, framing personal grief and societal issues within a broader human and historical context.

Suggested Readings: “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

Representative Quotations of “A Small Needful Fact” by Ross Gay

Quotation	Context	Theoretical Perspective (in bold)
“Is that Eric Garner worked for some time for the Parks and Rec.”	Establishing the factual foundation of Eric Garner’s work history and humanizing his memory.	Biographical criticism: The reference to Garner’s job helps to humanize him, highlighting the often-overlooked aspects of his life.
“Horticultural Department, which means, perhaps, that with his very large hands”	Suggests the labor and care Eric Garner put into his work with plants, symbolizing growth.	Ecocriticism: The connection between Eric Garner and the natural world reflects a harmonious relationship between humans and nature.
“he put gently into the earth some plants which, most likely, continue to grow”	Reflects on how Garner’s life, through his labor, continues to influence the environment.	Existentialism: Focuses on the idea of legacy, pondering how human actions, even after death, can leave lasting impacts on the world.
“continue to do what such plants do, like house and feed small and necessary creatures”	Highlights the plants’ ongoing life and support for other creatures as a metaphor for resilience.	Metaphorical criticism: The plants symbolize Garner’s life and continued influence, representing growth, nurturing, and sustenance.
“like making it easier for us to breathe.”	Suggests the plants’ role in sustaining life and implies that Garner, through his work, contributed to the well-being of others.	Marxist criticism: The focus on labor as life-sustaining draws attention to the working class’s often invisible contributions to society.