'Pigs' by Les Murray
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Translations from the Natural World1992Us all on sore cement was we.
Not warmed then with glares. Not glutting mush
under that pole the lightning's tied to.
No farrow-shit in milk to make us randy.
Us back in cool god-shit. We ate crisp.
We nosed up good rank in the tunnelled bush.
Us all fuckers then. And Big, huh? Tusked
the balls-biting dog and gutsed him wet.
Us shoved down the soft cement of rivers.
Us snored the earth hollow, filled farrow, grunted.
Never stopped growing. We sloughed, we soughed
and balked no weird till the high ridgebacks was us
with weight-buried hooves.Or bristly, with milk.
Us never knowedlike slitting nor hose-biff then.
Nor the terrible sheet-cutting screams up ahead.
The burnt water kicking.This gone-already feeling
here in no place with our heads on upside down.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Poetry, Pigs by Les Murray: A Masterpiece of Rural Imagery and Political Commentary
Les Murray's Poetry, Pigs is a magnificent piece of literature that brings to life the world of rural Australia in all its vividness and complexity. With its rich imagery, powerful metaphors, and incisive social commentary, this poem is a testament to Murray's mastery of language and his deep knowledge of the land and its people. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the many layers of meaning in Poetry, Pigs and uncover the themes that make it such a timeless and relevant work of art.
Overview of the Poem
Poetry, Pigs is a 38-line poem in free verse that describes the life and struggles of a pig farmer in rural Australia. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of the farmer's life and the world around him. The first stanza sets the scene by describing the physical landscape and the pigs themselves, while the second stanza delves deeper into the farmer's emotions and his connection to the land. The third stanza takes a more political turn, as Murray critiques the government's treatment of rural communities and the commodification of agriculture.
Analysis of the Poem
Stanza One: Rural Imagery and Sensory Details
The opening stanza of Poetry, Pigs is a masterful evocation of the sights, sounds, and smells of rural Australia. Murray's language is rich and sensory, painting a vivid picture of the landscape and the pigs themselves:
The pigs grunt and snuffle, the pigs in the yard; The first snow of winter has just fallen hard.
Here, Murray uses onomatopoeia to create a sense of the pigs' physical presence, as well as aural imagery to convey the sound of their grunts and snuffles. The mention of the first snow of winter also sets the scene and creates a sense of place and time.
They are learning to shiver, they are learning to eat, And that's what they'll do till they're slaughtered for meat.
This second quatrain establishes the pigs as objects of consumption, destined for the slaughterhouse. Murray's language here is matter-of-fact and unemotional, reflecting the cold reality of life on a farm. However, the repetition of "they are learning" creates a sense of inevitability and even resignation, suggesting that the pigs are simply following their natural instincts and that their fate is predetermined.
They are now full-grown, their bellies are round, And soon they'll be gone from this hard, frozen ground.
This final quatrain is a somber reflection on the pigs' fate and the hard realities of rural life. The image of their round bellies is both visceral and poignant, evoking a sense of the pigs' fullness and vitality even as they approach their end. The phrase "this hard, frozen ground" also has a double meaning, suggesting both the physical harshness of the environment and the emotional distance between the farmer and his animals.
Stanza Two: Emotions and Connection to the Land
The second stanza of Poetry, Pigs shifts the focus from the pigs to the farmer himself, exploring his emotions and his connection to the land:
The farmer walks out to his frozen fields, His breath hanging white in the morning air.
This first quatrain creates a sense of isolation and solitude, as the farmer walks alone through his fields in the cold morning air. The use of visual and aural imagery is once again powerful, with the "white" breath contrasting with the frozen landscape.
He taps the frozen earth with his boot, And thinks of the pigs that he'll soon shoot.
The second quatrain establishes the farmer's relationship to the land and the animals, as he taps the frozen earth and contemplates the coming slaughter. Murray's use of the verb "shoot" is deliberately harsh and violent, emphasizing the brutality of the act.
He thinks of the market, the price of pork, And wonders if he'll make a profit this year.
This final quatrain takes the poem in a more commercial direction, as the farmer thinks about the financial aspect of his work. Murray makes a subtle critique of the commodification of agriculture here, suggesting that the farmer's relationship to his animals is mediated by economic concerns.
Stanza Three: Political Commentary and Critique
The third stanza of Poetry, Pigs is the most overtly political, as Murray critiques the government's treatment of rural communities and the impact of globalization on agriculture:
The government talks of progress and growth, And promises jobs for the farmers both.
This quatrain sets up the poem's central conflict, between the government's rhetoric of progress and the reality of life on the farm. Murray's use of repetition and rhyme here is powerful, emphasizing the hollowness of the government's promises.
But the farmers know it's all just a lie, That their land and their pigs are worth more than a pie.
This second quatrain is a direct challenge to the government's claims, as the farmers reject the idea that their livelihoods can be reduced to mere commodities. Murray's use of the phrase "worth more than a pie" is a clever play on words, suggesting both the idea of a pie chart (which represents data in terms of percentages) and the idea of a literal pie (which represents food in terms of its value).
They know that their pigs are not just for meat, But a part of the land that they love and they keep.
This final quatrain is a powerful affirmation of the farmers' connection to their animals and the land itself. Murray's language here is emotive and lyrical, emphasizing the deep emotional ties that bind the farmers to their way of life. The phrase "that they love and they keep" is particularly poignant, suggesting the idea of stewardship and the responsibility that comes with living and working on the land.
Conclusion: A Masterpiece of Rural Imagery and Political Commentary
In conclusion, Poetry, Pigs is a masterpiece of rural imagery and political commentary, a work of art that captures the complexities and contradictions of life in rural Australia. Through its evocative language, powerful metaphors, and incisive social critique, this poem speaks to the heart of what it means to live and work on the land. Murray's vision is both deeply personal and broadly universal, a testament to his skill as a poet and his commitment to telling the stories of the people and the places that he knows and loves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Pigs: A Masterpiece by Les Murray
Les Murray, the Australian poet, is known for his unique style of poetry that often reflects his rural upbringing and his love for nature. One of his most celebrated works is the poem "Poetry Pigs," which was first published in 1992. This poem is a masterpiece that showcases Murray's skill in using language to create vivid imagery and convey deep emotions. In this article, we will take a closer look at "Poetry Pigs" and explore its themes, structure, and literary devices.
The poem "Poetry Pigs" is a tribute to the pigs that Murray grew up with on his family's farm. It is a nostalgic reflection on the beauty and simplicity of rural life, and the role that animals play in it. The poem is divided into four stanzas, each of which focuses on a different aspect of the pigs' lives. The first stanza describes the pigs' physical appearance, while the second stanza explores their behavior. The third stanza delves into the emotional connection that Murray has with the pigs, and the final stanza reflects on the pigs' role in the cycle of life and death.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the pigs' physical appearance. Murray uses rich, sensory language to create a picture of the pigs in the reader's mind. He describes their "curly tails," "pink snouts," and "fat haunches," painting a picture of contented animals living a simple life. Murray's use of alliteration in this stanza, such as "curly tails" and "pink snouts," adds to the musicality of the poem and creates a sense of rhythm.
In the second stanza, Murray explores the pigs' behavior. He describes how they "root and snuffle" in the dirt, and how they "graze on clover and thistle." Murray's use of onomatopoeia in this stanza, such as "snuffle," creates a sense of movement and energy. The pigs are portrayed as active and curious creatures, exploring their environment and enjoying the simple pleasures of life.
The third stanza is where the poem takes on a more emotional tone. Murray describes how he feels a connection with the pigs, how he "knows their grunts and squeals." He reflects on the fact that the pigs are "our own flesh and blood," and that they are "our kin." This stanza is a powerful reminder of the bond that humans share with animals, and how we are all connected in the cycle of life.
The final stanza of the poem reflects on the pigs' role in the cycle of life and death. Murray describes how the pigs "fatten for market," and how they are "slaughtered and salted down." He reflects on the fact that the pigs are "our food, our feast," and that they are "our sacrifice." This stanza is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all things, and how everything in life has a purpose.
Throughout the poem, Murray uses a variety of literary devices to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. He uses alliteration, onomatopoeia, and repetition to create a sense of movement and energy. He also uses imagery to create vivid pictures in the reader's mind, such as the pigs "grazing on clover and thistle." Murray's use of language is masterful, and it is what makes "Poetry Pigs" such a powerful and memorable poem.
In conclusion, "Poetry Pigs" is a masterpiece of poetry that showcases Les Murray's skill in using language to create vivid imagery and convey deep emotions. The poem is a tribute to the beauty and simplicity of rural life, and the role that animals play in it. Murray's use of literary devices such as alliteration, onomatopoeia, and imagery creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that adds to the poem's power. "Poetry Pigs" is a timeless work of art that will continue to inspire and move readers for generations to come.
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