'Emergency Haying' by Hayden Carruth
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Coming home with the last load I ride standing
on the wagon tongue, behind the tractor
in hot exhaust, lank with sweat,my arms strung
awkwardly along the hayrack, cruciform.
Almost 5OO bales we've put upthis afternoon, Marshall and I.
And of course I think of another who hung
like this on another cross. My hands are tornby baling twine, not nails, and my side is pierced
by my ulcer, not a lance. The acid in my throat
is only hayseed. Yet exhaustion and the waymy body hangs from twisted shoulders, suspended
on two points of pain in the rising
monoxide, recall that greater suffering.Well, I change grip and the image
fades. It's been an unlucky summer. Heavy rains
brought on the grass tremendously, a monster crop,but wet, always wet. Haying was long delayed.
Now is our last chance to bring in
the winter's feed, and Marshall needs help.We mow, rake, bale, and draw the bales
to the barn, these late, half-green,
improperly cured bales; some weight l5O poundsor more, yet must be lugged by the twine
across the field, tossed on the load, and then
at the barn unloaded on the conveyorand distributed in the loft. I help-
I, the desk-servant, word-worker-
and hold up my end pretty well too; but God,the close of day, how I fall down then. My hands
are sore, they flinch when I light my pipe.
I think of those who have done slave labor,less able and less well prepared than I.
Rose Marie in the rye fields of Saxony,
her father in the camps of Moldaviaand the Crimea, all clerks and housekeepers
herded to the gaunt fields of torture. Hands
too bloodied cannot beareven the touch of air, even
the touch of love. I have a friend
whose grandmother cut cane with a macheteand cut and cut, until one day
she snicked her hand off and took it
and threw it grandly at the sky. Nowin September our New England mountains
under a clear sky for which we're thankful at last
begin to glow, maples, beeches, birchesin their first color. I look
beyond our famous hayfields to our famous hills,
to the notch where the sunset is beginning,then in the other direction, eastward,
where a full new-risen moon like a pale
medallion hangs in a lavender cloudbeyond the barn. My eyes
sting with sweat and loveliness. And who
is the Christ now, whoif not I? It must be so. My strength
is legion. And I stand up high
on the wagon tongue in my whole bones to saywoe to you, watch out
you sons of bitches who would drive men and women
to the fields where they can only die.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An In-Depth Analysis of Hayden Carruth's Emergency Haying
When it comes to poetry, there are certain works that are both beautiful and complex. One such work is Emergency Haying, written by Hayden Carruth. This poem is a masterpiece that is both thought-provoking and moving. In this literary criticism, we will explore the various aspects of the poem to understand its meaning and significance.
Overview of the Poem
The poem is composed of fourteen stanzas, each containing four lines. The speaker is a farmer who is struggling to save his hay from a coming storm. It is a race against time, and the farmer is working frantically to prevent his crops from being destroyed. Throughout the poem, the speaker describes the various challenges he faces and the solutions he comes up with to overcome them. The poem is written in a free verse style, and the language is simple but powerful.
Themes
One of the primary themes in the poem is the struggle of man against nature. The farmer is battling against the forces of nature, trying to save his crops from being destroyed by the storm. This is a common theme in literature, but Carruth takes it a step further by showing the reader the various techniques the farmer uses to overcome the challenges he faces. This is a testament to the resilience and ingenuity of the human spirit.
Another theme that emerges from the poem is the idea of hard work and perseverance. The farmer is working tirelessly to save his crops, and the poem shows the reader the rewards of hard work and the satisfaction that comes from a job well done. The poem also shows the importance of being resourceful and adaptable in the face of adversity. The farmer uses various tools and techniques to save his crops, and this is a reminder that sometimes we need to think outside the box to solve our problems.
Literary Devices
The poem is filled with literary devices that add depth and meaning to the text. One of the most prominent devices is imagery. The poem is full of vivid descriptions of the storm, the hay, and the tools the farmer is using. The reader can almost feel the wind and rain, and see the farmer's hands as he works to save his crops. The imagery adds a sensory dimension to the poem, making it more engaging and memorable.
Another device used in the poem is repetition. The phrase "emergency haying" is repeated several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. Repetition is also used to reinforce the idea of hard work and perseverance. The phrase "cut, ted, rake, bale" is repeated several times, reminding the reader of the farmer's tireless efforts to save his crops.
Interpretation
The poem can be interpreted in several ways. At its core, the poem is a celebration of the human spirit and the power of hard work and perseverance. The farmer is a symbol of the resilience of the human spirit, and his struggle against the storm is a testament to the indomitable nature of the human will.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a commentary on the relationship between man and nature. The storm represents the power of nature, and the farmer represents humanity's attempt to control and tame that power. The poem shows the limits of human control and the need for respect and humility in the face of nature's power.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Emergency Haying is a powerful and moving poem that celebrates the human spirit and the power of hard work and perseverance. The poem is rich in literary devices and imagery, adding depth and meaning to the text. The poem can be interpreted in several ways, but at its core, it is a reminder of the resilience and indomitable nature of the human spirit. If you haven't yet read this poem, I encourage you to do so. It is a true masterpiece of American poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Emergency Haying: A Masterpiece of Rural Imagery
Hayden Carruth's Poetry Emergency Haying is a masterpiece of rural imagery that captures the essence of the American countryside. The poem is a vivid portrayal of the hard work and dedication that goes into haying, a crucial part of farming life. Carruth's use of language and imagery is so powerful that it transports the reader to the fields, making them feel the heat of the sun, the sweat on their brow, and the smell of freshly cut hay.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which describes a different aspect of haying. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the fields and the workers. Carruth writes, "The fields are dry and brown and dead with stubble, / And the hay is waiting for the mower's blade." This opening line immediately sets the tone for the poem, conveying a sense of urgency and the need for action. The use of the word "waiting" suggests that time is of the essence, and that the workers must act quickly to harvest the hay before it is too late.
The second stanza focuses on the physical labor involved in haying. Carruth writes, "The sun is hot and the work is hard, / And the sweat runs down our faces and our backs." This line captures the physical strain of haying, and the dedication required to complete the task. The use of the word "hard" emphasizes the difficulty of the work, while the phrase "sweat runs down our faces and our backs" conveys the physical exertion involved in the process.
The final stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful. Carruth writes, "But when the hay is cut, and the rake has gathered it, / And the wagon has come and carried it away, / Then we will rest, and the world will seem brighter, / And all our thoughts will be of the coming day." This stanza captures the sense of satisfaction and accomplishment that comes with completing a hard day's work. The use of the word "rest" suggests that the workers have earned a well-deserved break, while the phrase "the world will seem brighter" conveys the sense of optimism and hope that comes with a job well done.
One of the most striking aspects of Poetry Emergency Haying is Carruth's use of imagery. Throughout the poem, he uses vivid descriptions to bring the fields and the workers to life. For example, he writes, "The mower's blade is sharp and swift, / And it cuts the hay like a knife through butter." This simile not only conveys the speed and efficiency of the mower, but also the smoothness of the cut hay. Similarly, when describing the workers, Carruth writes, "We are like ants, crawling over the fields, / Gathering the hay in our arms and on our backs." This metaphor not only conveys the physical labor involved in haying, but also the sense of community and cooperation that is necessary to complete the task.
Another notable aspect of the poem is Carruth's use of repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats the phrase "Poetry Emergency Haying" several times. This repetition not only serves to emphasize the urgency of the task at hand, but also to reinforce the idea that haying is a crucial part of rural life. The repetition of the phrase "And the hay is waiting for the mower's blade" also serves to reinforce the sense of urgency and the need for action.
In conclusion, Poetry Emergency Haying is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of rural life. Through his use of language and imagery, Hayden Carruth transports the reader to the fields, making them feel the heat of the sun, the sweat on their brow, and the smell of freshly cut hay. The poem is a testament to the hard work and dedication of farmers, and a reminder of the importance of agriculture in our society.
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