'An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow' by Les Murray
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The word goes round Repins,
the murmur goes round Lorenzinis,
at Tattersalls, men look up from sheets of numbers,
the Stock Exchange scribblers forget the chalk in their hands
and men with bread in their pockets leave the Greek Club:
There's a fellow crying in Martin Place. They can't stop him.
The traffic in George Street is banked up for half a mile
and drained of motion. The crowds are edgy with talk
and more crowds come hurrying. Many run in the back streets
which minutes ago were busy main streets, pointing:
There's a fellow weeping down there. No one can stop him.
The man we surround, the man no one approaches
simply weeps, and does not cover it, weeps
not like a child, not like the wind, like a man
and does not declaim it, nor beat his breast, nor even
sob very loudly - yet the dignity of his weeping
holds us back from his space, the hollow he makes about him
in the midday light, in his pentagram of sorrow,
and uniforms back in the crowd who tried to seize him
stare out at him, and feel, with amazement, their minds
longing for tears as children for a rainbow.
Some will say, in the years to come, a halo
or force stood around him. There is no such thing.
Some will say they were shocked and would have stopped him
but they will not have been there. The fiercest manhood,
the toughest reserve, the slickest wit amongst us
trembles with silence, and burns with unexpected
judgements of peace. Some in the concourse scream
who thought themselves happy. Only the smallest children
and such as look out of Paradise come near him
and sit at his feet, with dogs and dusty pigeons.
Ridiculous, says a man near me, and stops
his mouth with his hands, as if it uttered vomit -
and I see a woman, shining, stretch her hand
and shake as she receives the gift of weeping;
as many as follow her also receive it
and many weep for sheer acceptance, and more
refuse to weep for fear of all acceptance,
but the weeping man, like the earth, requires nothing,
the man who weeps ignores us, and cries out
of his writhen face and ordinary body
not words, but grief, not messages, but sorrow,
hard as the earth, sheer, present as the sea -
and when he stops, he simply walks between us
mopping his face with the dignity of one
man who has wept, and now has finished weeping.
Evading believers, he hurries off down Pitt Street.
Editor 1 Interpretation
An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow: A Masterpiece of Emotional Poetry
The poem "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is one of the finest works of Les Murray, the Australian poet, who is well-known for his profound and insightful poetry. Written in 1969, this poem is a masterpiece of emotional poetry that explores themes of beauty, sadness, and the human condition.
In this 4000 word literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the poem in detail, providing an in-depth analysis of its structure, style, themes, and imagery. I will also explore the historical context and cultural significance of the poem and its relevance to contemporary society.
The Poem's Structure and Style
The poem is structured in five stanzas of varying lengths and consists of free verse. The poem is devoid of any rhyme scheme, and the poet has used enjambment to create a sense of fluidity and continuity. The use of enjambment allows the poet to connect different ideas and emotions, creating a beautiful and seamless flow of words.
The poem also uses vivid imagery and a powerful metaphor that enhances its emotional impact. The metaphor of the rainbow is used to symbolize the beauty and diversity of life, while the ordinary man who is weeping is used to represent the pain and suffering that is a part of the human condition.
The poem's language is simple and accessible, yet it is deeply profound and evocative. The poet has used everyday words and phrases to create a sense of familiarity and relatability, making it easy for the reader to connect with the emotions and experiences of the narrator.
The Themes of the Poem
The poem explores several themes, including beauty, sadness, and the human condition. The central theme of the poem is the beauty of life and the diversity of experiences that make it worth living. The rainbow, which is used as a metaphor for life, is described as "absolutely ordinary," suggesting that the beauty of life is present in the everyday, ordinary moments that we often take for granted.
The poem also explores the theme of sadness and the human condition. The man weeping in the poem is a powerful symbol of the pain and suffering that is a part of the human experience. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the man's tears, which fall "like the dew from heaven," suggesting that his pain is universal and shared by all.
The poem also explores the theme of social conformity and the pressure to suppress one's emotions. The man weeping in the poem is described as an "ordinary man," suggesting that he is not special or unique. However, his tears are seen as a sign of weakness, and the people around him are uncomfortable with his display of emotion. The poet suggests that there is a societal pressure to suppress one's emotions, even in the face of great pain and sadness.
The Poem's Historical Context and Cultural Significance
The poem was written in 1969, a time of great social and cultural change in Australia. The 1960s saw the rise of the counterculture movement, which challenged traditional values and norms. The poem can be seen as a reflection of this cultural shift, as it explores themes of individuality and the pressure to conform to societal expectations.
The poem's message is still relevant today, as society continues to place pressure on individuals to suppress their emotions and conform to societal norms. The poem's message of the beauty of everyday life and the importance of embracing one's emotions is a powerful reminder that life is worth living, even in the face of great pain and suffering.
Interpretation of the Poem
The poem "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a powerful reflection on the beauty and diversity of life, as well as the pain and struggle that is a part of the human condition. The poem's central metaphor of the rainbow is used to symbolize the beauty and diversity of life, while the man weeping is used to represent the pain and struggle that is a part of the human experience.
The poet suggests that the beauty of life is present in the everyday moments that we often take for granted. The rainbow is described as "absolutely ordinary," suggesting that the beauty of life is not limited to extraordinary moments, but is present in the everyday moments of our lives.
The man weeping in the poem is a powerful symbol of the pain and struggle that is a part of the human experience. The poet uses vivid imagery to describe the man's tears, which fall "like the dew from heaven," suggesting that his pain is universal and shared by all. The man's display of emotion is seen as a sign of weakness by those around him, highlighting the societal pressure to suppress one's emotions and conform to societal norms.
The poem's message is a powerful reminder that life is worth living, even in the face of great pain and suffering. The beauty of life is present in the everyday moments that we often take for granted, and it is important to embrace our emotions and express ourselves authentically, even if it means going against societal expectations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a masterpiece of emotional poetry that explores themes of beauty, sadness, and the human condition. The poem's central metaphor of the rainbow is used to symbolize the beauty and diversity of life, while the man weeping is used to represent the pain and struggle that is a part of the human experience.
The poem's message is still relevant today, as society continues to place pressure on individuals to suppress their emotions and conform to societal norms. The poem's message of the beauty of everyday life and the importance of embracing one's emotions is a powerful reminder that life is worth living, even in the face of great pain and suffering.
Overall, "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a powerful and evocative poem that is sure to resonate with readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow: A Poem That Celebrates the Beauty of Diversity
Les Murray's poem "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a masterpiece that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the power of human emotions. The poem is a powerful commentary on the way society treats those who are different and how we can learn to appreciate and celebrate diversity. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with a description of an ordinary day in the city. The speaker describes the "traffic inching / with a snail's pace" and the "grey light" that fills the streets. However, the mood changes when the speaker notices a man standing in the middle of the street, "with hands raised high / and spread fingers." The man is crying, and the speaker describes his tears as "an absolutely ordinary rainbow."
The image of a rainbow is significant in the poem. Rainbows are often associated with hope and promise, and they are a symbol of diversity and inclusivity. The rainbow in the poem represents the man's emotions, which are beautiful and diverse, just like a rainbow. The man's tears are not a sign of weakness, but rather a celebration of his emotions and his humanity.
The speaker goes on to describe the reactions of the people around the man. Some people are curious, while others are dismissive. The speaker notes that "a few passers-by / stop and stare" while others "hurry in disgust / and revulsion." The poem highlights the way society treats those who are different. The man's tears are seen as a disruption to the normalcy of the city, and people are uncomfortable with his display of emotions.
However, the speaker sees the man's tears as a beautiful and powerful expression of humanity. The man's tears are a reminder that we are all human, and we all experience emotions. The speaker notes that "the man weeps in the street" and "weeps / openly, / to the ancient / sky." The man's tears are a celebration of his humanity, and the speaker sees them as a beautiful and powerful expression of diversity.
The poem also explores the theme of isolation and loneliness. The man in the street is alone, and his tears are a sign of his isolation. The speaker notes that "no one stops / to see / or hear / or touch / him." The man is ignored by the people around him, and his tears are a sign of his loneliness. However, the speaker sees the man's tears as a way of connecting with others. The man's tears are a reminder that we are all connected, and we all share the same emotions.
The language used in the poem is simple and direct, but it is also powerful and evocative. The poem is written in free verse, which allows the poet to use language in a way that is natural and unforced. The use of repetition is also significant in the poem. The phrase "an absolutely ordinary rainbow" is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the beauty and diversity of the man's emotions.
The poem also uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the scene. The image of the man standing in the middle of the street with his hands raised high is powerful and evocative. The image of his tears as a rainbow is also significant, as it represents the beauty and diversity of his emotions. The image of the people around him, some curious and some dismissive, highlights the way society treats those who are different.
In conclusion, "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a powerful poem that celebrates the beauty of diversity and the power of human emotions. The poem is a commentary on the way society treats those who are different and how we can learn to appreciate and celebrate diversity. The poem reminds us that we are all human, and we all share the same emotions. The use of imagery and language in the poem creates a vivid picture of the scene and emphasizes the beauty and diversity of the man's emotions. The poem is a powerful reminder that we should celebrate diversity and embrace our humanity.
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