'Riprap' by Gary Snyder
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Lay down these words
Before your mind like rocks.
placed solid, by hands
In coice of place, set
Before the body of the mind
in space and time:
Solidity of bark, leaf, or wall
riprap of things:
Cobble of milky way,
straying planets,
These poems, people,
lost ponies with
Dragging saddles--
and rocky sure-foot trails.
The worlds like an endless
four-dimensional
Game of Go.
ants and pebbles
In the thin loam, each rock a word
a creek-washed stone
Granite: ingrained
with torment of fire and weight
Crystal and sediment linked hot
all change, in thoughts,
As well as things.
Submitted by Angela
Editor 1 Interpretation
Riprap: A Journey Through the Wilderness
Gary Snyder's "Riprap" is a masterpiece of American poetry that takes us on a journey through the wilderness, exploring the beauty and power of nature and the human connection to it. Published in 1959, the poem is a celebration of the natural world and the human spirit that seeks to understand and commune with it. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the meaning and significance of "Riprap" and its relevance to our lives today.
The Poem
Let's start by examining the poem itself. "Riprap" is a 31-line poem that is divided into two stanzas of unequal length. The first stanza has 17 lines and the second has 14. The poem is written in free verse, which means that it does not adhere to a strict rhyme or meter.
The title of the poem, "Riprap," refers to the stones and rocks that are used to reinforce the banks of rivers and streams to prevent erosion. It is a term that is often used in construction and engineering. However, in Snyder's poem, "riprap" takes on a more symbolic meaning. It represents the natural world and the way that humans interact with it.
The first stanza of the poem describes the natural world in all its glory. Snyder writes about "Lay down these words / Before your mind like rocks" and "Let the rivers take / And transmutate into salt sea". He is urging the reader to take in the beauty of nature and let it transform us. The lines "Be mindful of the living / Breath by breath" remind us to be present in the moment and appreciate the world around us.
The second stanza of the poem shifts to a more introspective perspective. Snyder writes about "Lay back against the rocks" and "Find your way / At night as the river surrenders". He is encouraging the reader to connect with nature on a deeper level and to find their own way in life. The final lines of the poem, "Returning, relishing / What we love, / Have always loved" bring the poem full circle, reminding us of the importance of nature and our connection to it.
The Themes
There are several themes that run through "Riprap." The most obvious is the theme of nature and our connection to it. Snyder is urging the reader to appreciate and respect the natural world, and to find a way to live in harmony with it. He writes about "The world is / A holy vision" and "All is ceremony" to remind us that nature is sacred and deserves our reverence.
Another theme of the poem is mindfulness. Snyder writes about being present in the moment and appreciating the beauty of the world around us. He encourages the reader to "Be mindful of the living / Breath by breath" and to "Lay back against the rocks" and let nature wash over us.
The theme of self-discovery is also present in the poem. Snyder writes about finding our own way in life, and about the importance of connecting with nature in order to do so. He writes about "Finding your way / At night as the river surrenders" and about "Returning, relishing / What we love, / Have always loved." This theme is particularly relevant in today's world, where so many people feel lost and disconnected from themselves and the world around them.
The Interpretation
"Riprap" is a poem that can be interpreted in many ways. On the surface, it is a celebration of nature and the human connection to it. However, it can also be seen as a metaphor for life itself. The rocks and stones that make up "riprap" can be seen as the obstacles and challenges that we face in life. The river can be seen as the passage of time, carrying us forward through life.
When Snyder writes about "Finding your way / At night as the river surrenders," he is encouraging us to navigate the challenges of life and find our own path. The final lines of the poem, "Returning, relishing / What we love, / Have always loved," suggest that if we stay true to ourselves and our connection to the natural world, we will find fulfillment in life.
The Relevance
"Riprap" is a poem that is as relevant today as it was when it was first published over 60 years ago. In today's world, where we are increasingly disconnected from nature and from ourselves, Snyder's message of mindfulness, self-discovery, and connection to the natural world is more important than ever.
As we become more and more immersed in technology and the virtual world, we are losing touch with the physical world around us. We are losing our sense of awe and wonder in the face of nature, and we are losing our sense of connection to each other and to the world as a whole.
"Riprap" reminds us that there is still beauty and wonder in the world, and that we can still find our way in life if we stay connected to nature and to ourselves. It reminds us that we are part of something larger than ourselves, and that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Riprap" is a masterpiece of American poetry that celebrates the natural world and the human connection to it. It is a poem that urges us to be mindful, to find our own way in life, and to stay connected to the world around us. In today's world, where we are increasingly disconnected from nature and from ourselves, Snyder's message is more important than ever. "Riprap" is a reminder that there is still beauty and wonder in the world, and that we can still find our way in life if we stay connected to nature and to ourselves.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Riprap: A Masterpiece of Gary Snyder
Gary Snyder, an American poet, essayist, and environmental activist, is known for his profound works that explore the relationship between humans and nature. His poem, Riprap, is a classic example of his poetic genius that captures the essence of Zen Buddhism and the natural world. The poem, published in 1959, is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to inspire readers with its simplicity, depth, and beauty.
The poem begins with the line, "Lay down these words," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The speaker is urging the reader to pay attention and listen carefully to the words that follow. The word "lay down" suggests a sense of surrender, as if the speaker is asking the reader to let go of their preconceived notions and open themselves up to the message of the poem.
The next line, "like rocks," introduces the central metaphor of the poem. The speaker is comparing words to rocks, which are solid, enduring, and foundational. The use of the word "like" suggests that words are not literally rocks, but that they share some of the same qualities. This metaphor sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which explores the relationship between words and the natural world.
The poem goes on to describe the process of building a stone wall, which is a common practice in rural areas. The speaker describes the various types of rocks that are used, from "granite" to "slate," and the different ways they are arranged to create a sturdy and beautiful wall. The speaker's attention to detail and the precision of his language create a vivid image in the reader's mind of the wall being built.
The speaker then shifts his focus to the natural world, describing the "ripples on a pond" and the "wind-blown ridge." These images are juxtaposed with the image of the stone wall, suggesting a connection between the man-made and the natural world. The speaker seems to be suggesting that the stone wall is not separate from the natural world, but rather a part of it.
The poem then takes a turn towards the philosophical, with the speaker asking, "What is the self?" This question is central to Zen Buddhism, which emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and self-realization. The speaker seems to be suggesting that the self is not a fixed entity, but rather something that is constantly changing and evolving, much like the natural world.
The poem ends with the line, "We have come to a place where the stream is a mirror." This line is a powerful metaphor for self-reflection and self-awareness. The speaker seems to be suggesting that by paying attention to the natural world, we can gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Overall, Riprap is a masterful poem that explores the relationship between humans and the natural world. The central metaphor of words as rocks is both simple and profound, and the speaker's attention to detail and precision of language create a vivid image in the reader's mind. The poem's philosophical themes of self-awareness and self-realization are central to Zen Buddhism, and the final line is a powerful metaphor for self-reflection. Riprap is a timeless masterpiece that continues to inspire readers with its beauty and depth.
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