'Sources Of The Delaware' by Dean Young
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I love you he said but saying it took twenty years
so it was like listening to mountains grow.
I love you she says fifty times into a balloon
then releases the balloon into a room
whose volume she calculated to fit
the breath it would take to read
the complete works of Charlotte Bronte aloud.
Someone else pours green dust into the entryway
and puts rice paper on the floor. The door
is painted black. On the clothesline
shirttails snap above the berserk daffodils.
Hoagland says you've got to plunge the sword
into the charging bull. You've got
to sew yourself into a suit of light.
For the vacuum tube, it's easy,
just heat the metal to incandescence
and all that dark energy becomes radiance.
A kind of hatching, syntactic and full of buzz.
No contraindications, no laws forbidding
buying gin on Sundays. No if you're pregnant,
if you're operating heavy machinery because
who isn't towing the scuttled tonnage
of some self? Sometimes just rubbing
her feet is enough. Just putting out
a new cake of soap. Sure, the contents
are under pressure and everyone knows
that last step was never intended to bear
any weight but isn't that why we're standing there?
Ripples in her hair, I love you she hollers
over the propellers. Yellow scarf in mist.
When I planted all those daffodils,
I didn't know I was planting them
in my own chest. Play irretrievably
with the lid closed, Satie wrote on the score.
But Hoagland says he's sick of opening
the door each morning not on diamonds
but piles of coal, and he's sick of being
responsible for the eons of pressure needed
and the sea is sick of being responsible
for the rain, and the river is sick of the sea.
So the people who need the river
to float waste to New Jersey
throw in antidepressants. So the river
is still sick but nervous now too,
its legs keep thrashing out involuntarily,
flooding going concerns, keeping the president
awake. So the people throw in beta-blockers
to make it sleep which it does, sort of,
dreaming it's a snake again but this time
with fifty heads belching ammonia
which is nothing like the dreams it once had
of children splashing in the blue of its eyes.
So the president gets on the airways
with positive vectors and vows
to give every child a computer
but all this time, behind the podium,
his penis is shouting, Put me in, Coach,
I can be the river! So I love you say
the flashbulbs but then the captions
say something else. I love you says
the hammer to the nail. I love Tamescha
someone sprays across the For Sale sign.
So I tell Hoagland it's a fucked-up ruined
world in such palatial detail, he's stuck
for hours on the phone. Look at those crows,
they think they're in on the joke and
they don't love a thing. They think
they have to be that black to keep
all their radiance inside. I love you
the man says as his mother dies
so now nothing ties him to the earth,
not fistfuls of dirt, not the silly songs
he remembers singing as a child.
I love you I say meaning lend me twenty bucks.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Sources Of The Delaware by Dean Young: A Mystical Journey Through Time
Dean Young's "Sources of the Delaware" is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that takes the reader on a mystical journey through time, exploring the history and significance of the Delaware River. The poem is rich with vivid imagery, evocative language, and a deep sense of reverence for the natural world. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and literary devices present in the poem, and examine how they contribute to its overall effect.
Background and Context
Before we delve into the poem itself, it's worth taking a moment to consider the historical and cultural context in which it was written. The Delaware River is a major waterway that flows through several northeastern states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. It has played an important role in the history and culture of the region for centuries, serving as a source of food, transportation, and inspiration for countless generations of people.
Young himself is a poet and professor of English at the University of Texas at Austin, and has published numerous books of poetry and essays. He has been praised for his innovative and imaginative approach to language, and his ability to weave together disparate elements into a cohesive whole. His work often explores themes of nature, spirituality, and the human condition, and "Sources of the Delaware" is no exception.
Analysis
Theme of Time
One of the most prominent themes in "Sources of the Delaware" is the concept of time. The poem begins with a depiction of the river as a "long green ribbon" that stretches across the landscape, a symbol of the river's continuity and persistence over time. Young then goes on to describe the various geological and historical events that have shaped the river, from the "meltwater that carved it" to the "ancient beaver dams" that once dotted its banks.
Throughout the poem, Young weaves together different moments in time, from the primordial past to the present day. He describes the river as a living entity that has witnessed the rise and fall of civilizations, the passage of seasons, and the ebb and flow of life itself. He also uses a variety of literary devices to convey the sense of timelessness and interconnectedness that underlies the poem, including repetition, alliteration, and imagery.
Theme of Nature
Another major theme in "Sources of the Delaware" is the natural world. Young's language is filled with vivid descriptions of the river, the trees, the birds, and other elements of the natural environment. He uses a variety of sensory details to bring the landscape to life, from the "blue heron stalking" to the "slippery stones underfoot."
At the same time, Young's portrayal of nature is not romanticized or sentimental. He acknowledges the destructive power of natural forces, such as floods and storms, and the ways in which human activity has disrupted the delicate balance of the ecosystem. Nevertheless, there is a sense of reverence and wonder in his depiction of the natural world, a recognition of the beauty and mystery that surrounds us.
Theme of Spirituality
A third theme that runs through "Sources of the Delaware" is spirituality. Young's language is suffused with a sense of the mystical and the transcendent, as he describes the river as a "source of the universe" and a "threshold between worlds." He also alludes to various religious and spiritual traditions, including Native American mythology and Christian symbolism.
At the same time, Young's approach to spirituality is not dogmatic or prescriptive. He is more interested in the experiential and emotional aspects of spirituality, the sense of awe and wonder that can arise from encountering the natural world. His language is often poetic and abstract, inviting the reader to contemplate the mysteries of existence and the interconnectedness of all things.
Literary Devices
"Sources of the Delaware" is also notable for its use of a variety of literary devices, which contribute to the poem's overall effect. Here are a few examples:
- Imagery: Young's language is filled with vivid images that help to bring the landscape to life, from the "riffles and pools" of the river to the "bald eagles" soaring overhead.
- Repetition: The poem makes use of repetition to reinforce certain ideas and create a sense of rhythm and momentum. For example, the phrase "this river" appears several times throughout the poem, emphasizing the central role of the Delaware in the landscape.
- Alliteration: Young often employs alliteration to create a sense of musicality and playfulness in his language. For example, he writes of "mossy mounds" and "weaving water."
- Symbolism: The poem makes use of various symbols, such as the blue heron and the ancient beaver dams, to convey deeper meanings and associations. These symbols help to create a sense of continuity and resonance throughout the poem.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "Sources of the Delaware" is a rich and multifaceted poem that invites the reader on a mystical journey through time and space. Through its vivid imagery, evocative language, and deep sense of reverence for the natural world, the poem encourages us to contemplate our place in the larger scheme of things, and to appreciate the beauty and mystery of existence. Whether we approach the poem as a work of literary art or as a spiritual meditation, there is much to be gained from its exploration of the themes of time, nature, and spirituality.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Sources of the Delaware: A Poem of Nature and History
Dean Young's poem "Sources of the Delaware" is a beautiful and evocative exploration of the natural and human history of the Delaware River. In just 24 lines, Young manages to capture the essence of this iconic American waterway, from its humble beginnings as a trickle in the Catskill Mountains to its final destination in the Atlantic Ocean. In this analysis, we will delve into the poem's themes, imagery, and language to uncover its deeper meanings and significance.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the river's source: "A trickle from a spring in the Catskills / becomes a stream, then a river." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea of the river as a living, breathing entity that is constantly changing and evolving. The use of the word "trickle" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of fragility and delicacy that is echoed throughout the poem.
As the river grows and gains momentum, it begins to take on a life of its own. Young writes, "It carries the weight of the mountains / and the history of the land." Here, we see the river as a powerful force that is shaped by the landscape around it, but also as a repository of history and memory. The idea of the river carrying the weight of the mountains is a powerful metaphor for the way in which natural forces shape human history, and how that history is reflected in the landscape.
The poem then takes us on a journey down the river, as we encounter various landmarks and historical sites along the way. Young writes, "It passes through the valley of the Minisink / where the Lenape fought and died / and the town of Port Jervis / where the Erie Railroad once ran." These lines are a testament to the rich history of the Delaware River Valley, which has been shaped by centuries of human activity. The mention of the Lenape people and their struggles is a reminder of the indigenous history of the region, while the reference to the Erie Railroad speaks to the industrialization and modernization of the area.
Throughout the poem, Young uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring the river to life. He writes, "It's a ribbon of silver in the moonlight / and a ribbon of fire in the sunset." These lines capture the way in which the river reflects and refracts light, creating a constantly shifting and mesmerizing visual spectacle. The use of the word "ribbon" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of fluidity and movement that is central to the poem's themes.
As the poem draws to a close, Young returns to the idea of the river as a living entity. He writes, "It's a pulse that beats through the land / and a song that echoes through time." Here, we see the river as a vital force that connects the past, present, and future. The use of the word "pulse" is particularly effective, as it conveys a sense of vitality and energy that is central to the poem's themes.
In conclusion, "Sources of the Delaware" is a beautiful and evocative poem that captures the essence of one of America's most iconic waterways. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem explores the natural and human history of the river, and the way in which it connects us to the past, present, and future. Whether you are a lover of nature, history, or poetry, this poem is sure to leave a lasting impression.
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