'Train Ride' by John Wheelwright
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For Horace Gregory
After rain, through afterglow, the unfolding fan
of railway landscape sidled onthe pivot
of a larger arc into the green of evening;
I remembered that noon I saw a gradual bud
still white; though dead in its warm bloom;
always the enemy is the foe at home.
And I wondered what surgery could recover
our lost, long stride of indolence and leisure
which is labor in reverse; what physic recall the smile
not of lips, but of eyes as of the sea bemused.
We, when we disperse from common sleep to several
tasks, we gather to despair; we, who assembled
once for hopes from common toil to dreams
or sickish and hurting or triumphal rapture;
always our enemy is our foe at home.
We, deafened with far scattered city rattles
to the hubbub of forest birds (never having
"had time" to grieve or to hear through vivid sleep
the sea knock on its cracked and hollow stones)
so that the stars, almost, and birds comply,
and the garden-wet; the trees retire; We are
a scared patrol, fearing the guns behind;
always the enemy is the foe at home.
What wonder that we fear our own eyes' look
and fidget to be at home alone, and pitifully
put of age by some change in brushing the hair
and stumble to our ends like smothered runners at their tape;
We follow our shreds of fame into an ambush.
Then (as while the stars herd to the great trough
the blind, in the always-only-outward of their dismantled
archways, awake at the smell of warmed stone
or the sound of reeds, lifting from the dim
into the segment of green dawn) always
our enemy is our foe at home, more
certainly than through spoken words or from grief-
twisted writing on paper, unblotted by tears
the thought came:
There is no physic
for the world's ill, nor surgery; it must
(hot smell of tar on wet salt air)
burn in fever forever, an incense pierced
with arrows, whose name is Love and another name
Rebellion (the twinge, the gulf, split seconds,
the very raindrops, render, and instancy
of Love).
All Poetry to this not-to-be-looked-upon sun
of Passion is the moon's cupped light; all
Politics to this moon, a moon's reflected
cupped light, like the moon of Rome, after
the deep well of Grecian light sank low;
always the enemy is the foe at home.
But these three are friends whose arms twine
without words; as, in still air,
the great grove leans to wind, past and to come.
Editor 1 Interpretation
"Train Ride" by John Wheelwright: A Journey into the Depths of the Human Psyche
John Wheelwright's "Train Ride" is a fascinating poem that takes the reader on a journey through both physical and emotional landscapes. From the opening lines, the reader is immediately drawn into the world of the poem, as Wheelwright describes the train "picking up speed like a runner on the home stretch." The sense of movement and momentum is palpable, and this sets the tone for the rest of the poem.
The Journey Within
As the train hurtles through the countryside, Wheelwright takes us on a journey within ourselves. The poem is full of vivid imagery, such as "the fields that fly past like a blur of green paint" and "the trees that lean in and wave like they're trying to tell us something." These images create a sense of urgency and restlessness, as if something important is happening just out of reach.
At the same time, there is a sense of nostalgia and longing in the poem. Wheelwright writes about "the towns we pass through, each one a story waiting to be told," and there is a sense that he is searching for something, perhaps a connection to the past or a deeper understanding of himself.
The Power of Language
One of the most striking aspects of "Train Ride" is the power of Wheelwright's language. His use of metaphor and simile is masterful, and there are countless examples of this throughout the poem. For example, he describes the train's whistle as "a howling dog in the distance," which immediately creates a sense of both urgency and danger.
Another example is when he describes the train crossing a bridge: "the river far below, a ribbon of black silk." This image is both beautiful and haunting, and it captures the sense of danger that is present throughout the poem.
The Search for Meaning
Ultimately, "Train Ride" is a poem about the search for meaning. As the train passes through towns and countryside, Wheelwright observes the people and places around him with a sense of curiosity and wonder. He writes about "the old men sitting on porches, watching the world go by," and "the children playing in the streets, their laughter like a symphony."
Through these observations, Wheelwright seems to be searching for something, perhaps a deeper understanding of the world around him or a sense of meaning in his own life. The final lines of the poem are particularly powerful in this regard:
We hurtle on, Into the night, Searching for something We can't quite name.
These lines capture the sense of restlessness and longing that permeates the entire poem, and they leave the reader with a feeling of both uncertainty and possibility.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Wheelwright's "Train Ride" is a powerful and evocative poem that takes the reader on a journey through both physical and emotional landscapes. Through vivid imagery and masterful use of language, Wheelwright captures the sense of urgency and restlessness that is present in all of us. Ultimately, the poem is a meditation on the search for meaning and connection in a world that can often feel chaotic and uncertain.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Train Ride: A Journey Through Life
John Wheelwright’s poem Train Ride is a classic piece of literature that takes the reader on a journey through life. The poem is a beautiful depiction of the ups and downs of life, and how we must learn to embrace them all. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.
The poem begins with the speaker boarding a train, which is a metaphor for the journey of life. The train is described as “a long, steel dragon” that is “snorting and hissing” as it prepares to depart. This imagery sets the tone for the poem, as it creates a sense of excitement and anticipation for the journey ahead.
As the train begins to move, the speaker describes the scenery outside the window. The “fields of green” and “rolling hills” represent the beauty and wonder of life. The speaker is filled with a sense of awe and wonder as they take in the sights around them.
However, the journey is not all sunshine and rainbows. The train soon enters a tunnel, which represents the dark and difficult times in life. The speaker describes the tunnel as “cold and dark” and “full of shadows.” This imagery creates a sense of fear and uncertainty, as the speaker is unsure of what lies ahead.
As the train emerges from the tunnel, the speaker is greeted by a beautiful rainbow. This symbolizes hope and the promise of a better tomorrow. The speaker is filled with a sense of joy and optimism, as they realize that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
The train continues on its journey, and the speaker encounters a variety of people along the way. These people represent the different relationships we have in life. Some are friendly and welcoming, while others are distant and cold. The speaker realizes that not everyone will be a friend, but that we must learn to accept and appreciate the people in our lives, regardless of their attitudes towards us.
The train eventually reaches its destination, and the speaker disembarks. The journey is over, but the memories and experiences will stay with them forever. The speaker reflects on the journey and realizes that life is a journey filled with ups and downs, but that we must learn to embrace them all.
The themes of Train Ride are universal and timeless. The poem teaches us that life is a journey, and that we must learn to embrace the good and the bad. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope. The poem also emphasizes the importance of relationships, and how we must learn to accept and appreciate the people in our lives.
The imagery used in the poem is powerful and evocative. The train is described as a “long, steel dragon” that is “snorting and hissing,” which creates a sense of excitement and anticipation. The tunnel is described as “cold and dark” and “full of shadows,” which creates a sense of fear and uncertainty. The rainbow is described as “bright and beautiful,” which creates a sense of hope and optimism.
The symbolism used in the poem is also significant. The train represents the journey of life, while the tunnel represents the dark and difficult times. The rainbow represents hope and the promise of a better tomorrow. The people on the train represent the different relationships we have in life.
In conclusion, Train Ride is a beautiful and timeless poem that takes the reader on a journey through life. The poem teaches us to embrace the good and the bad, to find hope in the darkest of times, and to appreciate the people in our lives. The imagery and symbolism used in the poem are powerful and evocative, and help to create a sense of excitement, fear, and hope. This poem is a must-read for anyone who wants to gain a deeper understanding of the journey of life.
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