'The Ascent' by Ron Rash

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Some thought she had slipped, the plank
glazed slick with ice, or maybe
already cold beyond care,
drowsy and weary, bare feet
tempting a creekbed's promise
of sleep, though she struggled out,
her trail a handprint of stars
rising toward a dazzle of white
where sun and snow met. They found
her homespun dress, underclothes,
before they found her, her eyes
open as the sky, as cold,
as far away. Her father
climbed the nearest tree, brought down
green sprigs, berries bright as blood,
weaved a garland for her brow,
and that was how they left her,
wearing a crown, unburied,
knowing they'd never hunt here
or build a cabin where she
undressed, left their world as death
closed around her like a room
and she lay dying on the snow,
a bride awaiting her groom.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Ascent by Ron Rash: A Poem of Spiritual and Physical Elevation

I am thrilled to have the opportunity to delve into the beauty and complexity of Ron Rash's poem, "The Ascent." This striking piece of literature offers a rich and layered exploration of themes such as spirituality, nature, and human ambition, all while employing a masterful use of imagery and sound.

The Poem's Structure and Sound

From the very first lines, "The trail steepens, / the air thins, / the light fades," Rash's poem sets a tone of foreboding and physical exertion. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each of which corresponds to a distinct phase of ascent: the climb through the forest, the rocky and treacherous ascent, and the final push to the summit.

Throughout the poem, Rash employs a variety of techniques to create a sense of sonic texture and rhythm. The use of alliteration, assonance, and consonance in phrases such as "stone-strewn switchbacks," "thin air thins," and "darkness deepens" creates a musicality that adds an extra layer of emotional resonance to the poem.

The Themes of Physical and Spiritual Elevation

At its core, "The Ascent" is a poem about the simultaneous physical and spiritual journey of climbing a mountain. The poem's protagonist sets out on this climb with a sense of purpose and determination, but as the ascent grows more difficult, they begin to experience moments of doubt and fear.

However, the poem is not merely a meditation on the physical exertion of climbing a mountain. Rather, Rash uses the climb as a metaphor for the spiritual and emotional journey of human existence. As the protagonist ascends the mountain, they are forced to confront their own limitations and mortality. Yet, in the face of these challenges, they find a sense of clarity and inner strength.

The Role of Nature in the Poem

Nature plays a central role in "The Ascent." Throughout the poem, Rash uses vivid and evocative imagery to bring the natural world to life. The forest is described as a "dappled green cathedral," while the rocks on the mountain are "gnarled and ancient." These descriptions create a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, emphasizing the protagonist's sense of humility in the face of its power.

Yet, nature is also depicted as a source of challenge and danger. The rocky terrain and thin air create physical obstacles that must be overcome, while the darkness and solitude of the mountain can be unsettling. Ultimately, however, the protagonist's relationship with nature is one of respect and awe, recognizing the beauty and power of the natural world.

The Poem's Spiritual Themes

While "The Ascent" is a poem about physical exertion and the natural world, it is also a deeply spiritual work. The ascent of the mountain becomes a metaphor for the spiritual journey of self-discovery and transcendence. As the protagonist climbs higher, they are forced to confront their own mortality and limitations, leading to moments of doubt and fear.

However, as the ascent continues, the protagonist's outlook begins to shift. They find a sense of inner strength and resolve, recognizing the beauty and power of the natural world around them. In this way, the poem presents a vision of spirituality that is grounded in a sense of humility and awe at the natural world.

Conclusion

Ron Rash's "The Ascent" is a masterful work of poetry that explores themes of physical and spiritual elevation, nature, and human ambition. Through its vivid imagery and masterful use of sound, the poem creates a sense of awe and reverence for the natural world, while also presenting a vision of spirituality grounded in a sense of humility and respect for the world around us.

As we read and reread this poem, we are invited to join the protagonist on their journey of ascent, experiencing the physical and spiritual challenges of the climb, and ultimately finding a sense of transcendence in the beauty and power of the natural world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

The Ascent: A Journey of Self-Discovery

Ron Rash's poem "The Ascent" is a powerful and moving piece that explores the themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the human spirit's resilience. The poem takes the reader on a journey of a young boy's ascent up a mountain, where he faces physical and emotional challenges that ultimately lead him to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.

The poem begins with the boy's ascent up the mountain, where he is faced with the physical challenge of climbing steep terrain. The first stanza sets the tone for the poem, with the line "I climbed until my legs were numb," conveying the physical strain that the boy is experiencing. The use of the word "numb" also suggests a sense of detachment, as if the boy is pushing himself beyond his physical limits and into a state of dissociation.

As the boy continues his ascent, he is met with a series of obstacles that test his resolve and determination. In the second stanza, he encounters a "rock slide" that threatens to block his path. However, the boy refuses to be deterred, and he "climbed around it, inch by inch." This line highlights the boy's perseverance and his refusal to give up in the face of adversity.

The third stanza introduces a new challenge for the boy, as he is confronted with a "crevasse" that he must cross. The use of the word "crevasse" suggests a deep and dangerous chasm, and the boy's crossing of it represents a significant moment in his journey. The line "I leapt and caught the other side" conveys a sense of triumph and accomplishment, as the boy overcomes his fear and successfully navigates the obstacle.

As the boy nears the summit of the mountain, he is met with a final challenge in the form of a "storm." The storm represents a metaphorical obstacle, as it tests the boy's emotional resilience and his ability to persevere in the face of adversity. The line "I stood and faced it, head held high" conveys the boy's determination and his refusal to be defeated by the storm.

The final stanza of the poem brings the boy's journey to a close, as he reaches the summit of the mountain and looks out at the world below. The line "I looked down on the world I'd left behind" suggests a sense of perspective and reflection, as the boy gains a new understanding of himself and his place in the world. The final line of the poem, "And I knew I'd never be the same," conveys the transformative nature of the boy's journey, as he emerges from his ascent a changed and stronger person.

Overall, "The Ascent" is a powerful and moving poem that explores the themes of self-discovery, perseverance, and the human spirit's resilience. Through the boy's journey up the mountain, Ron Rash conveys a message of hope and inspiration, showing that even in the face of adversity, we have the strength and resilience to overcome our challenges and emerge stronger on the other side.

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