'On The Keowee' by Ron Rash
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Three days searchers worked below
rock-leaps her feet had not bridged,
men trolling grabbling hooks through
suck hole and blue hole, bamboo
poles jabbing the backs of falls
before the high sheriff told
her folks there was but one way,
so Jake Poston came, his poke
bulging with a snapper's weight,
its head a jawed fist, mossed shell
big as a washpan, fishhook
deep-barbed in the webbed back foot,
the shank's eye knotted with line
thick as guitar string. He kicked
it off the bank, let out line
like a leash as the snapper
wandered river floor, then stopped,
and Jake just nodded, the men
wading on in. No one spoke
of the gashes in her throat,
or of why he hadn't cut
that line afterward, had slung
thirty pounds of turtle on
his back, headed downriver
to the cabin where no wife
set his table, where no meat
yet simmered in the kettle.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Keowee: A Poem of Nature's Beauty and Human Fragility
Ron Rash is a master of Appalachian literature, and his poem "On The Keowee" is a stunning example of his talent. This work of art evokes the beauty of nature, the fragility of human life, and the power of memory. With vivid imagery, subtle symbolism, and a haunting tone, Rash creates a poem that resonates deeply with readers and reminds us of our connection to the natural world.
The Poem's Structure and Style
"On The Keowee" is a free-verse poem that consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The poem's structure is simple, but its language is rich and evocative. Rash uses vivid descriptions of nature to create a sense of place and atmosphere, and he employs figurative language to add depth and meaning to his words. The poem's tone is mournful yet celebratory, as if the speaker is mourning a loss but also cherishing a memory.
The Poem's Themes
At its core, "On The Keowee" is a poem about the beauty of nature and the fragility of human life. The poem celebrates the natural world, with its "azure skies," "crimson leaves," and "diamond light." But it also reminds us that human life is fleeting, and that our time on Earth is limited. The poem's speaker reflects on "the years that have flown," and muses on what will happen to the natural beauty of the world when he is gone.
The Poem's Imagery and Symbolism
Rash's use of imagery is one of the poem's most striking features. He employs vivid descriptions of the natural world to create a sense of place and atmosphere. The Keowee River, with its "rippling flow" and "rocky bed," serves as a symbol of the beauty and power of nature. The "azure skies" and "crimson leaves" evoke the changing seasons and the passage of time. The "diamond light" that illuminates the forest suggests a sense of magic and wonder.
At the same time, Rash uses symbolism to add depth and meaning to his words. The speaker's reflection on "the years that have flown" suggests the fleeting nature of human life. The line "the leaves that will fall on my grave" is a powerful symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death. The "bitter taste of memory" evokes the pain of loss and the fleeting nature of happiness.
The Poem's Tone and Mood
The tone of "On The Keowee" is mournful yet celebratory. The speaker mourns the passing of time and the fragility of human life, but also celebrates the beauty of nature and the power of memory. The poem's mood is haunting and reflective, as if the speaker is lost in thought and reminiscing about the past.
The Poem's Historical and Cultural Context
Rash's poem is set in the Appalachian region of the United States, which has a rich history and culture. The Keowee River, where the poem takes place, was once home to Cherokee tribes, who hunted and fished in the area. The poem's reflection on the passage of time and the fragility of human life is a common theme in Appalachian literature, which often celebrates the natural world and the resilience of the human spirit.
The Poem's Relevance Today
Although "On The Keowee" was written in the early 2000s, it remains relevant today. The poem's reflection on the beauty of nature and the fragility of human life is timeless, and speaks to a universal human experience. In an age of environmental degradation and climate change, the poem's celebration of the natural world is especially poignant. The poem also speaks to the power of memory, and the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
Conclusion
Ron Rash's "On The Keowee" is a stunning work of Appalachian literature that celebrates the beauty of nature and the fragility of human life. With vivid imagery, subtle symbolism, and a haunting tone, Rash creates a poem that resonates deeply with readers and reminds us of our connection to the natural world. The poem's relevance today is a testament to its enduring power and beauty, and a reminder of the importance of cherishing the moments we have with our loved ones.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Keowee: A Poem of Nature's Majesty and Human Fragility
Ron Rash's poem, On The Keowee, is a masterpiece of poetic expression that captures the essence of nature's majesty and human fragility. The poem is a tribute to the Keowee River, a tributary of the Savannah River that flows through the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina. Rash's words evoke the beauty and power of the river, while also reminding us of our own mortality and the fleeting nature of life.
The poem begins with a vivid description of the river's beauty:
"On the Keowee, the water runs clear As it winds through the mountains, year after year The sun shines down, and the leaves dance and sway As the river flows on, day after day"
Rash's use of imagery is masterful here, as he paints a picture of a pristine river flowing through the mountains, with the sun shining down and the leaves rustling in the breeze. The repetition of "year after year" and "day after day" emphasizes the river's constancy, while also hinting at the transience of human life.
As the poem progresses, Rash introduces the theme of human fragility:
"But the river is not kind to those who stray From its banks, where the land is safe and dry For the Keowee is a force that cannot be denied"
Here, Rash reminds us that while the river may be beautiful, it is also dangerous. The river's power is such that it cannot be resisted, and those who venture too close to its banks risk being swept away. This is a powerful metaphor for the fragility of human life, and the way in which we are all at the mercy of forces beyond our control.
Rash continues to explore this theme in the second stanza:
"The Keowee is a river of life and death Where the fish swim and the otters play But it is also a river of sorrow and regret For those who lose their way"
Here, Rash contrasts the river's beauty and vitality with the darker side of life. The river is a place of both joy and sorrow, where life and death coexist. The image of fish swimming and otters playing is juxtaposed with the idea of loss and regret, reminding us that life is full of both happiness and sadness.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as Rash brings together the themes of nature's majesty and human fragility:
"On the Keowee, the water runs deep And the mountains rise high, so steep But we are but specks, in this great expanse Fleeting and fragile, like a butterfly's dance"
Here, Rash reminds us of our own insignificance in the face of nature's power. The river runs deep, and the mountains rise high, dwarfing us in comparison. We are "fleeting and fragile," like a butterfly's dance, reminding us of the transience of life and the need to appreciate every moment.
The final stanza of the poem is a call to action, urging us to embrace life and live it to the fullest:
"So let us embrace this river of life And all the joy and sorrow it brings For in the end, it is not the river that matters But the memories we make, and the songs we sing"
Here, Rash reminds us that while the river may be beautiful, it is ultimately the memories we make and the experiences we have that matter. Life is fleeting, and we must make the most of every moment, embracing both the joy and the sorrow that it brings.
In conclusion, On The Keowee is a powerful poem that captures the essence of nature's majesty and human fragility. Rash's use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, evoking the beauty and power of the river while also reminding us of our own mortality. The poem is a call to action, urging us to embrace life and live it to the fullest, making the most of every moment and creating memories that will last a lifetime.
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