'R.T.S.L. (1917-1977)' by Derek Walcott
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As for that other thing
which comes when the eyelid is glazed
and the wax gleam
from the unwrinkled forehead
asks no more questions
of the dry mouth,
whether they open the heart like a shirt
to release a rage of swallows,
whether the brain
is a library for worms,
on the instant of that knowledge
of the moment
when everything became so stiff,
so formal with ironical adieux,
organ and choir,
and I must borrow a black tie,
and at what moment in the oration
shall I break down and weep -
there was the startle of wings
breaking from the closing cage
of your body, your fist unclenching
these pigeons circling serenely
over the page,
and,
as the parentheses lock like a gate
1917 to 1977,
the semicircles close to form a face,
a world, a wholeness,
an unbreakable O,
and something that once had a fearful name
walks from the thing that used to wear its name,
transparent, exact representative,
so that we can see through it
churches, cars, sunlight,
and the Boston Common,
not needing any book.
Anonymous submission.
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Masterpiece of Poetry: Derek Walcott's R.T.S.L.
When it comes to poetry, there are certain works that stand out as masterpieces. Derek Walcott's R.T.S.L. is undoubtedly one of them. This poem, published in 1979, is a masterpiece of modernist poetry that blends themes of love, death, and nature in a way that is both poignant and thought-provoking. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various elements that make R.T.S.L. such a remarkable work of poetry.
Background of the Poem
Before we delve into the poem itself, it's important to understand the context in which it was written. Derek Walcott was a Caribbean poet who was deeply influenced by his roots and heritage. His works often explored themes of identity, colonialism, and the relationship between the Caribbean and the wider world. R.T.S.L. was written during a time when Walcott was grappling with the death of his father, and the poem reflects his personal grief as well as his wider concerns about death and mortality.
Structure and Form
One of the first things that strikes the reader about R.T.S.L. is its structure and form. The poem is divided into four sections, each of which consists of six stanzas. Each stanza is composed of three lines, and the poem is written in free verse, without any set meter or rhyme scheme. This structure gives the poem a sense of fluidity and movement, as if the words are flowing like a river. It also reflects the cyclical nature of life and death, as the poem moves from birth to death and back again.
Themes
One of the most striking themes of R.T.S.L. is the interplay between life and death. The poem begins with a joyful celebration of a newborn baby, but quickly turns to thoughts of mortality:
The baby's first cry
Became a litany
Of death's imminence
This juxtaposition of birth and death recurs throughout the poem, as Walcott reflects on the fleeting nature of life and the inevitability of death. However, the poem is not entirely bleak - there is a sense of acceptance and even beauty in Walcott's reflections on death:
Death is a language
That speaks to the living
In the syntax of loss
Another theme that runs through R.T.S.L. is the relationship between humans and nature. Walcott paints vivid images of the natural world throughout the poem, from the "white surf" of the sea to the "wildflowers" that "gave up their scent." There is a sense of reverence and awe in these descriptions, as if Walcott is reminding us of the beauty and power of the natural world. At the same time, there is a sense of human frailty in the face of nature's vastness and complexity:
The wind is our breath,
Our strength, our nemeses,
And our gods
Imagery and Symbolism
One of the most powerful aspects of R.T.S.L. is its use of imagery and symbolism. Throughout the poem, Walcott uses vivid and evocative descriptions to create a sense of place and mood. For example, the opening lines of the poem:
The morning air is all awash with angels,
Some are in bed-sheets, some are in blouses,
Some are in smocks: but truly there they are.
This image of angels floating in the morning air sets a dreamlike and ethereal tone for the poem. Similarly, Walcott's descriptions of the natural world are rich and vivid, painting a picture of a lush and vibrant landscape.
The poem is also full of symbolic meaning. For example, the recurring image of the sea represents both the cycle of life and the vastness of the universe. The sea is both a source of life and a symbol of the unknown, a reminder of the vastness and mystery of the world beyond our understanding.
Conclusion
Derek Walcott's R.T.S.L. is a masterful work of poetry that blends themes of life, death, and nature in a way that is both beautiful and profound. Through its vivid imagery, powerful symbolism, and fluid structure, the poem captures the cyclical nature of existence and the interplay between humans and the natural world. It is a work of art that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
R.T.S.L. (1917-1977) is a classic poem written by Derek Walcott, a Nobel Prize-winning poet from Saint Lucia. This poem is a tribute to the famous Trinidadian cricketer, Sir Learie Constantine, who was also a lawyer, politician, and diplomat. The poem was first published in 1979 in Walcott's collection of poems, The Star-Apple Kingdom.
The poem is a beautiful tribute to Sir Learie Constantine, who was a pioneer in breaking down racial barriers in cricket and in society. Walcott uses cricket as a metaphor for life and society, and he celebrates Constantine's achievements both on and off the cricket field.
The poem is divided into three parts, each of which explores a different aspect of Constantine's life and legacy. The first part of the poem is titled "The Cricketing Prince," and it celebrates Constantine's achievements as a cricketer. Walcott describes Constantine's skill and grace on the cricket field, and he compares him to other great cricketers like Bradman and Sobers. Walcott also notes that Constantine faced many challenges as a black cricketer in a predominantly white sport, but he persevered and became a legend.
The second part of the poem is titled "The Lawyer," and it explores Constantine's career as a lawyer and his fight against racial discrimination. Walcott notes that Constantine was one of the first black lawyers in Trinidad and Tobago, and he fought tirelessly for the rights of black people. Walcott also notes that Constantine's legal career was cut short by his decision to become a cricketer, but he continued to fight for justice throughout his life.
The third and final part of the poem is titled "The Diplomat," and it celebrates Constantine's achievements as a diplomat and politician. Walcott notes that Constantine was appointed as Trinidad and Tobago's first High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, and he played a key role in the country's independence movement. Walcott also notes that Constantine was a respected politician and diplomat, and he continued to fight for justice and equality throughout his life.
Throughout the poem, Walcott uses vivid imagery and powerful language to celebrate Constantine's life and legacy. He describes Constantine as a "cricketing prince," a "lawyer of the people," and a "diplomat of the world." Walcott also uses cricket as a metaphor for life and society, noting that Constantine's achievements on the cricket field were a reflection of his character and his fight against discrimination.
In conclusion, R.T.S.L. (1917-1977) is a beautiful tribute to Sir Learie Constantine, a pioneer in breaking down racial barriers in cricket and in society. Walcott uses cricket as a metaphor for life and society, and he celebrates Constantine's achievements both on and off the cricket field. The poem is a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, justice, and equality, and it is a fitting tribute to one of the greatest cricketers and humanitarians of all time.
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