'On The Farm' by R.S. Thomas
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There was Dai Puw. He was no good.
They put him in the fields to dock swedes,
And took the knife from him, when he came home
At late evening with a grin
Like the slash of a knife on his face.
There was Llew Puw, and he was no good.
Every evening after the ploughing
With the big tractor he would sit in his chair,
And stare into the tangled fire garden,
Opening his slow lips like a snail.
There was Huw Puw, too. What shall I say?
I have heard him whistling in the hedges
On and on, as though winter
Would never again leave those fields,
And all the trees were deformed.
And lastly there was the girl:
Beauty under some spell of the beast.
Her pale face was the lantern
By which they read in life's dark book
The shrill sentence: God is love.
Submitted by Andrew Mayers
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Farm by R.S. Thomas: An Exploration of Nature and Humanity
On The Farm is a classic poem by the Welsh poet R.S. Thomas, known for his keen observations of the natural world and his deep spirituality. In this poem, Thomas reflects on the complex relationship between nature and humanity, and the ways in which we are both connected and disconnected from the land that sustains us. Through vivid imagery and powerful language, Thomas invites us to contemplate our place in the world and the responsibility we have to care for it.
Overview and Themes
The poem is set on a farm, which serves as a microcosm for the larger world. Thomas describes the various animals and plants on the farm, as well as the people who work there. He meditates on their interactions and the ways in which they depend on each other. At the same time, he notes the ways in which humans can be destructive to nature, and the need for us to be mindful of our impact.
At its core, On The Farm is a poem about the relationship between nature and humanity. Thomas explores the tension between our desire to exploit the earth for our own purposes and our need to respect and preserve it. He also touches on themes of community and interdependence, suggesting that we are all part of a larger ecosystem and must work together to ensure its survival.
Analysis
The poem begins with a vivid description of the farm, setting the stage for the rest of the piece. Thomas paints a picture of a rugged landscape, with “limestone outcrops” and “scattered trees.” He also introduces us to some of the animals that live on the farm, including “the blackbirds and thrushes” and “the old horses.” Through these details, Thomas establishes a sense of place and invites us to imagine ourselves in this rural setting.
From there, the poem delves into a series of observations about the farm and its inhabitants. Thomas notes the various plants and animals that live there, from the “docks and nettles” to the “lambs and pigs.” He also describes the people who work on the farm, including the “labourers” and the “farmer himself.” Through these descriptions, Thomas creates a rich tapestry of life on the farm, with each element contributing to the larger ecosystem.
One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the “tractor’s drone” as it plows through the fields. This image captures the tension between nature and technology, as the machine disturbs the peaceful countryside. Thomas seems to suggest that while technology has its benefits, we must be careful not to let it disrupt the delicate balance of nature.
Another key theme in the poem is the idea of interdependence. Thomas notes how the animals and plants on the farm rely on each other for survival, with the lambs feeding on the grass and the pigs rooting around in the dirt. He also observes how the farmer and his labourers work together to keep the farm running smoothly. Through these examples, Thomas suggests that we are all part of a larger ecosystem and must work together to ensure its survival.
At the same time, Thomas acknowledges the ways in which humans can be destructive to nature. He notes how the “hedges are disappearing” and the “wood is being felled.” He also comments on the “poisoned water” and the “stinking air” that result from human activity. Through these descriptions, Thomas reminds us of our responsibility to care for the earth and the consequences of neglecting that responsibility.
One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes near the end, when Thomas reflects on the role of the artist in capturing the beauty of nature. He notes that “the poet’s job is to name / the unnameable, to point / at frauds, to take sides, / start arguments, shape the world / and stop it from going to sleep.” Through these lines, Thomas suggests that artists have a unique responsibility to speak out against injustice and to inspire others to care for the earth.
Interpretation
On The Farm is a deeply spiritual poem that asks us to consider our place in the world and our responsibility to care for the earth. Through his vivid imagery and powerful language, Thomas invites us to contemplate the complex relationship between nature and humanity, and the ways in which we are both connected and disconnected from the land that sustains us.
One possible interpretation of the poem is that it is a critique of modernity and the ways in which technology has disrupted the natural world. The image of the tractor’s drone, for example, suggests that our reliance on machines has come at a cost. Similarly, Thomas’s descriptions of deforestation and pollution highlight the ways in which human activity can harm the environment. Through these critiques, Thomas reminds us of the importance of being mindful of our impact on the earth.
Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a celebration of community and interdependence. By highlighting the ways in which the animals and plants on the farm rely on each other, as well as the cooperation between the farmer and his labourers, Thomas suggests that we are all part of a larger ecosystem. He reminds us of the importance of working together to ensure the survival of the planet.
Finally, the poem can be seen as a call to action for artists and poets. By suggesting that their job is to “shape the world / and stop it from going to sleep,” Thomas challenges artists to use their talents to inspire change and to speak out against injustice. In this way, the poem can be seen as a rallying cry for all those who care about the earth and want to make a difference.
Conclusion
On The Farm is a classic poem by R.S. Thomas that explores the complex relationship between nature and humanity. Through his vivid descriptions and powerful language, Thomas invites us to contemplate our place in the world and our responsibility to care for the earth. He reminds us of the importance of community and interdependence, as well as the need to be mindful of our impact on the environment. Ultimately, the poem is a call to action for all those who care about the earth and want to make a difference.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Farm: A Masterpiece of Rural Imagery
R.S. Thomas, the Welsh poet, is known for his vivid and evocative descriptions of the Welsh countryside. His poem, On The Farm, is a prime example of his ability to capture the essence of rural life in his writing. In this 24-line poem, Thomas takes the reader on a journey through the sights, sounds, and smells of a farm, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and harsh.
The poem begins with a description of the farmyard, which is "littered with old machines." This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the farm is a place where things are worn and used, but still valued. The machines are "rusty" and "broken," but they are also "treasured," suggesting that they have a history and a significance beyond their practical use.
Thomas then moves on to describe the animals on the farm, beginning with the "horses, heavy with foal." This image is particularly striking, as it suggests the cycle of life and the continuity of the farm. The horses are not just animals, but symbols of fertility and growth, and their presence on the farm is a reminder of the importance of reproduction and renewal.
The next image in the poem is that of the "cows, swollen with milk." This image is similarly evocative, suggesting the abundance and richness of the farm. The cows are not just sources of milk, but symbols of nourishment and sustenance, and their presence on the farm is a reminder of the importance of food and sustenance.
Thomas then moves on to describe the "chickens, scratching in the yard." This image is more mundane than the previous two, but it is no less important. The chickens are not just birds, but symbols of industry and hard work, and their presence on the farm is a reminder of the importance of diligence and perseverance.
The final image in the poem is that of the "dog, barking at strangers." This image is perhaps the most poignant of all, as it suggests the isolation and self-sufficiency of the farm. The dog is not just an animal, but a symbol of protection and vigilance, and its presence on the farm is a reminder of the importance of security and safety.
Throughout the poem, Thomas uses vivid and evocative language to bring the farm to life. He describes the "smell of hay" and the "sound of the wind," painting a picture of a world that is both sensory and immersive. He also uses repetition and alliteration to create a sense of rhythm and musicality, making the poem a pleasure to read aloud.
But perhaps the most striking aspect of the poem is its underlying message. On The Farm is not just a description of a place, but a meditation on the importance of rural life. Thomas suggests that the farm is not just a collection of animals and machines, but a microcosm of the world itself. The farm is a place where life and death, growth and decay, industry and leisure all coexist, and it is this complexity that makes it so valuable.
In conclusion, On The Farm is a masterpiece of rural imagery. Through his vivid and evocative descriptions, R.S. Thomas brings the farm to life, painting a picture of a world that is both beautiful and harsh. But more than that, he reminds us of the importance of rural life, and the value of the world that we so often take for granted. Whether you are a city dweller or a country bumpkin, this poem is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the beauty and complexity of the world around us.
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