'Block' by Hayden Carruth
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Right up there this side the Five Chimneys Corners
about a mile south the Oneida line, this goddamn
granddaddy sugar maple block I tell you it's
what you might call a real out-size block a old-time
ball-busting son of a bitch of a block laying by the side
the road where that house with the busted porch is
the worn-out gray asphalt siding? the lawn sale
going April to November? you know where I
mean, this block if it was a redwood you could cut
a hole in it for the tourists to drive through, a good
12 foot high just laying there by its stump, maybe about
20 foot long. Well these guys are standing around
they got their chain saws, their malls, their axes, wedges,
cant hooks, six-packs, a couple dogs, four five
kids, two pickups and a old Cat tractor covered
with rust, these guys got pretty damn near anything
a man could need, four of them, wearing these greasy
John Deere and Agway caps and old plaid shirts
half the buttons torn off. Day before yesterday is
when I seen them about 7 A.M. I'm heading over
the city to that parking-lot job, yes ma'am is what
I say all day just put it over there and no sir
you can't park that thing here withouten you got a
sticker--a hell of a way to make a living, ain't it?
So next day, that's yesterday, I'm going by again
and these guys are right there standing around
smoking talking looking at that goddamn block same
as before only I seen now they got maybe a cord
of stove wood busted off of it, and then this morning
damned if there ain't a woodpile near as big as a Grey-
hound bus when I go by must be a good twenty cord
and these guys still standing around looking at what's
left of that block a big old bastard of a knotty
chunk laying there on the ground sort of reminds me
of a big heart a hell of a big heart like a bull's heart
or a elephant's only of course a different color. Chips
and bark everywhere sawdust the yard's all littered
snow and ice mud and beer cans why shit you know
how it looks you been working up firewood the same
place three four days in a row. So this evening what
the hell I stop off at The Point myself for a couple
what you might call compensating Friday-afternoon
beers on the way home so of course it's near dark
when I get to Five Chimneys. The block is gone.
The woodpile is humungus. Like it's a new hill
growing right there on the landscape and this lady
wearing baggy pants a red sweatshirt setting on what's
left of the porch steps smoking a Winston I seen
the red pack right there on the step beside her
and the guys are squatting on their gas cans leaning
against the pickups they got a case of Coors they're looking
at each other with their caps tipped onto the back
of their heads like they think they done a hell of a good
day's work setting around and talking and taking
a swipe at that goddamn block every once in a while.
And you know what, I reckon they have. Ain't that
the life? How you figure those guys get so lucky?
Editor 1 Interpretation
Block by Hayden Carruth: A Critical Analysis
Block, a poem by Hayden Carruth, is a deeply introspective piece that delves into the nature of the self and the human condition. With its simple yet profound imagery, the poem paints a vivid picture of the disconnect between our inner selves and the world around us, the struggle to find meaning in our lives, and the inevitable sense of isolation that plagues us all. In this analysis, we will explore the themes and motifs that run through the poem and examine Carruth's use of language and structure to convey his message.
The Self and the World
The central theme of Block is the divide between the self and the world, and the sense of isolation that arises from this separation. The opening lines of the poem set the tone for this exploration, as Carruth describes himself as "a man apart" and compares his sense of isolation to that of a block of ice floating in a river. The image of the block of ice is a powerful one, evoking a sense of isolation, detachment, and vulnerability, as the ice is subject to the whims of the river and the environment around it.
As the poem unfolds, Carruth continues to explore this theme of separation, using language that is at once stark and hauntingly beautiful. He describes the "gray light of a winter morning" and the "hoary branches" of the trees, painting a picture of a world that is cold, desolate, and indifferent to the struggles of the individual. This sense of detachment is mirrored in the speaker's own feelings of alienation, as he describes himself as "adrift" and "bereft" in a world that he cannot fully comprehend.
The Search for Meaning
Another key theme of Block is the search for meaning in a world that often seems meaningless. Carruth explores this theme through the use of religious imagery and language, suggesting that the quest for meaning is a fundamental aspect of the human condition. He describes himself as a "pilgrim" on a journey of self-discovery, and he invokes the image of a "cross" to suggest that this journey is one of sacrifice and redemption.
At the same time, Carruth acknowledges the difficulties of this journey, describing the "darkness" and "despair" that often accompany the search for meaning. He suggests that the search for meaning is not an easy one, but one that requires courage, perseverance, and a willingness to confront one's own limitations and failings. In this way, Carruth suggests that the journey of self-discovery is not only a personal one, but a universal one that is shared by all human beings.
Language and Structure
Carruth's use of language and structure in Block is both simple and effective. The poem is written in free verse, with short lines that emphasize the fragmented nature of the speaker's thoughts and emotions. The language is spare and direct, yet rich with imagery and symbolism that underscores the poem's central themes.
One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Carruth's use of repetition, which creates a sense of rhythm and momentum that propels the poem forward. The repetition of the phrase "I am a man apart" reinforces the speaker's sense of isolation, while the repetition of the word "block" underscores the central metaphor of the poem and gives it a sense of weight and importance.
At the same time, Carruth's use of language is also deeply personal, with the speaker's thoughts and emotions conveyed in a way that is raw, honest, and deeply felt. Through his use of metaphor, symbolism, and repetition, Carruth creates a powerful and evocative portrait of the human condition that is both universal and deeply personal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Block is a deeply introspective and thought-provoking poem that explores the nature of the self and the human condition. Through his use of language and imagery, Carruth creates a vivid portrait of a world that is cold, indifferent, and often meaningless, and he suggests that the search for meaning is a central aspect of the human experience. With its spare yet powerful language and its deeply personal yet universal themes, Block is a poem that resonates with readers and challenges us to confront our own sense of isolation, alienation, and the search for meaning in our lives.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Block by Hayden Carruth: A Poem of Resilience and Hope
Hayden Carruth's poem "Block" is a powerful and moving piece that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. The poem is a testament to the strength and determination of those who have faced hardship and overcome it, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
The poem begins with a description of a block of wood, which serves as a metaphor for the human spirit. The block is described as "gnarled and knotted," with "cracks and checks" running through it. This imagery suggests that the block has been through a great deal of wear and tear, and that it has been shaped and molded by its experiences.
Despite its rough exterior, however, the block is described as having a "core of soundness." This suggests that even though the block has been through a great deal of hardship, it has remained fundamentally strong and resilient.
The poem goes on to describe the various ways in which the block has been shaped and molded over time. It has been "hacked and sawed," "chiseled and planed," and "sanded and polished." These actions represent the various challenges and obstacles that the block has faced, and the ways in which it has been shaped and molded by them.
Despite all of this, however, the block remains strong and resilient. It is described as being "firm and solid," with a "core of soundness" that cannot be broken. This suggests that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit can remain strong and resilient, and that it is capable of overcoming even the most difficult of challenges.
The poem then takes a turn, as the block is described as being "set in place." This suggests that the block has found a sense of stability and security, and that it is no longer being shaped and molded by external forces. Instead, it has become a part of something larger, and it is now contributing to the greater whole.
This sense of stability and security is further emphasized in the final lines of the poem, as the block is described as being "at home in the structure." This suggests that the block has found a sense of belonging and purpose, and that it is now a part of something greater than itself.
Overall, "Block" is a powerful and moving poem that speaks to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity. It is a testament to the strength and determination of those who have faced hardship and overcome it, and it serves as a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope.
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