'Shower' by Les Murray


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From the metal poppy
this good blast of trance
arriving as shock, private cloudburst blazing down,
worst in a boarding-house greased tub, or a barrack with competitions,
best in a stall, this enveloping passion of Australians:
tropics that sweat for you, torrent that braces with its heat,
inflames you with its chill, action sauna, inverse bidet,
sleek vertical coruscating ghost of your inner river,
reminding all your fluids, streaming off your points, awakening
the tacky soap to blossom and ripe autumn, releasing the squeezed gardens,
smoky valet smoothing your impalpable overnight pyjamas off,
pillar you can step through, force-field absolving love's efforts,
nicest yard of the jogging track, speeding aeroplane minutely
steered with two controls, or trimmed with a knurled wheel.
Some people like to still this energy and lie in it,
stirring circles with their pleasure in it, but my delight's that toga
worn on either or both shoulders, fluted drapery, silk whispering to the tiles,
with its spiralling, frothy hem continuous round the gurgle-hole'
this ecstatic partner, dreamy to dance in slow embrace with
after factory-floor rock, or even to meet as Lot's abstracted
merciful wife on a rusty ship in dog latitudes,
sweetest dressing of the day in the dusty bush, this persistent,
time-capsule of unwinding, this nimble straight well-wisher.
Only in England is its name an unkind word;
only in Europe is it enjoyed by telephone.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

"Shower" by Les Murray: A Poetic Ode to Nature

Are you someone who loves to take a shower in the rain, feeling the cool drops of water caressing your skin? Do you ever wonder about the beauty and power of nature all around us, the way it can inspire and uplift our spirits? If so, then you will surely appreciate "Shower," a timeless poem by Les Murray that celebrates the wonder and majesty of the natural world.

Written in free verse, "Shower" is a meditative and sensuous poem that explores the many facets of rain, from its gentle touch to its cleansing power, from its life-giving properties to its ability to evoke memories and emotions. As the poem unfolds, we are invited to enter into a deep and contemplative state, to open our hearts and minds to the mysteries and contradictions of the universe.

One of the most striking features of "Shower" is its use of vivid and evocative imagery, which transports us to a world of sensory delights and sensations. Consider, for example, the opening lines of the poem:

"Steady rain drumming
on roof and eaves,
rumbling and droning
down the chimney."

With just a few well-chosen words, Murray creates a vivid soundscape that captures the essence of a rainy day. We can almost hear the raindrops falling on the roof and the eaves, the gentle rumble of thunder in the distance, the soothing drone of water flowing down the chimney. This imagery sets the tone for the rest of the poem, drawing us in and immersing us in a world of natural beauty and wonder.

Throughout "Shower," Murray uses a variety of other sensory details to bring the natural world to life. For example, he describes the rain as "the soft plash on leaves," "the fluted glass of windows," "the rattle of pebbles," and "the purr of drains." Each of these images is carefully chosen to evoke a particular mood or feeling, whether it is the calm and peacefulness of rain falling on leaves, the delicacy and fragility of raindrops on glass, or the rough and rugged texture of pebbles being pelted by rain.

In addition to its sensory richness, "Shower" is also a deeply philosophical and spiritual poem, one that explores the many ways in which rain can symbolize the human condition. At times, the rain is depicted as a healing and purifying force, washing away the sins and sorrows of the world:

"Rain, rain, rain,
    washing away
the sins and miseries
    of the world."

Here, Murray suggests that rain has the power to cleanse and restore, to bring new life and hope to a world that is often dark and troubled. He goes on to describe rain as a "balm for the soul," a soothing and comforting presence that can help us find peace and serenity in the midst of chaos and confusion.

At other times, however, Murray portrays rain as a more ominous and mysterious force, one that can be both beautiful and terrifying. For example, he describes the rain as "a secret, dark and deep," something that is both alluring and dangerous:

"Rain, rain, rain,
    beckoning, persuading,
its silver voice a trap
    for the unwary."

Here, Murray suggests that rain can be seductive and beguiling, tempting us with its beauty and mystery, but also luring us into unknown and potentially dangerous waters. This ambiguity and tension is a hallmark of Murray's poetry, and it is what makes "Shower" such a compelling and thought-provoking work.

As we read through "Shower," we are also struck by the way in which Murray uses rain as a metaphor for memory and nostalgia. At several points in the poem, he describes rain as a trigger for memories, a way of bringing the past back to life:

"Rain, rain, rain,
    bringing back
the smell of wet grass,
    the feel of cold steel."

Here, Murray suggests that rain can evoke all kinds of memories and emotions, from the joy and innocence of childhood, to the pain and loss of adulthood. He goes on to describe rain as a "mirror for the soul," a reflection of our deepest hopes and fears, our joys and sorrows. In this way, "Shower" becomes a kind of meditation on the human condition, a reflection on the way in which we are shaped and defined by our experiences and memories.

Finally, it is worth noting that "Shower" is a poem that invites us to slow down and appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. In a world that is often hectic and fast-paced, Murray's poem is a reminder of the importance of taking time to appreciate the simple things in life, whether it is the sound of rain falling on a roof, the smell of wet earth, or the sight of a rainbow stretching across the sky. By connecting us to the natural world in this way, Murray's poem helps us to feel more grounded and connected, more alive and present in the world around us.

In conclusion, "Shower" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, a work that captures the beauty and power of nature in all its complexity and mystery. Through its vivid imagery, philosophical depth, and emotional richness, Murray's poem invites us to enter into a deep and contemplative state, to open our hearts and minds to the wonders and contradictions of the universe. Whether you are a lover of poetry, a nature enthusiast, or simply someone who appreciates the beauty and complexity of the world around us, "Shower" is a must-read work that will stay with you long after you have finished reading it.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Shower by Les Murray: A Poem of Renewal and Rebirth

Les Murray's poem "Shower" is a beautiful and evocative piece of poetry that captures the essence of renewal and rebirth. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the power of water to cleanse and rejuvenate. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand its deeper meaning.

The poem begins with a description of the showerhead, which is personified as a "silver tulip." This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting that the shower is a thing of beauty and grace. The tulip is a symbol of purity and renewal, which is fitting given the theme of the poem.

The first stanza describes the water as "a clear and shining thing." This image is repeated throughout the poem, emphasizing the purity and clarity of the water. The water is also described as "a gift," suggesting that it is something to be cherished and appreciated.

The second stanza introduces the idea of renewal. The speaker describes how the water "washes away the dust of the day." This image suggests that the shower is a way to cleanse oneself of the stresses and worries of daily life. The water is also described as "a baptism," which is a powerful symbol of rebirth and renewal.

The third stanza continues the theme of renewal, describing how the water "brings back the shine to things." This image suggests that the shower is not just a way to cleanse oneself, but also a way to rejuvenate and revitalize. The water is also described as "a tonic," which reinforces this idea of renewal and rejuvenation.

The fourth stanza introduces the idea of connection. The speaker describes how the water "joins us to the world." This image suggests that the shower is not just a solitary act, but a way to connect with the natural world. The water is also described as "a river," which is a powerful symbol of life and vitality.

The fifth stanza brings the poem to a close, with the speaker describing how the water "falls like grace." This image suggests that the shower is not just a physical act, but a spiritual one as well. The water is also described as "a blessing," which reinforces this idea of spiritual renewal.

Overall, "Shower" is a beautiful and powerful poem that celebrates the natural world and the power of water to cleanse, renew, and connect us to the world around us. The imagery and language used in the poem are evocative and powerful, creating a sense of wonder and awe. This poem is a reminder that even the simplest things in life can be sources of beauty and renewal, and that we should cherish and appreciate them.

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