'The Road That Runs Beside The River' by Thomas Lux
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follows the river as it bends
along the valley floor,
going the way it must.
Where water goes, so goes the road,
if there's room (not in a ravine,
gorge), the river
on your right or left. Left is better: when you're driving,
it's over your elbow across
the road.
You see the current, which is
what the river is: the river
in the river, a thing sliding fast forward
inside a thing sliding not so fast forward.
Driving with, beside, the river's flow is good.
Another pleasure, driving against it: it's the same river
someone else will see
somewhere else downstream -- same play,
new theater, different set.
Wide, shallow, fairly fast,
roundy-stone streambed, rocky-land river,
it turns there or here -- the ground
telling it so -- draining dull
mountains to the north,
migrating, feeding a few hard-fleshed fish
who live in it. One small sandbar splits
the river, then it loops left,
the road right, and the river's silver
slips under the trees,
into the forest,
and over the sharp perpendicular
edge of the earth.
Editor 1 Interpretation
The Road That Runs Beside The River: A Journey of Self-Discovery
Thomas Lux's "The Road That Runs Beside The River" is a powerful poem that takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery. Through vivid imagery and skillful use of literary devices, Lux explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine how Lux uses these themes to create a powerful and moving piece of poetry.
The Journey Begins
The poem begins with the speaker describing a road that runs beside a river. From the very first line, Lux sets the tone for the journey that is about to unfold:
The road that runs beside the river follows the river as it bends through green hills.
Lux's use of imagery is masterful here. He paints a picture of a peaceful landscape, with the river winding through green hills. The road, meanwhile, follows the river, leading the reader on a journey through this tranquil scenery.
But as the poem progresses, Lux reveals that this journey is not just a physical one. It is also a journey of the soul.
Life and Death
Throughout the poem, Lux explores the themes of life and death. He uses powerful imagery to convey the beauty of life, as well as the inevitability of death.
One of the most striking examples of this comes in the second stanza:
Sometimes a bird will fly across the road reflecting a blinding light, and disappear. Such is life, brief and gratuitous.
Here, Lux uses the image of a bird flying across the road to represent the fleeting nature of life. The bird's brief appearance is compared to the "blinding light" that it reflects, emphasizing the beauty and preciousness of life.
But Lux doesn't shy away from the darker side of life either. In the same stanza, he writes:
But death is just as gratuitous.
Lux uses the word "gratuitous" again here, but in a different context. While life is fleeting and beautiful, death is sudden and senseless. The juxtaposition of these two lines highlights the fragility and unpredictability of life.
The Human Condition
Another theme that Lux explores in "The Road That Runs Beside The River" is the human condition. He uses the journey along the road to explore the complexities of human experience.
One of the most powerful examples of this comes in the third stanza:
There are some who believe it is better to die alone, in the silence of one's own thoughts, than to die in the presence of others.
Here, Lux is examining the idea of solitude and the human need for connection. While some may believe that dying alone is preferable, Lux seems to be suggesting that this is a lonely and isolating experience. The idea of dying in the presence of others, while perhaps more painful, also allows for connection and the comfort of shared experience.
A Journey of Self-Discovery
Throughout "The Road That Runs Beside The River," Lux uses powerful imagery and expertly crafted lines to take the reader on a journey of self-discovery. He explores the themes of life, death, and the human condition, using the road as a metaphor for the journey of life.
At its core, this is a poem about the fleeting nature of life and the importance of connection. As we journey along the road, we are reminded of our own mortality and the beauty of the world around us. And in the end, we are left with the realization that life is precious, and that we must cherish every moment of it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Thomas Lux's "The Road That Runs Beside The River" is a powerful and moving piece of poetry. Through skillful use of imagery and literary devices, Lux takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the themes of life, death, and the human condition. This is a poem that will stay with you long after you've finished reading it, and one that reminds us of the preciousness of life and the importance of connection.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
The Road That Runs Beside The River: A Journey Through Time and Nature
Thomas Lux's poem, The Road That Runs Beside The River, is a beautiful and evocative piece of literature that takes the reader on a journey through time and nature. The poem is a celebration of the natural world and the way in which it changes and evolves over time. It is a reminder of the beauty and power of nature, and of the importance of preserving it for future generations.
The poem begins with a description of a road that runs beside a river. Lux describes the road as "a ribbon of asphalt" that winds its way through the landscape. The road is a symbol of human progress and civilization, a reminder of the way in which we have shaped and transformed the natural world to suit our needs.
However, Lux's poem is not a celebration of human progress. Instead, it is a celebration of the natural world that exists alongside our roads and cities. Lux describes the river that runs beside the road as "a silver snake" that winds its way through the landscape. The river is a symbol of the natural world, a reminder of the way in which nature continues to thrive and evolve despite our attempts to control it.
Lux's poem is filled with vivid and evocative imagery that brings the natural world to life. He describes the trees that line the road as "sentinels of green" that stand guard over the landscape. The trees are a symbol of the way in which nature endures and persists over time, despite the many challenges it faces.
Lux also describes the way in which the natural world changes and evolves over time. He describes the river as "a time machine" that carries with it the memories and experiences of the past. The river is a symbol of the way in which nature is constantly changing and evolving, adapting to new circumstances and challenges.
Lux's poem is also a reminder of the importance of preserving the natural world for future generations. He describes the road as "a scar" that mars the landscape, a reminder of the way in which we have altered and transformed the natural world. However, he also reminds us that the natural world is resilient and can recover from the damage we have done.
Lux's poem is a celebration of the natural world and a reminder of the way in which it continues to thrive and evolve despite our attempts to control it. It is a call to action, urging us to preserve and protect the natural world for future generations. The Road That Runs Beside The River is a beautiful and powerful piece of literature that reminds us of the beauty and power of nature, and of our responsibility to protect it.
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