'Price Lake: 1961' by Ron Rash

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Mouths shackled, dead or dying,
the bluegills, rainbows and browns
dangled from shiny metal
my father had thrown like chain
into the shallows, noon sun
shivering the lake's surface
like mirage as snake doctors
zigged and zagged—deep-blue needles
threading air. My bobber snagged
again in reeds, hot and tired,
I entered a grabble of briars,
tightroped a creek-board to where
my parents lay on a bank
blanketed by cove-moss, each
turned to other, my mother's
hand tucked inside my father's
half-unbuttoned shirt, his hand
brushing ground-lint from her hair,
and in that moment I knew
I did not belong to them,
not in that moment, and though
the gift of that summer took
years to unveil, something stirred
even that day when they came
back to me, my mother's waist
cradled by my father's arm,
his free hand reaching to lift
the stringer. I remember
how it surfaced glistening
like a crystal chandelier,
the fish shimmering color
as if raised in prism-light.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Price Lake: 1961 - A Masterpiece by Ron Rash

Price Lake: 1961 by Ron Rash is a poem that takes the reader on a journey through the beauty of nature and the nostalgia of childhood memories. This masterpiece of poetry is a perfect example of how a skilled writer can create a vivid image in the reader's mind with just a few words. The poem is a combination of descriptive language, imagery, and symbolism that transports the reader to a simpler time and place. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various aspects of this poem that make it an exceptional work of art.

Background

Before we delve into the poem, let us take a moment to understand more about the writer, Ron Rash. He is an American poet, novelist, and short story writer who has won numerous awards for his work. His writing style is known for its lyrical beauty, vivid imagery, and its exploration of the human condition. Rash has published several volumes of poetry and his work has appeared in various literary journals.

Price Lake: 1961 is a poem from Rash's collection, "Eureka Mill," which was published in 1998. The poem is a reflection of Rash's childhood and the memories he has of growing up in the Appalachian Mountains of North Carolina. It is a poignant ode to nature and a tribute to the innocence of childhood.

Structure and Form

Price Lake: 1961 is a free-verse poem that does not adhere to any specific rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is divided into four stanzas, with each stanza consisting of five lines. The length of the lines varies, with some lines being longer than others. The poem is written in the first person, which gives it a personal and intimate feel.

The lack of a strict structure and form allows Rash to focus on the content and the message he wants to convey. The free-verse form gives the poem a natural flow, which is enhanced by Rash's use of enjambment. The lines flow seamlessly into each other, creating a sense of continuity and fluidity.

Theme and Message

The theme of Price Lake: 1961 is the beauty of nature and the nostalgia of childhood memories. Rash takes the reader on a journey through the woods, where he describes the sights, sounds, and smells of the forest. He paints a vivid picture of the lake and its surroundings, from the "red-shouldered hawk" to the "sun-flecked bass."

But the poem is not just about nature. It is also a tribute to the innocence of childhood and the memories that shape us. Rash uses the imagery of the "old canoe" and the "fishing rod" to symbolize the memories of his childhood that he carries with him. He also uses the imagery of the "lonely dock" to represent the passing of time and the loss of innocence.

The message of the poem is that even though time passes and innocence is lost, the memories of our childhood remain with us. They are a part of us and shape who we are. Rash reminds us to cherish these memories and to hold on to the beauty of nature that surrounds us.

Imagery and Symbolism

One of the most striking aspects of Price Lake: 1961 is Rash's use of imagery and symbolism. The poem is filled with vivid descriptions of the natural world, from the "sycamores" to the "water striders." These descriptions create a vivid picture in the reader's mind and transport them to the woods and the lake.

Rash also uses symbolism to convey his message. The "old canoe" and the "fishing rod" represent the memories of childhood that we carry with us. The "lonely dock" represents the passage of time and the loss of innocence. These symbols add depth to the poem and enhance its meaning.

Language and Tone

Rash's use of language in Price Lake: 1961 is poetic and lyrical. He uses descriptive language to create a vivid image of the natural world. His use of sensory language, such as "fragrance of pine" and "dappled light," appeals to the reader's senses and adds to the immersive experience of the poem.

The tone of the poem is wistful and nostalgic. Rash reminisces about his childhood and the memories he has of the lake and the woods. He also acknowledges the passing of time and the loss of innocence that comes with it. The tone of the poem is reflective and introspective.

Conclusion

Price Lake: 1961 by Ron Rash is a masterpiece of poetry that transports the reader to a simpler time and place. Through his use of imagery, symbolism, and language, Rash creates a vivid picture of the natural world and the memories of childhood. The poem is a tribute to nature and an ode to the innocence of childhood. It reminds us to cherish our memories and to hold on to the beauty of nature that surrounds us. Overall, Price Lake: 1961 is a beautiful and poignant work of art that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Price Lake: 1961 - A Poem of Nature and Nostalgia

Ron Rash's Price Lake: 1961 is a classic poem that captures the essence of nature and nostalgia. The poem takes us on a journey through the beauty of Price Lake, a serene and picturesque lake nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. Rash's vivid imagery and evocative language transport us to a time and place where nature reigns supreme, and the memories of childhood are forever etched in our minds.

The poem begins with a description of the lake, "a mirror of the sky," reflecting the beauty of the surrounding mountains. The calm waters of the lake are a metaphor for the tranquility and peace that can be found in nature. Rash's use of personification, "the lake's surface shimmers," brings the lake to life, making it a character in its own right. The lake is not just a body of water, but a living, breathing entity that has a personality and a soul.

As the poem progresses, Rash takes us on a journey through the changing seasons, from the "springtime green" to the "autumn gold." The changing colors of the trees and the shifting patterns of the clouds are a reminder of the impermanence of life. Rash's use of imagery and metaphor is masterful, creating a sense of timelessness and nostalgia that is both beautiful and poignant.

The poem is also a reflection on the passage of time and the fleeting nature of childhood. Rash's use of the phrase "once upon a time" is a nod to the fairy tales of our childhood, a time when anything was possible and the world was full of wonder and magic. The memories of childhood are forever etched in our minds, and the poem is a reminder of the innocence and joy of those early years.

The poem also explores the relationship between humans and nature. Rash's use of the phrase "we who walked the shore" is a reminder that we are not separate from nature, but a part of it. The lake and the mountains are not just a backdrop for our lives, but an integral part of who we are. The poem is a call to reconnect with nature, to find solace and peace in the beauty of the natural world.

Rash's use of language is both simple and profound. The poem is written in free verse, allowing the words to flow naturally and effortlessly. The use of repetition, such as "the lake, the lake, the lake," creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both soothing and hypnotic. The poem is a testament to the power of language to evoke emotion and create a sense of connection with the natural world.

In conclusion, Price Lake: 1961 is a classic poem that captures the essence of nature and nostalgia. Rash's vivid imagery and evocative language transport us to a time and place where nature reigns supreme, and the memories of childhood are forever etched in our minds. The poem is a reminder of the beauty and power of the natural world, and a call to reconnect with nature and find solace in its tranquility and peace.

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