'Coral' by Derek Walcott

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This coral's hape ecohes the hand
It hollowed. Its

Immediate absence is heavy. As pumice,
As your breast in my cupped palm.

Sea-cold, its nipple rasps like sand,
Its pores, like yours, shone with salt sweat.

Bodies in absence displace their weight,
And your smooth body, like none other,

Creates an exact absence like this stoneSet on a table with a whitening rack

Of souvenirs. It dares my hand
To claim what lovers' hands have never known:

The nature of the body of another.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Profound Beauty and Depth of Derek Walcott's Coral

Have you ever read a poem that transported you to a different world, a place where language and imagery blend seamlessly to create a sensory experience that leaves you awestruck? That's precisely what Derek Walcott's "Coral" does. This classic poem is a masterpiece of literature, a profound exploration of life, death, and the powerful forces of nature.

At its core, "Coral" is a meditation on the fragile beauty of life and the inexorable passage of time. The poem is structured into three stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of this theme. In the first stanza, Walcott uses the metaphor of coral to evoke the delicate balance between life and death:

Underwater it was sheathed in webs of weed,
But it was I who swam, mouth open wide,
Uttering, as I plunged, the word 'Coral',
Or 'Death', whichever sounded better
At the moment, for I had a thought
That there were too many words for the sea,
Or for anything.

In these lines, we see a speaker diving into the ocean, entranced by the beauty of the coral reefs below. The speaker's words are a testament to the profound impact that this environment has on him. Even the act of naming is fraught with significance, as the speaker struggles to find the right word to capture the essence of what he sees.

The second stanza of the poem shifts the focus to the destructive power of nature, particularly in the form of hurricanes. Walcott's language here is particularly vivid, conjuring up images of chaos and destruction:

But the hurricane turned in its cage,
Spinning the water to a writhing rage.
The trees shook with a violence of leaves.
Something unseen crashed in the hush of the reefs.

The chaos of the hurricane is juxtaposed against the fragility of life, underscoring how easily it can be snuffed out. Here, Walcott's portrayal of nature is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, a reminder of our own insignificance in the face of such power.

In the final stanza, Walcott brings the themes of life, death, and nature full circle, returning to the coral reefs that fascinated the speaker at the poem's beginning:

And when the waves subsided and the hurricane
Drew back its miles of sea,
I returned to the reef. Already its flowers
Were stirring.

These lines are a testament to the resilience of life, even in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. The coral, battered by the storm, still manages to recover and flourish.

What's particularly striking about "Coral" is how Walcott manages to convey such profound themes in such a compact form. The poem is only three stanzas long, yet it contains within it a wealth of insights into the nature of life and death.

One of the most impressive aspects of Walcott's poetry is his use of imagery. In "Coral," he employs a range of vivid and evocative images to bring his themes to life. The coral reefs, the hurricane, the crashing waves - all of these images serve to immerse the reader in the poem's world, making its themes all the more resonant.

Another striking aspect of the poem is the way in which Walcott uses language to create a sense of musicality. The repetition of sounds and words, as well as the careful use of enjambment, all contribute to the poem's flow and rhythm. The result is a work of poetry that feels almost like a song, with every word and phrase carefully chosen to create a specific effect.

In conclusion, "Coral" is a masterpiece of literature, a profound meditation on the beauty and fragility of life, as well as the awesome power of nature. Through his vivid imagery and masterful use of language, Derek Walcott has created a work of poetry that is both hauntingly beautiful and deeply resonant. If you haven't read this classic poem yet, do yourself a favor and give it a read - you won't be disappointed.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Coral by Derek Walcott is a classic poem that has been celebrated for its vivid imagery and powerful themes. The poem is a meditation on the beauty and fragility of coral reefs, and the ways in which human activity can threaten these delicate ecosystems. In this analysis, we will explore the key themes and literary devices used in Coral, and examine how they contribute to the poem's overall impact.

The poem begins with a description of the coral reef as a "city underwater," a bustling metropolis of fish and other sea creatures. Walcott's use of metaphor here is particularly effective, as it immediately draws the reader into the world of the reef and creates a sense of wonder and awe. The imagery is also highly sensory, with references to the "scent of algae" and the "tongue of the sea" evoking a vivid and immersive experience.

As the poem progresses, however, the tone shifts from one of wonder to one of concern. Walcott notes that the reef is "dying," and that its inhabitants are "fleeing" to escape the pollution and destruction wrought by human activity. The poem's central theme thus becomes clear: the beauty and vitality of the natural world are under threat from human actions, and we must take responsibility for our impact on the environment.

One of the most striking aspects of Coral is its use of repetition. Throughout the poem, Walcott repeats the phrase "the coral is dying" several times, each repetition adding to the sense of urgency and despair. This technique is particularly effective in conveying the poem's message, as it emphasizes the gravity of the situation and underscores the need for action.

Another key literary device used in Coral is personification. Walcott imbues the reef with a sense of agency and consciousness, describing it as a "city" that is "dying" and "fleeing." This anthropomorphization of the natural world is a powerful tool for conveying the idea that the environment is not just a passive backdrop to human activity, but a living, breathing entity that deserves our respect and protection.

The poem's final stanza is particularly poignant, as Walcott shifts from describing the reef in the third person to addressing it directly. He implores the coral to "hold fast" and "wait," suggesting that there is still hope for its survival. This message of hope is a crucial element of the poem, as it encourages readers to take action and work towards a more sustainable future.

In conclusion, Coral by Derek Walcott is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the beauty and fragility of coral reefs, and the ways in which human activity can threaten these delicate ecosystems. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and personification, the poem conveys a sense of urgency and despair, while also offering a message of hope and encouragement. As we continue to grapple with the environmental challenges of our time, Coral serves as a reminder of the importance of taking responsibility for our impact on the natural world, and working towards a more sustainable future.

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