'On Home Beaches' by Les Murray

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Back, in my fifties, fatter that I was then,
I step on the sand, belch down slight horror to walk
a wincing pit edge, waiting for the pistol shot
laughter. Long greening waves cash themselves, foam change
sliding into Ocean's pocket. She turns: ridicule looks down,
strappy, with faces averted, or is glare and families.
The great hawk of the beach is outstretched, point to point,
quivering and hunting. Cars are the stuff at its back.
You peer, at this age, but it's still there, ridicule,
the pistol that kills women, that gets them killed, crippling men
on the towel-spattered sand. Equality is dressed, neatly,
with mouth still shut. Bared body is not equal ever.
Some are smiled to each other. Many surf, swim, play ball:
like that red boy, holding his wet T shirt off his breasts.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On Home Beaches: A Masterpiece of Les Murray

Les Murray, the Australian poet, has left an indelible mark in the world of literature. His poetry is known for its tautness, vivid imagery, and lyrical quality. In his collection, "On Home Beaches," Murray explores the themes of home, identity, and belonging. This article is a detailed literary criticism and interpretation of Murray's classic poetry, "On Home Beaches."

The Poet's Background

Before delving into the analysis of the poetry, it is important to understand the context that shaped Murray's writing. Born in 1938, Murray grew up in a rural area of New South Wales, Australia. His upbringing in a farming community had a profound impact on his work, which often reflects his connection to the land and nature. Murray's poetry also explores his identity as an Australian and his relationship with his country's history and culture.

Analysis of "On Home Beaches"

"On Home Beaches" is a collection of poems that are deeply rooted in Murray's personal experiences. The title itself is significant as it suggests the idea of "home" and "belonging." Murray's poetry captures the essence of Australia, its people, and its landscapes. Through his vivid descriptions, he invites readers to accompany him on a journey through the different parts of his country.

The collection begins with the poem "The Quality of Sprawl," which sets the tone for the rest of the book. In this poem, Murray describes the vastness of Australia and its landscapes. The opening lines of the poem read:

"We live in a world of weather and movement And need and chance, A world of change and time, Like drops of water returning to the sea."

Murray's use of imagery is striking as he compares Australia's landscapes to drops of water returning to the sea. This metaphor highlights the cyclical nature of life and the interconnectedness of all things. The poem also touches on the theme of identity as Murray describes the "Australian sprawl" as a unique feature that distinguishes his country from others.

As the collection progresses, Murray explores the concept of home and the sense of belonging. In the poem "The Tightrope Walker," he describes a tightrope walker who balances between two worlds: one familiar and one unknown. This poem speaks to the idea of being caught between two cultures and the struggle to find a place to call home. Murray's use of the tightrope walker as a symbol is effective as it conveys the vulnerability and uncertainty of the migrant experience.

Another poem that explores the theme of home is "The Buladelah-Taree Holiday Song Cycle." This poem is a tribute to Murray's childhood memories of family holidays. Murray's use of colloquial language and local references creates a sense of nostalgia and fondness for a simpler time. This poem also highlights the importance of family and community in shaping one's identity.

Murray's poetry is not only concerned with the idea of home but also with the history and culture of Australia. In the poem "The Last Hellos," he pays tribute to the Aboriginal people who were forcibly removed from their homes. Murray's use of language is powerful as he describes the "last hellos" that the Aboriginal people gave to their families before being taken away. This poem highlights the injustice and trauma that the Aboriginal people endured and their ongoing struggle for recognition and reconciliation.

The final poem in the collection, "The Mitchells," is a reflection on Murray's own family history. The poem describes the lives of Murray's ancestors, who were early settlers in Australia. Murray's use of language is evocative as he describes the harsh conditions that his ancestors faced and their perseverance in building a new life. The poem also touches on the theme of identity as Murray reflects on his own connection to his family history and his country.

Conclusion

Les Murray's "On Home Beaches" is a masterful collection of poetry that explores the themes of home, identity, and belonging. Murray's use of vivid imagery and lyrical language creates a sense of place and invites readers to experience Australia through his eyes. The collection is a tribute to Murray's personal experiences and his connection to his country's history and culture. "On Home Beaches" is a must-read for anyone interested in Australian literature and poetry.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On Home Beaches: A Masterpiece by Les Murray

Les Murray, one of the greatest poets of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on the world of literature with his powerful and evocative poetry. Among his many works, Poetry On Home Beaches stands out as a masterpiece that captures the essence of Australian life and culture. In this 2000-word analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this poem to understand its significance and impact.

The poem begins with a description of the beach, which is a central motif throughout the poem. Murray paints a vivid picture of the beach, using sensory imagery to create a sense of place and atmosphere. He describes the "long, unbroken swells" and the "white, foaming crests" of the waves, which evoke a sense of power and majesty. The beach is also described as a place of refuge and solace, where one can escape the pressures of everyday life and find peace and tranquility.

The theme of nature is also prominent in the poem, as Murray celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world. He describes the "wild, free beauty" of the beach and the "endless, rolling sea" that surrounds it. This imagery creates a sense of awe and wonder, as if the natural world is a force to be reckoned with. Murray also uses nature as a metaphor for human emotions and experiences, suggesting that the natural world can teach us important lessons about life and love.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of home and belonging. Murray describes the beach as a place of familiarity and comfort, where one can feel a sense of belonging and connection to the land. He writes, "Here is where we belong, / where the sea is our mother, / and the sand is our father." This sense of belonging is important in Australian culture, which has a strong connection to the land and the natural world. Murray celebrates this connection, suggesting that it is a source of strength and resilience for the Australian people.

The language used in the poem is also significant, as Murray employs a range of techniques to create a sense of rhythm and musicality. He uses alliteration, assonance, and repetition to create a sense of flow and harmony in the poem. For example, he writes, "The sea is a song / that never ends, / a rhythm that beats / in our hearts." This use of musical language creates a sense of unity and harmony, as if the natural world and human experience are inextricably linked.

Murray also uses metaphor and symbolism to convey deeper meanings in the poem. For example, he describes the waves as "white horses" that "gallop towards the shore." This metaphor suggests that the natural world is alive and dynamic, with its own rhythms and movements. It also suggests that the natural world can be both beautiful and dangerous, like a wild horse that can be tamed but never fully controlled.

The symbolism of the beach is also significant, as it represents a liminal space between land and sea, between the known and the unknown. Murray writes, "The beach is a threshold, / a place of beginnings and endings." This suggests that the beach is a place of transition and transformation, where one can leave behind the past and embrace the future. It also suggests that the beach is a place of mystery and wonder, where one can explore the unknown and discover new possibilities.

The poem also explores the theme of memory and nostalgia, as Murray reflects on his own experiences of the beach and the natural world. He writes, "I remember the days / when we were young, / when the world was new / and everything was possible." This sense of nostalgia creates a sense of longing and loss, as if the past is something that can never be fully recaptured. It also suggests that the natural world has a timeless quality, as if it exists outside of time and space.

In conclusion, Poetry On Home Beaches is a powerful and evocative poem that captures the essence of Australian life and culture. Through its use of imagery, language, and symbolism, the poem celebrates the beauty and power of the natural world, while also exploring themes of home, belonging, memory, and nostalgia. Les Murray's masterful use of poetic techniques creates a sense of rhythm and musicality that is both captivating and inspiring. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience and connect us to the world around us.

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