'On The Keowee' by Ron Rash

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Raising the Dead2002Three days searchers worked below
rock-leaps her feet had not bridged,
men trolling grabbling hooks through
suck hole and blue hole, bamboo
poles jabbing the backs of falls
before the high sheriff told
her folks there was but one way,
so Jake Poston came, his poke
bulging with a snapper's weight,
its head a jawed fist, mossed shell
big as a washpan, fishhook
deep-barbed in the webbed back foot,
the shank's eye knotted with line
thick as guitar string. He kicked
it off the bank, let out line
like a leash as the snapper
wandered river floor, then stopped,
and Jake just nodded, the men
wading on in. No one spoke
of the gashes in her throat,
or of why he hadn't cut
that line afterward, had slung
thirty pounds of turtle on
his back, headed downriver
to the cabin where no wife
set his table, where no meat
yet simmered in the kettle.

Editor 1 Interpretation

On The Keowee: A Poetic Journey Through Nature

Ron Rash is a prolific American author known for his captivating stories and beautiful poetry. In his poem "On The Keowee," Rash takes us on a journey through the natural beauty of North Carolina, exploring the wonders of the Keowee River and the creatures that inhabit it. With vivid imagery and a deep appreciation for nature, Rash paints a stunning portrait of the natural world, inviting the reader to join him on a poetic journey through the wilderness.

The Power of Nature

One of the central themes in "On The Keowee" is the power of nature. From the very beginning of the poem, Rash sets the tone by describing the "roar" of the river, a sound that is "never still." This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as Rash explores the many different aspects of nature that make it so awe-inspiring.

One of the most striking images in the poem is the description of the "great blue heron" flying over the water, its "long legs trailing like a prayer." This image captures the majesty of nature, emphasizing how even the most mundane creatures can be beautiful and powerful in their own way.

The Beauty of Simplicity

Another theme that runs through "On The Keowee" is the beauty of simplicity. Rash frequently describes nature in simple, straightforward terms, emphasizing the unadorned beauty of the world around us. For example, he describes the "sun on the water" and the "ripples" that it creates, rather than more elaborate metaphors or descriptions.

This emphasis on simplicity helps to convey the essence of nature itself, which is often at its most beautiful when it is most unadorned. The poem invites us to see the world around us in a new light, appreciating the beauty that is often hidden in plain sight.

The Importance of Perception

A third theme that emerges in "On The Keowee" is the importance of perception. Rash reminds us that the way we see the world around us can shape our experience of it, and that our perceptions are often subjective and mutable.

For example, he describes the "black snake" that "slips like a shadow" across the water, a creature that could easily be seen as menacing or frightening. Yet Rash chooses to focus on the beauty of the snake, describing it as "graceful" and "lithe." This invites the reader to see the world around them in a new light, highlighting the beauty and wonder that can be found in unexpected places.

Conclusion

Overall, "On The Keowee" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that invites us to see the world around us in a new light. With its emphasis on the power of nature, the beauty of simplicity, and the importance of perception, Rash's poem is a meditation on the natural world, inviting us to join him in a journey of discovery and wonder. Whether you are a lover of poetry, nature, or simply the beauty of the world around us, "On The Keowee" is a must-read, a testament to the beauty and majesty of the natural world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry On The Keowee: A Masterpiece of Nature and Emotion

Ron Rash's Poetry On The Keowee is a stunning piece of literature that captures the beauty of nature and the depth of human emotion. This classic poem is a perfect example of how poetry can be used to express the most profound feelings and experiences of life. In this article, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in this masterpiece of poetry.

The Keowee River, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of South Carolina, is the central focus of this poem. Rash uses the river as a metaphor for life, and the changing seasons as a symbol of the passage of time. The poem begins with the line "The Keowee River flows like a poem," which sets the tone for the rest of the poem. The river is described as a "silver ribbon" that winds its way through the mountains, reflecting the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

One of the most striking features of this poem is the use of imagery. Rash's descriptions of the natural world are vivid and evocative, painting a picture of the Keowee River that is both beautiful and haunting. For example, he describes the river as "a mirror of the sky," reflecting the changing colors of the sunset. He also uses imagery to convey the passage of time, describing the leaves on the trees as "a tapestry of gold and red" that slowly fades away as winter approaches.

Another key theme of this poem is the relationship between humans and nature. Rash explores the idea that humans are a part of the natural world, and that our lives are intertwined with the cycles of nature. He writes, "We are but a part of this great symphony of life, a note in the song of the river." This idea is reinforced throughout the poem, as Rash describes the changing seasons and the way that they affect both the river and the people who live near it.

The language used in Poetry On The Keowee is both lyrical and powerful. Rash's use of metaphor and imagery creates a sense of depth and meaning that is rare in modern poetry. For example, he describes the river as "a silver serpent" that winds its way through the mountains, evoking a sense of mystery and wonder. He also uses repetition to great effect, repeating the phrase "the Keowee River flows" throughout the poem to create a sense of rhythm and continuity.

One of the most powerful moments in the poem comes towards the end, when Rash writes, "We are but a moment in the flow of time, a ripple on the surface of the river." This line captures the fleeting nature of human existence, and the way that our lives are just a small part of the larger cycle of nature. It is a reminder that we are all connected to the natural world, and that our actions have an impact on the environment around us.

In conclusion, Poetry On The Keowee is a masterpiece of poetry that captures the beauty of nature and the depth of human emotion. Rash's use of imagery, metaphor, and language creates a sense of wonder and awe that is rare in modern literature. This poem is a reminder that we are all a part of the natural world, and that our lives are intertwined with the cycles of nature. It is a call to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to take care of the environment that sustains us.

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