'In Dismal Gorge' by Ron Rash

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Raising the Dead2002The lost can stay lost down here,
in laurel slicks, false-pathed caves.
Too much too soon disappears.On creek banks clearings appear,
once homesteads. Nothing remains.
The lost can stay lost down here,like Tom Clark's child, our worst fears
confirmed as we searched in vain.
Too much too soon disappears.How often this is made clear
where cliff-shadows pall our days.
The lost can stay lost down here,stones scattered like a river
in drought, now twice-buried graves.
Too much too soon disappears,lives slip away like water.
We fill our Bibles with names.
The lost can stay lost down here.
Too much too soon disappears.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Poetry in Dismal Gorge: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

Ron Rash is a celebrated American writer who has written several books, including novels and collections of short stories. However, one of his most impressive works is a collection of poems titled "Poetry in Dismal Gorge." This collection consists of twenty-five poems that explore themes such as nature, identity, and mortality. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will delve into the collection and analyze its themes and poetic devices.

The Setting of Dismal Gorge

Before we delve into the individual poems in the collection, we must first understand the significance of the setting of Dismal Gorge. Dismal Gorge is a real place located in North Carolina, near where Rash grew up. The place is known for its rugged terrain, steep cliffs, and dense forests. It is a place of natural beauty, but also a place of danger. The setting of Dismal Gorge, therefore, serves as a metaphor for life itself. Life is beautiful, but it can also be harsh and unforgiving. Rash uses this setting to explore the themes of mortality and the fragility of life.

Nature

One of the most prominent themes in "Poetry in Dismal Gorge" is the theme of nature. Rash has a deep appreciation for the natural world, and this is evident in his poetry. In many of the poems, he describes the beauty of the natural world in vivid detail. For example, in "Catawba Rhododendron," he writes:

The hillsides blaze with blooms of purple fire,
the rhododendron's flame that will not tire
until the last of summer's heat expires,
and winter's snow has buried all desires.

Here, Rash uses vivid imagery to describe the beauty of the rhododendron flowers. He compares them to a flame that will not tire, emphasizing their vibrancy and energy. The use of the word "desires" in the last line is particularly powerful, suggesting that even nature has its own desires and passions.

Identity

Another prominent theme in the collection is identity. Rash explores the question of who we are and what defines us as individuals. In "Hitchhiker," he writes:

And what defines us?
The car we drive or the road we walk?
The clothes we wear or the words we talk?
Or is it something hidden in our eyes,
a fleeting glimpse of truth that lies
beneath the surface, where the heart beats strong,
and dreams and fears and hopes belong?

Here, Rash questions what defines us as individuals. Is it our material possessions, or is it something deeper and more intangible? He suggests that our true identity lies beneath the surface, in our dreams, fears, and hopes. This theme is also explored in other poems in the collection, such as "Burning the Fields" and "The Hermit."

Mortality

Perhaps the most poignant theme in "Poetry in Dismal Gorge" is mortality. Rash explores the fragility of life and the inevitability of death. In "Winter's Arrival," he writes:

And though we know that spring will come again,
that life will burst from death as if in vain,
we cannot help but feel a sense of loss
as winter's grip extends its icy claws.

Here, Rash acknowledges that life will always continue, even after death. However, he also emphasizes the sense of loss and sadness that comes with death. This theme is explored in other poems in the collection, such as "The Road to Damascus" and "The Graveyard."

Poetic Devices

In addition to exploring themes, Rash also employs a variety of poetic devices in his poetry. For example, he uses vivid imagery to create a sense of place in his poems. In "Burning the Fields," he writes:

The smoke that rises from the fields at dawn
is like a ghost that haunts the waking world,
a memory of summers long since gone
when life was simpler and the air uncurled.

Here, Rash uses imagery to create a sense of nostalgia and loss. The smoke rising from the fields is compared to a ghost, emphasizing the sense of loss and longing for a simpler time.

Rash also uses repetition to create a sense of rhythm and emphasis in his poetry. In "The Graveyard," he writes:

The graveyard holds the bones of those
who once were young and full of life,
and now are nothing but a ghost
that haunts the land with endless strife.

Here, the repetition of the phrase "a ghost" emphasizes the sense of loss and the idea that death leaves behind only a shadow of what once was.

Conclusion

"Poetry in Dismal Gorge" is a powerful collection of poetry that explores themes such as nature, identity, and mortality. Rash uses vivid imagery and poetic devices to create a sense of place and a sense of rhythm in his poetry. The collection is a testament to Rash's skill as a poet and his deep appreciation for the natural world.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry In Dismal Gorge: A Masterpiece of Appalachian Poetry

Ron Rash's Poetry In Dismal Gorge is a hauntingly beautiful piece of poetry that captures the essence of the Appalachian Mountains. The poem is a tribute to the rugged beauty of the region, but it also speaks to the struggles and hardships of the people who call it home. In this analysis, we will explore the themes, imagery, and language used in the poem to understand why it has become a classic of Appalachian literature.

The poem is set in Dismal Gorge, a remote and isolated valley in the Appalachian Mountains. The first stanza sets the scene, describing the rugged terrain and the harsh conditions that the people who live there must endure. The lines "The gorge is a wound that will not heal / A scar on the land that time cannot conceal" paint a vivid picture of the rugged and unforgiving landscape. The use of the word "wound" suggests that the land has been damaged, perhaps by human activity, and that it will never fully recover. The image of a scar on the land is also powerful, suggesting that the damage is permanent and that the people who live there must learn to live with it.

The second stanza introduces the theme of isolation, which is a recurring theme throughout the poem. The lines "The people here are few and far between / Like islands in a sea of green" suggest that the people who live in Dismal Gorge are isolated from the rest of the world. The use of the word "islands" suggests that they are cut off from the mainland, and the image of a "sea of green" reinforces the idea that they are surrounded by wilderness. The lines "They live in cabins made of wood and stone / And call this place their home" suggest that the people who live in Dismal Gorge are self-sufficient and have learned to survive in this harsh environment.

The third stanza introduces the theme of poverty, which is another recurring theme throughout the poem. The lines "Their clothes are worn and their faces are lined / By years of hard work and the passing of time" suggest that the people who live in Dismal Gorge are poor and have had to work hard to survive. The use of the word "worn" suggests that their clothes are old and threadbare, and the image of "lined faces" suggests that they have aged prematurely due to the harsh conditions they live in.

The fourth stanza introduces the theme of beauty, which is a counterpoint to the themes of isolation and poverty. The lines "But there is beauty here that few have seen / A world of wonder that lies between" suggest that there is a hidden beauty in Dismal Gorge that is not immediately apparent. The use of the word "wonder" suggests that this beauty is something that is awe-inspiring and that it has the power to inspire wonder and amazement.

The fifth stanza explores this theme of beauty in more detail. The lines "The mountains rise up to touch the sky / And the rivers flow like tears from an eye" suggest that the natural beauty of Dismal Gorge is awe-inspiring. The use of the word "tears" suggests that the rivers are a symbol of the sadness and hardship that the people who live in Dismal Gorge have endured, but it also suggests that they are a source of beauty and wonder.

The sixth stanza returns to the theme of isolation. The lines "The people here are proud and strong / But they have been forgotten for too long" suggest that the people who live in Dismal Gorge are proud of their heritage and their way of life, but that they have been neglected by the outside world. The use of the word "forgotten" suggests that they have been left behind by progress and that their way of life is in danger of disappearing.

The seventh and final stanza brings the poem to a close. The lines "So let us not forget this place / This land of beauty and of grace" suggest that the poet is urging us to remember Dismal Gorge and the people who live there. The use of the words "beauty" and "grace" suggest that the poet sees something special in this place, something that is worth preserving. The final lines "For in this land of rock and tree / There is a poetry that is free" suggest that the natural beauty of Dismal Gorge has inspired the poet to create a work of art that is free and unencumbered by the constraints of society.

In conclusion, Poetry In Dismal Gorge is a masterpiece of Appalachian poetry that captures the rugged beauty of the region and the struggles and hardships of the people who call it home. The poem is a tribute to the natural beauty of Dismal Gorge, but it is also a call to action, urging us to remember this place and the people who live there. The themes of isolation, poverty, and beauty are woven together in a way that is both powerful and poignant, and the language and imagery used in the poem are both evocative and memorable. It is no wonder that this poem has become a classic of Appalachian literature, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a place and its people.

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