'Ninetieth Birthday' by R.S. Thomas

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You go up the long track
That will take a car, but is best walked
On slow foot, noting the lichen
That writes history on the page
Of the grey rock. Trees are about you
At first, but yield to the green bracken,
The nightjars house: you can hear it spin
On warm evenings; it is still now
In the noonday heat, only the lesser
Voices sound, blue-fly and gnat
And the stream's whisper. As the road climbs,
You will pause for breath and the far sea's
Signal will flash, till you turn again
To the steep track, buttressed with cloud.And there at the top that old woman,
Born almost a century back
In that stone farm, awaits your coming;
Waits for the news of the lost village
She thinks she knows, a place that exists
In her memory only.You bring her greeting
And praise for having lasted so long
With time's knife shaving the bone.
Yet no bridge joins her own
World with yours, all you can do
Is lean kindly across the abyss
To hear words that were once wise.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Ninetieth Birthday by R.S. Thomas: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation

R.S. Thomas was a Welsh poet and Anglican priest who wrote many poems about the Welsh landscape, the Welsh people, and the Welsh language. One of his most famous poems is "Ninetieth Birthday," which he wrote about his own mother. This poem is a celebration of life, a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit, and a meditation on the inevitability of death. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, symbols, and imagery that R.S. Thomas used in this poem and how they contribute to the overall meaning of the poem.

Overview of the Poem

"Ninetieth Birthday" is a free-verse poem that consists of six stanzas with irregular line lengths. The poem is written in the first person, and the speaker is R.S. Thomas himself. The poem is a tribute to his mother, who has just turned ninety years old. The poem begins with the speaker describing his mother's life and how she has survived all the challenges that life has thrown at her. The speaker then reflects on the inevitability of death and how his mother's life is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. The poem ends with the speaker wishing his mother a happy birthday and expressing his love for her.

Themes

The main themes of "Ninetieth Birthday" are life, death, and resilience. The poem celebrates life by describing the many challenges that the speaker's mother has faced and overcome during her ninety years of life. The poem also acknowledges the inevitability of death but suggests that life is worth celebrating even in the face of death. The poem emphasizes the resilience of the human spirit by showing how the speaker's mother has survived all the challenges that life has thrown at her.

Symbols and Imagery

R.S. Thomas uses several symbols and images in "Ninetieth Birthday" to convey his themes more effectively. The most prominent symbol in the poem is the image of the tree. The speaker describes his mother as a tree that has survived storms, droughts, and even the ax of the woodcutter. The tree symbolizes the resilience of the human spirit and suggests that even in the face of adversity, life can still flourish.

Another symbol in the poem is the image of the sea. The speaker describes the sea as a "rhythmic shudder" that "comes and goes" and suggests that life is like the sea, constantly ebbing and flowing. The sea also represents the passage of time and the inevitability of death.

The poem also contains several images of nature, such as the "unfading rose" and the "trout in the pool." These images suggest that life is connected to nature and that nature can be a source of solace and beauty even in the face of adversity.

Language

R.S. Thomas uses language effectively in "Ninetieth Birthday" to convey his themes and create an emotional impact on the reader. The language in the poem is simple but powerful, and the use of metaphors and imagery adds depth to the meaning of the poem.

The poem contains several metaphors, such as the tree and the sea, that provide a sense of continuity and connection between different aspects of life. The use of metaphors also creates a sense of universality, suggesting that the speaker's mother's life is a reflection of the human experience.

The language in the poem is also emotional, which adds to the poem's impact. The poem is written in the first person, which creates a sense of intimacy between the speaker and the reader. The use of emotive language, such as "resilience," "beauty," and "love," also adds to the emotional impact of the poem.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Ninetieth Birthday" by R.S. Thomas is a powerful tribute to the resilience of the human spirit and a celebration of life. The poem uses symbols, imagery, language, and themes to create a sense of universality and emotional impact. The poem suggests that even in the face of adversity and the inevitability of death, life is worth celebrating and that the human spirit is capable of great resilience. The poem ends with the speaker expressing his love for his mother, which adds a personal touch to the poem and creates a sense of poignancy.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry Ninetieth Birthday: A Celebration of Life and Art

R.S. Thomas, one of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, wrote a beautiful poem titled "Poetry Ninetieth Birthday" to celebrate the art form that had given him so much joy and meaning throughout his life. The poem is a reflection on the power of poetry to transcend time and space, to connect us with the past and the future, and to give us a glimpse of the eternal.

The poem begins with a simple but profound statement: "Poetry, you are the light / in which we see / our lives in their entirety." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the way poetry illuminates our lives and gives us a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Thomas goes on to describe poetry as a "voice / that speaks to us / from the depths of time." This is a powerful image, suggesting that poetry is not just a product of the present moment, but a link to the past and a bridge to the future. Through poetry, we can hear the voices of those who came before us, and we can speak to those who will come after us.

The poem also touches on the idea that poetry is a form of immortality. Thomas writes, "You are the memory / that lives beyond / the grave." This is a reminder that even after we are gone, our words and our thoughts can live on through poetry. In this way, poetry allows us to leave a lasting legacy, to be remembered long after we are gone.

Another theme that runs through the poem is the idea that poetry is a source of comfort and solace in difficult times. Thomas writes, "You are the balm / that soothes our wounds / and heals our broken hearts." This is a reminder that poetry can be a powerful tool for healing and for finding meaning in the midst of pain and suffering.

The poem also touches on the idea that poetry is a form of resistance against the forces of oppression and tyranny. Thomas writes, "You are the voice / that speaks truth / to power." This is a reminder that poetry has often been used as a tool for social and political change, and that it can be a powerful force for justice and liberation.

Throughout the poem, Thomas uses vivid and evocative language to describe the power and beauty of poetry. He writes, "You are the fire / that burns within us / and lights our way." This is a powerful image, suggesting that poetry is not just a passive thing, but an active force that can inspire and motivate us to action.

The poem also touches on the idea that poetry is a form of communion, a way of connecting with others and with the world around us. Thomas writes, "You are the bond / that links us all / in one great chain." This is a reminder that poetry can be a powerful tool for building community and for fostering a sense of shared humanity.

In conclusion, "Poetry Ninetieth Birthday" is a beautiful and powerful celebration of the art form that has given R.S. Thomas so much joy and meaning throughout his life. Through vivid and evocative language, Thomas captures the power and beauty of poetry, and reminds us of its ability to transcend time and space, to connect us with the past and the future, and to give us a glimpse of the eternal. This poem is a testament to the enduring power of poetry, and a reminder of the importance of art in our lives.

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