'Atavism' by William Stafford
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1
Sometimes in the open you look up
where birds go by, or just nothing,
and wait.A dim feeling comesyou were like this once, there was air,
and quiet; it was by a lake, or
maybe a riveryou were alert
as an otter and were suddenly born
like the evening star into wide
still worlds like this one you have found
again, for a moment, in the open.2
Something is being told in the woods:aisles of
shadow lead away; a branch waves;
a pencil of sunlight slowly travels its
path.A withheld presence almost
speaks, but then retreats, rustles
a patch of brush.You can feel
the centuries ripplegenerations
of wandering, discovering, being lost
and found, eating, dying, being born.
A walk through the forest strokes your fur,
the fur you no longer have.And your gaze
down a forest aisle is a strange, long
plunge, dark eyes looking for home.
For delicious minutes you can feel your whiskers
wider than your mind, away out over everything.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Exploring the Depths of Atavism by William Stafford
Have you ever read a poem that made you stop in your tracks and ponder the meaning of life? That made you feel like you were transported to another time and place? That made you question your very existence? For me, that poem is Atavism by William Stafford.
From the very first line, Stafford's words pull the reader in with their raw power and depth. "In the gray light before dawn we loaded / our bags into the truck" - can you feel the weight of those bags? Can you imagine the chill of the pre-dawn air? The imagery in this opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which explores themes of survival, instinct, and the primal nature of humanity.
Atavism is a term that refers to the return of ancestral traits or characteristics. In this poem, Stafford uses the concept of atavism to delve into the idea that no matter how civilized we become, we are still animals at our core. The speaker in the poem is on a hunting trip, and as the morning unfolds, he begins to feel a deep connection to the natural world around him.
The lines "We drove west to hunt for the house / that your ancestor set his rifle sights on" and "We were early, the sun was rising / behind us as we walked toward / the creek" both illustrate this connection to the past. The hunter is following in the footsteps of his ancestor, seeking out the same prey in the same area. The rising sun symbolizes the new day, but also the continuation of a cycle that has been going on for generations.
The poem's language is simple and direct, yet it is also rich with symbolism and metaphor. Take, for example, the line "We walked, feeling the chill / of the mountain air, / tasting the leaves of the chaparral, / talking over our hopes and fears." The phrase "tasting the leaves of the chaparral" is a metaphor for experiencing the natural world in a very visceral way. The hunter is not just observing the landscape, he is becoming a part of it.
As the poem continues, the speaker becomes more and more attuned to his surroundings. He hears the "squirrel's rustling," sees the "bobcat's tracks," and feels the "cold fog" rolling in. These sensory details serve to heighten the poem's sense of realism and make the reader feel as though they are right there with the speaker.
But it is the final stanza of the poem that really packs a punch. "We heard the quail whistle to each other / below the horizon, and felt / the sun blaze down, the sweat / in our eyes, the placid / breathing of the cows, / the songs of the birds on the radio." Here, Stafford describes a moment of pure sensory overload. The speaker is completely immersed in the natural world, and for a moment, he forgets about everything else. The quail's whistles and the songs on the radio blend together, creating a surreal and dreamlike atmosphere.
But perhaps the most significant line in this stanza is "the placid / breathing of the cows." This line serves as a reminder that even in the midst of all this natural beauty and chaos, there is still a sense of calm and order. The cows are a symbol of domesticity and routine, and their placid breathing provides a counterpoint to the wildness of the surrounding landscape.
At its core, Atavism is a poem about the human desire to connect with something greater than ourselves. It is a poem about the way that nature can awaken our primal instincts and remind us of our place in the world. Stafford's language is both evocative and precise, and his use of symbolism and metaphor adds depth and complexity to the poem. If you are looking for a poem that will make you think, feel, and question everything you know about life, Atavism is the perfect choice.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Atavism: A Timeless Exploration of Human Nature
William Stafford's Poetry Atavism is a masterpiece that explores the timeless nature of human beings. The poem is a reflection on the primal instincts that drive us, the deep-seated desires that we cannot escape, and the unbreakable bond that we share with nature. In this analysis, we will delve into the themes, structure, and language of the poem to understand its significance and relevance in today's world.
The poem begins with the line, "In the always-fresh morning the world is made." This line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it suggests that the world is constantly being created anew. It also implies that the world is a place of endless possibilities, where anything can happen. This idea is reinforced in the second line, "The dew on the grass is a universe of water." Here, Stafford is suggesting that even the smallest things in nature can be seen as vast and infinite.
The first stanza of the poem is a celebration of the natural world. Stafford describes the "wilderness" as a place where "the hawk and the snake" are free to roam. He also describes the "mountains" as a place where "the wind and the snow" can dance together. This imagery is powerful, as it suggests that nature is a place of freedom and joy. It also suggests that nature is a place where all things are equal, and where all creatures can coexist peacefully.
The second stanza of the poem is where Stafford begins to explore the idea of atavism. He describes the "primitive" nature of human beings, and suggests that we are all connected to our ancestors in some way. He writes, "We are all descended from the hunter and the hunted." This line suggests that our primal instincts are still present within us, and that we are all capable of violence and aggression.
The third stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human desire for power and control. Stafford writes, "We want to be the ones who make the rules." This line suggests that humans have a deep-seated desire for control, and that we are willing to do whatever it takes to achieve it. This desire for power is often what leads to conflict and violence, as people fight to gain control over others.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human desire for connection. Stafford writes, "We want to be the ones who love and are loved." This line suggests that humans have a deep-seated need for connection and intimacy. We crave love and affection, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to find it. This desire for connection is often what leads to relationships and families, as people seek to build meaningful connections with others.
The fifth stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human desire for freedom. Stafford writes, "We want to be the ones who are free to roam." This line suggests that humans have a deep-seated desire for freedom and independence. We want to be able to explore the world around us, and to experience all that life has to offer. This desire for freedom is often what leads to exploration and adventure, as people seek to break free from the constraints of society.
The final stanza of the poem is a reflection on the human desire for meaning. Stafford writes, "We want to be the ones who understand." This line suggests that humans have a deep-seated desire for knowledge and understanding. We want to be able to make sense of the world around us, and to understand our place in it. This desire for meaning is often what leads to philosophy and spirituality, as people seek to find answers to life's big questions.
In terms of structure, Poetry Atavism is a free verse poem with no set rhyme or meter. This structure allows Stafford to explore his ideas freely, without being constrained by traditional poetic forms. The poem is also divided into six stanzas, each of which explores a different aspect of human nature. This structure gives the poem a sense of progression, as it moves from a celebration of nature to a reflection on human nature.
In terms of language, Poetry Atavism is rich in imagery and metaphor. Stafford uses vivid descriptions of nature to create a sense of wonder and awe. He also uses metaphor to explore complex ideas, such as the idea of atavism. For example, he writes, "We are all descended from the hunter and the hunted." This metaphor suggests that our primal instincts are still present within us, and that we are all capable of violence and aggression.
In conclusion, Poetry Atavism is a timeless exploration of human nature. It celebrates the beauty and wonder of nature, while also reflecting on the primal instincts that drive us. The poem is a powerful reminder that we are all connected to our ancestors in some way, and that our desires and motivations are deeply rooted in our evolutionary history. It is a poem that speaks to the universal human experience, and that continues to resonate with readers today.
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