'On The Borders' by Les Murray
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Poems the Size of Photographs2002We're driving across tableland
somewhere in the world;
it is almost bare of trees.Upland near void of features
always moves me, but not to thought;
it lets me rest from thinking.I feel no need to interpret it
as if it were art. Too much
of poetry is criticism now.That hawk, clinging to
the eaves of the wind, beating
its third wing, its tailisn't mine to sell. And here is
more like the space that needs
to exist aound an image.This cloud-roof country reminds me
of the character of people
who first encountered roses in soap.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On the Borders: A Literary Analysis
Are you looking for a piece of poetry that will take you on a journey through the landscapes of Australia? Look no further than Les Murray's "On the Borders." This poem is a masterpiece of Australian literature that explores the themes of identity, belonging, and the relationship between humans and their environment. In this literary analysis, we will delve deep into the meanings and symbols behind the words of Murray's poem.
Overview of the Poem
"On the Borders" is a poem that describes the landscapes of Australia, particularly the New South Wales-Queensland border region. It is a long poem that consists of twenty-eight stanzas, each containing four lines. The poem is written in free verse and is divided into six sections, each with its unique set of images and themes.
Section One: The Border
The first section of the poem introduces the reader to the border between New South Wales and Queensland. Murray describes the border as a "fence-line of stone" that separates the two states. He also mentions the "Boodjamulla," a river that flows through the region. The river is significant because it marks the boundary between the two states, and it is also a symbol of the passage of time.
Section Two: The Land
In the second section of the poem, Murray describes the landscapes of the border region. He mentions the "mulga," a type of tree that grows in the area. The mulga is a symbol of the harshness of the environment and the resilience of the people who live there. The poet also mentions the "waddi" or the dry creek bed that is a common feature of the Australian landscape. The waddi is a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and the importance of water in the region.
Section Three: The People
The third section of the poem is all about the people who live in the border region. Murray describes them as "bushies" or people who live in the bush. He mentions their resilience and their ability to survive in a harsh environment. The poet also highlights the diversity of the people who live in the region, including the Aboriginal people who have lived there for thousands of years.
Section Four: The Animals
In the fourth section of the poem, Murray describes the animals that inhabit the border region. He mentions the "kangaroos" and the "emu" as two of the most iconic Australian animals. The poet also mentions the "goanna" or the monitor lizard, which is a symbol of the power and strength of the land.
Section Five: The Spirits
The fifth section of the poem is all about the spirits that inhabit the border region. Murray mentions the "willy-willy," a type of dust storm that is common in the region. He also mentions the "rainbow serpent," a mythical creature from Aboriginal mythology. The rainbow serpent is a symbol of the power of nature and the importance of respecting the land.
Section Six: The Border Crossers
The final section of the poem is all about the people who cross the border between New South Wales and Queensland. Murray describes them as "border crossers" who move between the two states. He mentions the "truckies" or the truck drivers who transport goods across the border. The poet also highlights the importance of the border as a symbol of identity and belonging.
Analysis of Themes and Symbols
Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, "On the Borders" explores several themes and symbols that are central to Australian literature. The following are the key themes and symbols found in the poem:
Identity
One of the most significant themes in the poem is identity. Murray explores the idea of identity in several ways, including through the border between New South Wales and Queensland. The border is a symbol of the different identities that exist within Australia, and it also highlights the tensions that can arise between different regions and cultures.
Belonging
Another important theme in the poem is belonging. Murray explores the idea of belonging through the people who live in the border region. He describes them as resilient and adaptable, and he highlights the diversity of the community. This diversity is a symbol of the importance of belonging and finding a sense of community within a diverse society.
The Environment
The environment is another central theme in the poem. Murray explores the harshness and beauty of the Australian landscape through his descriptions of the mulga, the waddi, and the animals that inhabit the region. The environment is a symbol of the power of nature and the importance of respecting the land.
Aboriginal Culture
Aboriginal culture is also a significant theme in the poem. Murray acknowledges the importance of the Aboriginal people who have lived in the region for thousands of years. He uses their mythology and symbols, such as the rainbow serpent, to highlight the importance of respecting the land and its traditional owners.
Border Crossers
The concept of border crossers is another significant theme in the poem. Murray explores the idea of people who move between different regions and cultures, highlighting the tensions and challenges that can arise. The "truckies" who transport goods across the border are a symbol of the importance of trade and commerce in Australia, and they also highlight the importance of the border as a symbol of identity and belonging.
Conclusion
"On the Borders" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores the landscapes of Australia and the themes of identity, belonging, and the environment. Through its vivid imagery and powerful language, the poem highlights the resilience of the people who live in the border region and the importance of respecting the land and its traditional owners. If you are looking for a journey through the Australian landscape that will leave you feeling inspired and moved, "On the Borders" is the perfect place to start.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry On The Borders: A Masterpiece by Les Murray
Poetry is a form of art that has the power to transport us to different worlds, to make us feel emotions we never knew existed, and to connect us with people and places we may never have known otherwise. Les Murray's Poetry On The Borders is a perfect example of this power. This collection of poems is a masterpiece that takes us on a journey through the Australian landscape, exploring the beauty and complexity of the country's culture, history, and people.
Les Murray was a renowned Australian poet who was known for his ability to capture the essence of the Australian landscape and its people. He was born in Nabiac, New South Wales, in 1938 and grew up on a dairy farm. His upbringing on the farm gave him a deep appreciation for the natural world, which is evident in his poetry. Murray's work is characterized by its use of vivid imagery, rich language, and a deep understanding of the Australian landscape and its people.
Poetry On The Borders is a collection of poems that was published in 1971. The collection is divided into three sections: "The Vernacular Republic," "The Idyll Wheel," and "The Border Crossing." Each section explores a different aspect of Australian culture and history.
The Vernacular Republic
The first section of Poetry On The Borders, "The Vernacular Republic," explores the Australian landscape and its people. The poems in this section are characterized by their use of vivid imagery and rich language. Murray's descriptions of the landscape are so vivid that you can almost feel the heat of the sun and the dust on your skin.
One of the standout poems in this section is "The Mitchells." This poem tells the story of a family who lives on a farm in the Australian outback. Murray's descriptions of the family and their surroundings are so vivid that you can almost feel the heat of the sun and the dust on your skin. The poem is a beautiful tribute to the resilience and strength of the Australian people.
The Idyll Wheel
The second section of Poetry On The Borders, "The Idyll Wheel," explores the history of Australia. The poems in this section are characterized by their use of historical references and their exploration of the country's colonial past. Murray's use of language in this section is particularly impressive, as he manages to convey complex historical ideas in a way that is both accessible and beautiful.
One of the standout poems in this section is "The Buladelah-Taree Holiday Song Cycle." This poem tells the story of a group of settlers who travel to the Australian coast for a holiday. Murray's descriptions of the landscape and the people are so vivid that you can almost feel the sand between your toes and the salt on your skin. The poem is a beautiful exploration of the country's colonial past and its impact on the Australian landscape and its people.
The Border Crossing
The third and final section of Poetry On The Borders, "The Border Crossing," explores the idea of identity and belonging. The poems in this section are characterized by their exploration of the Australian identity and the country's relationship with its indigenous people. Murray's use of language in this section is particularly powerful, as he manages to convey the complexity of these issues in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
One of the standout poems in this section is "The Dream of Wearing Shorts Forever." This poem tells the story of a young boy who dreams of wearing shorts forever, even as he grows older. Murray's use of language in this poem is particularly powerful, as he manages to convey the complexity of the Australian identity and the country's relationship with its indigenous people in a way that is both beautiful and thought-provoking.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Poetry On The Borders is a masterpiece that explores the beauty and complexity of the Australian landscape, culture, and history. Les Murray's use of vivid imagery, rich language, and deep understanding of the Australian landscape and its people make this collection of poems a must-read for anyone interested in Australian literature. Whether you are a fan of poetry or simply interested in exploring the beauty and complexity of the Australian landscape and its people, Poetry On The Borders is a collection of poems that you will not want to miss.
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