Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jane Kenyon’s poem “The Clearing” delicately captures a moment of communion between the speaker and nature, framed by a sense of longing and the quiet companionship of a dog. Through vivid descriptions and a reflective tone, Kenyon explores themes of renewal, love, and the poignant ache of absence.

The poem begins with the speaker and her dog pushing “through the ring / of dripping junipers / to enter the open space high on the hill / where I let him off the leash.” This action symbolizes moving from confinement to freedom, as they emerge into an open space that allows for exploration and release. The description of the junipers as “dripping” suggests a recent rain, adding to the freshness and vitality of the scene.

The dog’s exuberance is captured vividly: “He vaults, snuffling, between tufts of moss; / twigs snap beneath his weight; he rolls / and rubs his jowls on the aromatic earth; / his pink tongue lolls.” These lines evoke a sense of unrestrained joy and sensory engagement with the natural world. The dog’s actions, from snuffling to rolling, highlight his pure, instinctual pleasure in the environment.

As the speaker searches “for sticks of proper heft / to throw for him,” the dog’s demeanor shifts to one of attentive anticipation: “he sits, prim / and earnest in his love, if it is love.” This moment of stillness contrasts with the dog’s earlier exuberance, emphasizing his loyalty and the bond between him and the speaker. The tentative phrase “if it is love” suggests a contemplation of the nature of this bond, touching on the simplicity and complexity of affection.

Kenyon then shifts her focus to the natural surroundings: “All night a soaking rain, and now the hill / exhales relief, and the fragrance / of warm earth. . . . The sedges / have grown an inch since yesterday, / and ferns unfurled, and even if they try / the lilacs by the barn can’t / keep from opening today.” The description of the hill “exhaling relief” personifies the landscape, suggesting a collective sigh of rejuvenation after the rain. The rapid growth of sedges and ferns, and the inevitable blooming of the lilacs, capture the unstoppable force of spring’s renewal.

The speaker’s reflection deepens with a personal revelation: “I longed for spring’s thousand tender greens, / and the white-throated sparrow’s call / that borders on rudeness.” This longing for spring’s vibrant emergence and the distinct call of the sparrow highlights a yearning for the renewal and vitality that the season brings. The sparrow’s call, described as bordering on rudeness, adds a touch of humor and liveliness to the scene.

The poem concludes with an intimate and poignant confession: “Do you know— / since you went away / all I can do / is wait for you to come back to me.” This final turn reveals the underlying emotion driving the speaker’s observations—a profound sense of loss and longing for a loved one’s return. The straightforwardness and simplicity of this declaration stand in stark contrast to the intricate beauty of the natural world, underscoring the depth of the speaker’s emotional state.

In “The Clearing,” Jane Kenyon masterfully blends the vividness of the natural world with the deep currents of human emotion. Through her precise and evocative language, she captures the transient beauty of spring and the enduring ache of absence, inviting readers to reflect on the intertwined nature of external and internal landscapes. The poem serves as a meditation on the power of nature to both console and intensify feelings of longing and love.

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