Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Matthews' poem "Left Hand Canyon" presents a nuanced reflection on life in a remote part of Montana, addressing themes of isolation, the harshness of the landscape, and the complex relationship between the residents and the broader society. The poem, dedicated to fellow poet Richard Hugo, captures a distinct sense of place and explores the emotional landscape of the people who inhabit it.

The opening lines set the stage with the mention of Reverend Royal Filkin, who is preparing to preach about sadness. This introduction hints at the underlying melancholy that permeates the poem, suggesting that sadness is a common experience in this rugged environment. Matthews uses the setting of Montana to frame the poem's exploration of isolation, both physical and emotional. The description of Montana as a "landscape requiring faith" suggests that living in such a place demands a belief in something beyond the immediate, visible reality, perhaps faith in nature, community, or resilience.

The imagery of government arriving in trucks serves as a metaphor for the remoteness and neglect felt by the residents. For those living "out far enough," the government's presence is sporadic and distant, while for those in town, it is absent altogether, off "on errands." This conveys a sense of abandonment and the self-sufficiency required to survive in such an isolated environment. The speaker's disdain for civic participation, as seen in the line "Let citizens go to meetings, / I’ll stay home," reflects a broader disillusionment with formal structures of power and the efficacy of community gatherings.

Matthews employs a mix of humor and irony throughout the poem, particularly in the lines about fishing with Coors cans, where the holes are so small that any caught trout must be thrown back. This image serves as a metaphor for the fruitlessness of efforts and the small rewards that come from them, a sentiment that mirrors the broader challenges of life in this remote area. The phrase "Glum miles we go / to Grandmother’s house" evokes a sense of obligatory movement through a bleak and unforgiving landscape, underscoring the emotional weight of the journey.

The poem's middle section delves deeper into the relationship between the land and its inhabitants. The earth "doesn’t bear us / up so much as it keeps us out," suggesting a sense of exclusion and struggle against a harsh environment. The reference to Chief Left Hand, whose grief is acknowledged but left unexplored, hints at the historical injustices and losses experienced by Native American communities. Matthews' decision to "leave his grief alone" indicates a respect for the gravity of these losses and a recognition of the limits of his own understanding.

The poem's conclusion addresses the speaker's ambivalence about the region. When asked by Eastern friends how he likes it "in the West," he clarifies that he does not live "in the West" but rather in a specific canyon, among "a few / other houses and abandoned / mines, vaccinations that didn’t take." This distinction emphasizes the personal and particular nature of his experience, separate from the romanticized notion of "the West" as a whole. The mention of God as a "slumlord" who "lives in the suburbs: Heaven" adds a sardonic tone, suggesting a distant and indifferent deity, paralleling the government's detachment.

"Left Hand Canyon" is a meditation on the complexities of living in an isolated, harsh environment. Matthews captures the stark beauty and challenges of the Montana landscape while also exploring the emotional isolation felt by its residents. The poem's mix of humor, irony, and poignant reflection provides a deep and layered portrayal of life on the margins, where the landscape itself seems to demand resilience and introspection. Through vivid imagery and careful attention to language, Matthews presents a thoughtful commentary on place, identity, and the human condition.

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