Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "The Icehouse, Pointe Au Baril, Ontario," William Matthews conjures a vivid childhood memory, blending the physicality of the setting with the subtleties of reflection and discovery. The poem begins with the imagery of "vast block[s] in its batter / of sawdust," each heavy block of ice metaphorically carrying the same weight as the speaker, evoking a sense of shared burden or effort. The description of the sweat "glazing" as they ran down the path and the visible breaths resembling "comic strip balloons" paints a picture of cold, laborious work juxtaposed with the playful, childlike interpretation of the scene.

The setting is a "warehouse of water on an island," highlighting the irony of storing water in solid form surrounded by it in liquid form. The mention of arriving by seaplane, with the island appearing "like a green footprint," adds a touch of whimsy and perspective to the scene, emphasizing the isolation and unique vantage point of the location. The idea of someone "in a hurry" not sinking with each step suggests a desire to move quickly and efficiently, perhaps reflecting the urgency often associated with adulthood responsibilities.

The icehouse itself becomes a place of both physical activity and introspection for the young speaker. Writing his name on a block of ice, he notes the "dank film / of sawdust" on his finger, comparing it to the complexity and density of "grown-up conversation" and "the rivalry of uncles and managing / money." This comparison reveals the child's limited understanding of adult concerns, likening the confusion of managing finances and adult rivalries to something as tactile and bewildering as the sawdust coating. The speaker's perception of adults, characterized by "managers" who "wore baseball caps and yelled," further underscores a simplistic yet poignant view of authority and responsibility.

The reflection on money, likened to food—specifically, the seasonal abundance of blueberries—captures the child's innocent understanding of scarcity and availability. Just as blueberries are plentiful during their season, the child assumes money operates on a similar principle, not yet grasping the complexities of economic management.

The speaker's fascination with the possibility of finding a pickerel frozen in a block of ice adds an element of wonder and curiosity to the poem. The detailed description of the imagined fish, with "Eyes frozen clear, / the tiny teeth like rasps on a file," and the head "tapering to so fine a point" that it could potentially "drill its way out," captures the child's imaginative and investigative spirit. The act of smearing the block clean, with "hands cold / white under their gloves of sawdust," signifies a moment of clarity and revelation, a desire to discover and understand the world around him.

The closing line, "Look here, I'd say clearly," emphasizes the speaker's need to communicate and share his discoveries, reflecting a child's earnest desire for recognition and validation. This declaration also suggests a moment of revelation or epiphany, as the act of revealing something hidden beneath the surface of the ice symbolizes uncovering deeper truths or understanding.

Overall, "The Icehouse, Pointe Au Baril, Ontario" is a beautifully evocative poem that captures the blend of innocence and burgeoning awareness in childhood. Matthews skillfully uses the setting of the icehouse and the physicality of handling ice blocks to explore themes of discovery, the complexity of adulthood as seen through a child's eyes, and the wonder of the natural world. The poem is rich in sensory details and layered meanings, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of growth and understanding.

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