Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Four Poems About Jamaica: 3. A Hairpin Turn Above Reading, Jamaica," William Matthews captures a scene that interweaves social commentary, natural imagery, and reflections on privilege. The poem paints a vivid picture of a high-altitude location with a view of the bay, highlighting both the beauty and the socio-economic disparities present in the area.

The poem opens with a dramatic image: "Here's where the fire truck fell / beached on its side, off the road." This incident sets the stage for a narrative that blends the mundane with the extraordinary, as the locals gather "to watch / the fire truck get saved." The fire truck, a symbol of rescue and safety, itself needing saving, introduces an irony that runs through the poem. The fire, described as falling "into itself," suggests a collapse or failure of systems meant to protect.

The setting is described as being a place "Only / the rich live this high, with a view / of the bay," establishing a literal and metaphorical altitude associated with wealth and privilege. This elevation grants a picturesque view, reinforcing the exclusivity of such a vantage point. The poem acknowledges the permanence of economic disparity with the line, "and the rich / will be with us forever," a nod to the enduring nature of class divides.

The poem further explores these divides by detailing a practical consequence of the altitude: the challenge of water supply. "Though the pump at the base / of the mountain burns out / and the Socialist party, in power, / is sorry," indicates a failure of public infrastructure, perhaps highlighting governmental inadequacy or the challenges faced by socialist policies in addressing the needs of all citizens. In response, "The rich buy truckloads / of water and hire the poor / to drive them up," illustrating the reliance of the wealthy on the labor of the poor, and the adage "Water will go / uphill if money will go down" succinctly captures the transactional nature of this relationship.

Amidst this commentary, the poem introduces a tranquil, almost pastoral scene: "Today there's a goat in the bend, / stolid and demure. She'll move / soon: there's nothing to eat in the road." The presence of the goat, a cow, and two egrets suggests a peaceful coexistence of animals with the landscape. This momentary focus on nature offers a contrast to the human concerns of wealth and resource allocation, hinting at a simpler, more immediate reality.

The imagery continues with "It's noon. Above the bay, turkey / buzzards sift the thermals," evoking a sense of calm observation. The buzzards, typically associated with scavenging, are seen here in a natural and necessary role, gliding gracefully in the warm air. The description of them "perch[ing] and spread[ing] / their wings to dry, like laundry" adds a mundane yet poetic touch, linking the natural world with human routines.

The poem shifts towards self-awareness with the lines, "My friends and I are the rich, / though the house is rented." This acknowledgment of temporary and relative wealth introduces a layer of introspection. The speaker recognizes their privileged position, even if it is not permanent or absolute. The transient nature of their stay is underscored by the imagery of the goat eventually moving off the road and the metaphorical "bad clutch in the van" that "will slur / but we'll make it up, and we do," suggesting the small obstacles and adjustments that are part of the journey.

The poem concludes on a contemplative note: "heat-steeped, thoughtful, and sleepy." This ending encapsulates the overall mood—reflective, languid, and infused with the warmth of the setting. It suggests a sense of peace, perhaps tinged with the awareness of the privileges enjoyed and the complexities of the social landscape.

"A Hairpin Turn Above Reading, Jamaica" uses a mix of social observation, natural description, and personal reflection to explore themes of wealth, privilege, and the intersection of human and natural worlds. Matthews skillfully balances the beauty of the Jamaican landscape with the stark realities of socio-economic disparities, creating a nuanced and thought-provoking piece.

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