Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tess Gallagher's poem “Black Money” presents a visceral and haunting depiction of a working-class family’s life, suffused with the oppressive atmosphere of an industrial environment. The poem explores themes of labor, familial relationships, and the encroachment of industrialization on human lives. Gallagher's vivid imagery and poignant language paint a stark picture of a family’s daily struggle and the relentless cycle of work that defines their existence.

The poem begins with a powerful image of the father’s lungs heaving in a "sulphur mist," setting the stage for a narrative steeped in industrial toil. The "sulphur mist" not only signifies the harsh working conditions but also hints at the toxic environment both literally and metaphorically affecting the family. The father’s daily grind is immediately apparent as his "lunch pail [is] torn from him before he reaches the house," symbolizing the abrupt transition from labor to home life. The children, described as a "cloud of swallows," evoke a sense of fleeting innocence and the ephemeral moments of familial joy amidst the hardships.

The wife, stationed at the stove in the "tumbled rooms," represents the domestic battleground. Her back is described as "the wall he fights most," highlighting the tension and unspoken conflicts within the household. Her only "weapons" are silence and the act of keeping him from the bed, suggesting a deep-seated estrangement and emotional exhaustion. This portrayal of the wife underscores the impact of the father's labor on their marital relationship and home life.

Gallagher’s depiction of sleep as a temporary escape from their struggles is poignant. The mill, a constant presence, continues to "hum and turn at the edge of water," signifying the omnipresence of industry even in their dreams. The imagery of "blue smoke" swelling the night and the couple drifting "from the graves they have made for each other" suggests a haunting sense of entrapment and the ways in which their labor has eroded their relationship. The mention of drifting past various symbols of commerce and leisure—banks, businesses, used car lots, liquor stores, and swings in the park—emphasizes the omnipresence of industrial and capitalist forces in their lives.

The poem's shift to morning, with the mill transforming into a "burst of cinders" and "whistles screaming down the bay," captures the jarring transition from night to day and the relentless cycle of work. The sun, likened to a whip, and the imagery of gulls tilting against their shadows, convey a harsh and unforgiving environment. The father's routine, starting with the trucks that "shudder the wood-framed houses," illustrates the pervasive influence of the mill on their daily lives.

Gallagher’s personal connection to the narrative is evident in the reference to her father, who "snorts, splashes in the bathroom," and starts his day with cowboy music on the radio. This detail adds a layer of intimacy to the poem, bridging the gap between the universal and the personal. The father’s preparation for work, meticulously removing anything metal from his pockets and fitting goggles to his head, underscores the physical and psychological toll of his labor.

The concept of "black money" shoveled from the "sulphur pyramids" serves as a potent metaphor for the meager and hard-earned wages of industrial labor. The imagery of the father swaggering past the chicken coop with a pack of cards at his breast suggests a facade of bravado and resilience amidst the bleakness of his reality. The poem concludes with a striking image of the Kino Maru pulling out for Seattle and a "black star climbing the deep globe of his eye," symbolizing a fleeting moment of hope or escape, however distant or unattainable.

Gallagher's "Black Money" is a powerful reflection on the intersection of labor, family, and the pervasive influence of industrialization. Through her evocative language and poignant imagery, she captures the relentless cycle of work and its profound impact on the human spirit, offering a deeply moving portrayal of resilience and endurance in the face of adversity.

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