Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tess Gallagher’s poem “Even Now You Are Leaving” poignantly explores themes of departure, neglect, and the complex dynamics within familial relationships. The poem is suffused with a sense of inevitability and resignation, as it addresses the lingering presence and simultaneous absence of a father figure. Through vivid and unsettling imagery, Gallagher delves into the emotional impact of abandonment and the enduring effects of unresolved connections.

The poem opens with a reflection on the impermanence of relationships, captured in the line “Not to let ourselves know / by a hand held too long.” This sentiment conveys an awareness of the fleeting nature of human connections and the reluctance to fully acknowledge impending separation. The imagery of a mule “trained to carry anything / and not mean it” suggests a burden of unexpressed emotions and unfulfilled promises, highlighting the disconnection and emotional distance between the speaker and the father.

Gallagher uses stark and surreal imagery to describe the father’s physical and emotional state. The description of “lips puffed from where you ran into yourself in a car the night before” and “the wheel turning through your mouth like something you might have said” evokes a sense of self-inflicted pain and the destructive consequences of unspoken words. The father's face, described as falling and morphing with an enlarged chin and forehead, symbolizes the distortion of identity and the impact of neglect.

The poem’s narrative reveals a history of failed aspirations and unrealized dreams. The father’s “scheme for making us rich” is acknowledged as having worked in a metaphorical sense, though it did not alter their reality—“Alaska stayed due north and you never touched.” This juxtaposition underscores the futility of the father's efforts and the disillusionment that followed. The reference to the “spar tree axe” swinging from a tree rigged to hold a clearing evokes a sense of unfinished work and the remnants of past endeavors, further emphasizing the theme of abandonment.

The imagery of the tree being “too white / and cedar an easy fire” adds a layer of vulnerability and impermanence, suggesting that the foundation upon which the father built his dreams is fragile and easily consumed. The speaker’s inability to look up at the tree signifies a refusal to confront the painful reality of the father’s actions and their consequences.

Gallagher poignantly addresses the father directly, acknowledging the impact of his neglect—“some neglect is killing us all, but yours has a name of its own: family.” This line captures the deep emotional wounds inflicted by the father's absence and neglect, framing it as a unique and personal form of abandonment. The phrase “something gone on without you” suggests that life and family have continued in the father’s absence, yet his departure has left an indelible mark.

The poem culminates in a powerful and haunting image of the father’s eyes, “ruined and terrible in a face even now you are leaving.” This image encapsulates the enduring presence of the father’s neglect and the continuous process of his departure. The use of “ruined and terrible” conveys the profound sense of loss and the lasting damage caused by his absence.

“Even Now You Are Leaving” is a deeply evocative exploration of the complexities of familial relationships and the enduring impact of neglect and abandonment. Through vivid and often unsettling imagery, Gallagher captures the emotional turmoil of dealing with unresolved connections and the pain of watching a loved one drift away. The poem invites readers to reflect on the nature of departure, the burden of unspoken words, and the resilience required to navigate the aftermath of neglect.

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