Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Galvin’s poem "After the Papago" is a contemplative and lyrical exploration of return, memory, and the natural world. Drawing inspiration from the traditions and sensibilities of the Papago (now known as the Tohono O'odham people), Galvin weaves a narrative that captures the essence of coming back to a place of personal and emotional significance.

The poem begins with a declaration of a return: “I've done it now. / I've come back where something good is my desire.” This statement sets the stage for a journey of rediscovery and fulfillment. The speaker’s initial uncertainty—“though at first I didn't know”—suggests a process of realization and unfolding awareness. The moment of clarity, “It has happened,” marks a significant turning point, a reconnection with a sense of place and self.

The repetition of “I like it and gather it up” serves as a refrain, emphasizing the speaker’s appreciation and active engagement with the surroundings. This line suggests both a physical and emotional collection of what the environment offers, symbolizing a holistic embrace of the return.

The poem transitions to a vivid description of the speaker’s initial discomfort and longing: “I crawled off and I couldn't stand it. / I thought of my house and I went there. / When I saw my house I couldn't stand it.” This restless movement and internal dialogue reflect a struggle with displacement and a powerful pull towards home. The mention of remembering a significant person—“I remembered you”—anchors the speaker’s journey in personal relationships and memory.

Galvin’s imagery of the natural world enriches the poem with a sense of continuity and renewal. “The water runs quickly. / The water plants grow. / Small trout are swept backward downstream.” These lines evoke a dynamic and ever-changing landscape, mirroring the speaker’s internal flow and growth. The natural elements are both observed and experienced, highlighting the interconnectedness of the speaker with the environment.

The poem’s repetition of wind and cloud—“There is my wind and it reaches me. / So very nicely and wetly it blows. / There is my cloud and it reaches me / So very nicely and wetly.”—brings a tactile and intimate dimension to the experience. The use of “my” to describe the wind and cloud personalizes these natural phenomena, suggesting a deep, almost possessive connection to the environment. The wetness and gentle presence of these elements convey a sense of comfort and belonging.

The concluding lines, “Now I turn homeward / On the homeward road,” signal the culmination of the journey. The speaker’s decision to turn homeward implies a resolution and acceptance, a return not just to a physical place but to a state of inner peace and fulfillment. The homeward road represents both the literal path back and the metaphorical journey towards wholeness.

“After the Papago” is a beautiful meditation on the themes of return, belonging, and the profound impact of nature on the human spirit. Galvin’s use of simple yet evocative language and his incorporation of natural imagery create a resonant and deeply personal narrative. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of homecoming and the ways in which the natural world can provide solace and a sense of connection. Through its lyrical repetition and contemplative tone, the poem captures the essence of finding one's place and the quiet joy of gathering up the good that surrounds us.

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