Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In Linda Gregg’s poem “The Color of Many Deer Running,” the poet delves into the vivid and transient beauty of nature, juxtaposed with reflections on aging and change. The poem captures a moment in the natural world that speaks to the fleetingness of life and the inevitable transformations that come with time.

The opening lines set a serene and refreshing scene: “The air fresh, as it has been for days. / Upper sky lavender. Deer on the far hill.” The choice of “lavender” to describe the sky infuses the setting with a sense of calm and quiet beauty, while the mention of deer introduces an element of natural grace. The farm woman’s warning, “they would be gone / when I got there,” hints at the elusive nature of such moments, suggesting that these encounters with beauty are often brief and easily missed.

As the speaker moves through the landscape, the imagery becomes more detailed and dynamic: “Jumped the stream. Went under great eucalyptus / where the ground was stamped bare by two bulls / who watched from the other side of their field.” These lines evoke a sense of physical engagement with the environment, emphasizing the speaker’s active pursuit of the deer and the vitality of the surroundings.

The description of the deer, “The young deer were playing as the old ate / or guarded. Then all were gone, leaping,” captures the fluidity and energy of life. The transition from activity to disappearance highlights the swift passage of time and the ephemeral nature of such scenes. The lone deer “looking down from the top” serves as a poignant reminder of the inevitability of change and the solitary moments that often follow collective experiences.

The poem shifts to a personal reflection on aging: “Thinking that as I grow older I will lose / my color. Will turn tan and gray like the deer.” This contemplation is both poignant and inevitable, drawing a parallel between the natural aging process of the speaker and the deer. The imagery of turning “tan and gray” conveys a sense of fading vibrancy, yet it is presented with a quiet acceptance, much like the natural cycles observed in the poem.

The ending of the poem, “Not one deer, but when many of them run away,” reinforces the theme of collective movement and the continuity of life. The departure of many deer rather than just one symbolizes a broader, more universal change, reflecting on the interconnectedness of life and the communal aspects of aging and transformation.

In “The Color of Many Deer Running,” Linda Gregg masterfully captures a fleeting moment of natural beauty and intertwines it with introspective musings on aging and change. The poem’s rich imagery and contemplative tone invite readers to reflect on the transient nature of life and the enduring beauty found in the ordinary and everyday moments. Through her evocative language and keen observations, Gregg offers a meditation on the cycles of life, the passage of time, and the quiet acceptance of change.

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