Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Donald Justice's poem "Crossing Kansas by Train" captures the essence of the vast, quiet plains of Kansas and the subtle, almost haunting beauty of its landscape. Through simple yet evocative imagery, Justice explores themes of solitude, the passage of time, and the connection between the land and its inhabitants.

The poem begins with a striking image of telephone poles: “The telephone poles / have been holding their / arms out / a long time now.” This personification of the poles as figures with outstretched arms creates a sense of longing and endurance. The poles, standing as silent sentinels, symbolize the constancy and perseverance required to withstand the passage of time in the Kansas landscape.

Justice then introduces the birds that “will not / settle there / but pass with / strange cawings / westward.” The birds' refusal to settle on the poles and their westward flight evoke a sense of restlessness and transience. The “strange cawings” suggest an alien presence, an unfamiliarity that contrasts with the steady, unchanging telephone poles.

The imagery shifts to a scene where “dark trees / gather about / a waterhole.” This gathering of trees around a source of water hints at a rare oasis in the dry plains, a focal point of life in an otherwise sparse environment. The darkness of the trees adds a mysterious, almost foreboding quality to the scene.

Justice’s declaration “This / is Kansas” grounds the poem in a specific geographical and cultural context, emphasizing the unique characteristics of this region. The flatness and openness of Kansas are implied, highlighting the expanse that stretches out endlessly.

The poem then introduces a human element: “The / mountains start here / just behind / the closed eyes / of a farmer's / sons asleep / in their workclothes.” This final image blends the physical landscape with the internal world of the farmer's sons. The mountains, traditionally symbols of grandeur and challenge, are positioned “just behind / the closed eyes” of the sleeping boys, suggesting dreams, aspirations, or the latent potential that lies within them.

The fact that the sons are “asleep / in their workclothes” underscores the hard work and dedication that characterize their lives. It also signifies a blurring of the boundaries between labor and rest, day and night, reality and dreams. Their sleep, amidst the backdrop of the vast Kansas plains, reflects a sense of peace and unity with the land.

In "Crossing Kansas by Train," Donald Justice masterfully captures the essence of the Kansas landscape through vivid, understated imagery. The poem’s simplicity belies its depth, inviting readers to contemplate the endurance, solitude, and quiet beauty of this region. By blending the physical landscape with the inner lives of its inhabitants, Justice creates a powerful, contemplative piece that resonates with the themes of time, place, and human connection to the land.

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