Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Ted Kooser's poem "How to Make Rhubarb Wine" blends the rustic charm of a recipe with the leisurely pace of a summer afternoon, offering a vivid and immersive guide that is as much about the process as it is about the result. Through detailed instructions and evocative imagery, Kooser captures the essence of rural life, emphasizing the simplicity and satisfaction found in home-crafted pleasures.

The poem begins with a specific setting: "Go to the patch some afternoon / in early summer, fuzzy with beer / and sunlight." This opening line immediately situates the reader in a warm, relaxed atmosphere, where the act of making rhubarb wine is intertwined with the sensory experiences of summer. The casual mention of being "fuzzy with beer" suggests a leisurely, almost whimsical approach to the task at hand.

Kooser's instructions are rich with sensory details, creating a vivid picture of the process. The poet advises to "pick a sack / of rhubarb (red or green will do)" and offers a humorous yet practical warning to "watch for rattlesnakes / or better, listen: they make a sound / like an old lawnmower rolled downhill." This combination of humor and caution adds a layer of realism to the poem, grounding the reader in the practicalities of rural life.

The poem continues with a series of specific, tactile steps: "Bunch up the stalks and chop the leaves off / with a buck-knife and be careful." The emphasis on care and precision underscores the importance of the process, while the use of a "buck-knife" adds a rugged, hands-on quality to the task. The mention of a "grocery bag / packed full" provides a concrete measure, reinforcing the poem's practical, instructional tone.

Kooser's depiction of the next steps—the washing of the rhubarb and feet with a garden hose, followed by a nap in the shade—captures the rhythm of a summer day, where work and relaxation are seamlessly intertwined. The act of washing the rhubarb "with cold water / from the garden hose" is both functional and refreshing, emphasizing the connection to nature and the simple pleasures of outdoor tasks.

The fermentation process is described with a blend of practicality and poetry. The instruction to "pour / eight quarts of boiling water in, / cover it up with a checkered cloth / to keep the fruit flies out of it" adds a touch of domestic charm, while the advice to "Take time each day to think of it" invites a contemplative, almost meditative engagement with the process.

The poem's conclusion details the final steps: straining the pulp, adding sugar and yeast, and fermenting the mixture for ten days. The imagery of "sniffing of it from time to time" and "siphon it off, swallowing some" brings the reader into the sensory experience of wine-making, emphasizing the anticipation and enjoyment of the process. The transformation of the liquid to "honey-yellow" and the satisfaction of seeing it "bottled and ready for the years" culminates in a moment of pride and accomplishment.

Kooser's final line, "and smile. You've done it awfully well," serves as both an affirmation and a celebration of the reader's efforts. This closing sentiment encapsulates the poem's overarching theme: the joy and fulfillment found in simple, hands-on tasks and the connection to tradition and nature.

In "How to Make Rhubarb Wine," Ted Kooser masterfully blends instructional detail with evocative imagery, creating a poem that is both a practical guide and a celebration of rural life. Through his detailed, sensory-rich language, Kooser invites readers to immerse themselves in the process, finding beauty and satisfaction in the act of creation. The poem is a testament to the enduring appeal of home-crafted pleasures and the timeless rhythms of nature and tradition.

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