Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "All of Us," Clarence Major contemplates the shifting landscapes of physical and spiritual experiences, juxtaposing the present with the past, and the transient with the eternal. The poem explores the continuity and change in nature, culture, and human experiences, drawing a vivid parallel between contemporary life and the legacy of Walt Whitman, a figure symbolizing a deep connection to the American wilderness and its intrinsic spirituality.

The poem opens with a sensory invitation: "What do you hear up here? / Same Shasta air, same Nevada air, / same Sierra Nevada air, same rainsong air / that lured Walt Whitman when he heard it." These lines immediately situate the reader in a shared geographical and temporal space, connecting the present with Whitman's era. The repetition of "same" underscores a sense of continuity in the natural world, suggesting that while human activities and cultural contexts may change, the fundamental elements of nature remain constant.

The mention of Whitman not as a physical presence but as a literary legacy "in a musty bookshop / over in Fort Bragg" reflects on how historical figures and their spirits are preserved in memory and written words rather than in the raw, unmediated experiences of nature they once celebrated. The poem wistfully acknowledges the impossibility of encountering Whitman "walking a logging road, / beating the underbrush with his long stick," emphasizing the distance between the present and the past.

As the poem transitions, it presents a contemporary scene: "How good are the muffins in the morning fresh?" This shift from the ethereal to the mundane illustrates the blend of the spiritual and the everyday, suggesting that the beauty and essence of life can be found in simple pleasures. The speaker imagines Whitman's hypothetical reaction to the muffins, adding a layer of whimsical speculation that bridges the historical with the present.

The description of nature continues with sensory detail: "You smell fresh pine in the wind... / back on the hidden road / you really smell pine and redwood / as if they were still split open like watermelons." The vividness of these images captures the powerful and almost tactile presence of nature, juxtaposed against the encroaching commercialism and modernity represented by gift shops and tourist attractions.

The poem grapples with the authenticity of experiencing nature and history in the modern world. The speaker questions, "Do we any longer see what is befitting / in these mountains?" and reflects on the diminished presence of "giant spirits / of 1874." This introspection suggests a loss of connection to the grandeur and spiritual significance of nature, replaced by a more sanitized and commodified experience.

Despite these changes, the poem asserts the ongoing relevance of celebrating nature: "So, is it necessary to still sing a California song? / The song has nothing to do with whether or not / this year is like Walt's year. It has to do with air, / this air, this new air, fresh still in all essential ways." This passage affirms that while contexts may change, the fundamental experience of nature and the need to express it through art remains vital.

The poem culminates in a reflection on the intersection of past and present, nature and human creation. The "tourists at breakfast" and the absence of "the crack! crack! crack! / of the chopper's ax" signify a shift from a rugged, untamed environment to a more curated, touristic experience. Yet, the poem recognizes the depth and permanence of nature, "deeper than the gift shops are high."

In the final lines, the poem ponders what visitors truly seek and take away from these experiences: "For the romance of the wood spirits, still. / And for our own romance in our oceanview room." This duality highlights the human desire for connection, both with the natural world and within personal relationships. The poem suggests that the essence of these experiences—what we hear, smell, and taste—forms the core of our memories and understanding of a place.

"All of Us" ultimately reflects on the continuity of nature, the impermanence of human constructs, and the enduring search for meaning in an ever-changing world. Clarence Major invites readers to consider how we engage with the natural and historical world, encouraging a deeper appreciation of both the tangible and intangible elements that shape our experiences.

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