Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Gary Snyder’s "Mā" is an intimate, unfiltered poem that takes the form of a letter from a mother to her son. Unlike many of Snyder’s nature-centered works, this piece is deeply personal and domestic, a reflection on family, work, and survival. The letter is written in a plainspoken voice, capturing a mother’s wisdom, concern, and the everyday rhythms of rural life. Snyder does not impose a poetic structure; instead, he allows the raw and unpolished language to stand on its own, reinforcing the authenticity of the maternal voice.

The mother begins by acknowledging her son's hard work and advising him to "try your damndest to hang on to a little of it / So if you quit you will have a little to go on." Her pragmatism is evident throughout the poem—she understands the nature of labor and money, recognizing that jobs can be temporary and financial security is fragile. Her comparison of wages, noting "$15.00 isn’t bad at all. / I never made but $5.00 a day. / I thought that was good," reflects a generational perspective, one where hardship is accepted without complaint. Her reference to the cost of saws and boots, which "should wear real good," underscores a life shaped by physical labor, where tools and durability matter more than luxuries.

Despite the practical advice, the mother’s affection and concern are constant. She warns him against excessive drinking, urging him to "cut down once in a while." She also warns him about being overcharged for rent, stating, "Don’t let him cheat you." Her protective nature extends beyond her son’s finances to his well-being, emphasizing that she is glad he enjoys working in the timber but implying that he should remain cautious and responsible.

The poem also serves as a record of life’s small but significant details—gardening, livestock, and community relationships. She shares that she is "going to raise some more [calves] this year," a reflection of her enduring work ethic. She describes a neighbor, Ruby, who "didn’t plant anything so she comes over and takes what she wants," which suggests a mixture of resignation and acceptance of how people navigate their survival. The simple act of fixing a fence to keep a persistent cow out becomes part of the ongoing cycle of rural life.

Amid the daily struggles, there is also loss. The mother recounts local deaths, including "Gracie Quarto got word her boy was killed in Viet-Nam," situating the poem within the historical context of the war. Death is woven into the fabric of life, just another part of the landscape. "People always drinking then dying. / Don’t seem to mind tho." Her tone is neither despairing nor dramatic—it is simply an observation, a resigned acknowledgment of how things are.

Nature plays a subtle but persistent role in the poem. The mention of a "big fire at Antelope Wells" started by lightning, the "thunder shower [that] ruined the grass," and the "wild berries" that she wishes she could eat all serve as reminders of the forces that shape rural existence. Even in the context of a personal letter, Snyder’s connection to the land is present, showing how nature is inextricable from human life.

The closing lines return to maternal warmth. "Well Boy I’ll quit writing for now—write when you can. / Be careful. Drink but don’t get drunk. (huh)." The humor and affection in that final aside reveal the deep bond between mother and son. She is aware of his habits but does not scold—she simply advises, hoping he will take care of himself. Her farewell, "By Boy / as ever / Ma," is both touching and matter-of-fact, a simple sign-off that carries immense emotional weight.

"Mā" is a striking departure from Snyder’s more philosophical or ecological poems, yet it aligns with his deep respect for working-class life and the wisdom of everyday people. By presenting the letter without embellishment, he allows his mother’s voice to remain authentic and powerful. The poem captures the raw tenderness of a parent-child relationship while serving as a meditation on survival, labor, and the quiet resilience of those who live close to the land.

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