Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Robert Wrigley’s "Of Diamonds" is a meditative poem that juxtaposes the quiet beauty of the natural world with the complexities of human morality, restraint, and love. The title itself—"Of Diamonds"—suggests both the ephemeral brilliance of dew on a field and the enduring values that shine through the speaker’s reflections on life, family, and nature.

The poem opens with a vivid image of "a field of diamonds behind his house," created by the dew. This metaphor captures both the transient beauty of nature and its ability to evoke wonder in the observer. The speaker, warming his hands on a coffee cup, scans the landscape, noticing the trails of deer and elk. These animals, though they have raided his garden and roses, are portrayed as integral parts of the natural world’s rhythm, moving "oblivious as dew." Their presence sets the stage for the speaker’s moral dilemma, as he grapples with the act of hunting.

The speaker reflects on his preparation for the hunt, describing how "the rifle sighted perfectly in" and how he was "ready for half-light." The detailed imagery of the rifle and its "elegant cross hairs aligning" underscores the precision and deliberation involved in the act of hunting. Yet, when the moment comes to pull the trigger, the speaker hesitates: "something stopped him, kept his finger still." This pause reveals a shift in the speaker’s relationship with the animals he once hunted. Instead of seeing them solely as game, he perceives them as part of a larger, interconnected world, moving through the landscape with a quiet dignity.

The mid-morning calm that follows this moment of restraint is filled with introspection. As the speaker observes a hawk "pass over the stubbled furrows," he feels a sense of peace and clarity: "an overwhelming calm and ease." This tranquility extends to his reflections on his family and his life. He imagines the future, envisioning his children thriving and his wife’s admirers as harmless as the deer and elk. The speaker’s acceptance of these admirers—“driven by a hunger they cannot comprehend”—parallels his understanding of the animals’ instinctual behaviors, emphasizing his sense of empathy and detachment.

The speaker’s restraint in hunting becomes symbolic of a broader ethical stance. He chooses not to impose suffering, whether on the deer or on the young men infatuated with his wife. This choice reflects a deep-seated contentment and a recognition of the value of life, both human and non-human. His nights are spent "breathing in the air from beloved sleepers," a tender image that conveys his love for his family and his gratitude for the simple, profound act of being present with them.

The closing lines return to the image of the dew-turned-diamonds, connecting the speaker’s reflections to the natural world. The animals, "unaware of the true worth of diamonds," represent a purity of existence, living without the burdens of moral or existential questioning. In contrast, the speaker’s awareness of the fleeting beauty around him and his conscious decisions imbue his life with meaning. The diamonds serve as a metaphor not only for the ephemeral beauty of the morning but also for the lasting values of compassion, restraint, and love.

Wrigley’s free verse structure allows the poem to flow naturally, mirroring the speaker’s contemplative state. The language is precise yet unadorned, capturing the subtle interplay between the external world and the speaker’s internal reflections. The tone is introspective, shifting seamlessly between moments of awe, moral inquiry, and quiet resolution.

"Of Diamonds" is a meditation on the relationship between humanity and the natural world, exploring themes of beauty, restraint, and interconnectedness. Through its vivid imagery and introspective narrative, Robert Wrigley invites readers to consider the ethical dimensions of their actions and the quiet, enduring value of empathy and presence. The poem resonates as a celebration of life’s fragile brilliance, urging us to recognize and cherish the diamonds scattered across our own daily landscapes.

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