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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"After Working" by Robert Bly is a meditative and lyrical reflection on the transition from external activity to internal contemplation, exploring themes of renewal, the natural world, and the pathways of the mind. The poem captures a moment of introspection following a period of labor or mental exertion, marked by a shift in focus from the outer world of "strange thoughts" and "distant harbors" to the serene and transformative presence of moonlight within a room. This transition is not merely physical but signifies a deeper, almost spiritual journey from restlessness to peace, from the complexity of daily concerns to the simplicity and clarity brought by natural beauty. The opening lines introduce the speaker's return from a state of mental wandering, contemplating possibilities and changes, symbolized by "distant harbors, and new life." This mental journey, filled with the restlessness that often accompanies work or creative endeavor, finds resolution in the unexpected tranquility of moonlight that fills the room upon the speaker's return. The moonlight serves as a physical manifestation of calm and clarity, a natural counterpart to the speaker's inner turmoil and longing. Bly masterfully extends the imagery of moonlight to the world outside, where it "covers the trees like pure sound," suggesting a synesthetic blending of visual and auditory experiences. The comparison of moonlight to "pure sound" – likened to tower bells, water moving under ice, and even the vibrations felt by the deaf – evokes a sense of universal connection and communication that transcends conventional sensory boundaries. This metaphor beautifully illustrates the poem's exploration of how natural phenomena can resonate deeply within the human psyche, offering solace and a sense of unity with the larger cosmos. The poem then shifts to a philosophical reflection on knowledge and the journey of life. The speaker notes that "We know the road," implying a collective understanding or intuition that guides us through life's complexities. The moonlight, in lifting everything, illuminates the path ahead, providing clarity and direction. The road, a metaphor for life's journey, appears endless and clear under the night sky, symbolizing the potential for growth, exploration, and understanding that lies before us, especially after periods of work or introspection. "After Working" is thus a contemplation on the interplay between light and darkness, activity and rest, and the external and internal worlds. The moonlight, a central motif, symbolizes enlightenment, peace, and the continuity of life beyond the immediate concerns of work and daily struggles. Bly captures the essence of a moment when the external work is done, and the internal work of reflection and soul-searching begins, offering a glimpse into the tranquility and insights that can be found in nature's simple beauty. The poem invites readers to consider their own moments of transition from activity to reflection, from uncertainty to clarity. It suggests that in the natural world, and in the quiet moments of our lives, we can find the strength and vision to continue our journey with a renewed sense of purpose and understanding. Through its lyrical elegance and depth of thought, "After Working" offers a profound meditation on the human condition, the search for meaning, and the transformative power of nature's quiet grandeur.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE PRODIGAL SON by ROBERT BLY THE BURIAL OF BOSTON CORBETT (ONE WARDEN TO ANOTHER) by EDGAR LEE MASTERS CORRESPONDENCES; HEXAMETERS AND PENTAMETERS by CHRISTOPHER PEARSE CRANCH THE VILLAGE BLACKSMITH by HENRY WADSWORTH LONGFELLOW ELEGIAC SONNET: 7. ON THE DEPARTURE OF THE NIGHTINGALE by CHARLOTTE SMITH THE CLOUDS: SONG [OR CHORUS] OF THE CLOUDS by ARISTOPHANES SONNET: 14 by RICHARD BARNFIELD CAVE TALK by JOSEPH WARREN BEACH NATALIA'S RESURRECTION: 28 by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT TO BETTINE; THE CHILD-FRIEND OF GOETHE by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |
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