Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Take This River!" by Henry Dumas is a richly textured poem that blends the physical landscape with the emotional and cultural landscapes of its characters. This poem is an evocative journey through memory, identity, love, and displacement, layered with the natural imagery of a river, which serves as a powerful metaphor throughout.

The poem starts with two individuals moving along a spine of earth, bridging a river and a canal, enveloped by a "dying white fog." This setting is not just a physical space but also a metaphorical crossing between two different states — possibly life and death, past and future, or memory and reality. The fog, clawing at the slope, adds an element of struggle or difficulty as they navigate this terrain, enhancing the sense of a journey or pilgrimage that the characters undertake.

As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that this journey is also one of personal reflection and confession. The characters, particularly the speaker's companion, Ben, discuss their experiences and relationships. Ben's dialogue reveals his deep connections to both Jamaica and America, and through his reflections, the poem delves into themes of love, nostalgia, and the complexities of cultural identity. Ben's mixed feelings about America and his longing for Jamaica highlight the emotional tug-of-war that often accompanies immigration and displacement.

Ben’s recounting of his relationship with Evelyn — or Evvie — is particularly poignant. He recalls specific moments they shared by the river, their conversations imbued with questions about identity, belonging, and the future. These memories are not merely nostalgic; they are laden with the weight of impending separation and the bittersweet reality of transient relationships. His repeated exclamations, "Aiee," punctuate his emotional turmoil and his deep affection for Evelyn, showing his vulnerability.

The river in the poem is a central symbol, representing the flow of life and the inevitability of change. It is both a witness and a participant in their stories, carrying their memories and secrets. The moment Ben tells Evelyn to "Take this river," he is offering her a part of his life and his journey — a symbol of his love and perhaps a plea for her to understand and remember him. This gesture encapsulates the poem’s exploration of how personal connections are intertwined with larger narratives of migration and cultural exchange.

The poem’s conclusion, with the characters deciding to continue their journey despite the cold and the darkness, symbolizes resilience and the determination to move forward, guided by the river and their shared experiences. The language of the poem, with its rhythm and repetition, mirrors the flow of the river and the undulating emotions of the characters, creating a lyrical quality that draws the reader into its current.

Overall, "Take This River!" is a profound meditation on human connections, identity, and the landscapes that shape them. Henry Dumas uses the river not just as a backdrop but as a living, pulsating entity that captures the essence of human experiences — love, loss, and the continual search for meaning. The poem is a testament to the power of nature as a metaphor for life’s complexities and as a sanctuary for the deepest human emotions.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Echo_Tree/PBb9DwAAQBAJ?hl=en&gbpv=1&dq=%22We+move+up+a+spine+of+earth%22+DUMAS&pg=PT25&printsec=frontcover

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