Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Structure of Rime VI" by Robert Duncan is a lyrical exploration of memory, nature, and the cyclical interplay between generations. Through the pastoral imagery of children playing in fields and the old women watching over them, Duncan crafts a narrative that delves into the themes of growth, memory, and the passage of time.

The poem begins with "old women" emerging from their "caves" to close the doors that lead into the pastures—metaphorical gateways between the realms of memory and the vibrant life of the present where children play. This act of closing doors suggests a protective gesture, perhaps guarding the innocence and freedom of the children or maybe preserving the past from the intrusion of the present.

The children, in contrast, are depicted as builders of their own realms within the "high grass," creating "kingdoms where they dwell under the will of grasshoppers, butterflies, snails, quail, thrush, mole and rabbit." This description evokes a world rich with imagination and connection to nature, where the children are attuned to the creatures of the field and the simplicity of life. Their existence within these self-made kingdoms symbolizes a state of grace and spontaneity, untouched by the complexities and perhaps the cynicism of adult life.

The old woman, with her eye searching the field "like a scythe," represents a bridging figure between the realm of children and the external world, harvesting the "riches of the living green" yet drawn almost nostalgically to the innocence she observes. Her proximity to the children, both physically and emotionally, highlights her dual role as guardian and participant in this pastoral idyll.

As the old woman listens to the distant games of the children, their voices become a symbol of life's continuity and the persistence of youthful exuberance. The imagery of "tunneld grass" hiding clearings and the "swords and blades" cutting the sky introduces a subtle element of conflict or challenge, suggesting that even in this idyllic setting, there are obstacles and adversities to face.

The poem then shifts to a more reflective tone, with the old woman recounting stories whose details she no longer fully remembers, indicating the fading of her own memories even as she tries to pass them on. This narrative gap between remembering and forgetting underscores the transient nature of life and the inevitability of change.

The metaphor of the soul floating "as the tiger-tongued butterfly or the sapphire, the humming-bird, does" captures the essence of freedom and the desire for transcendence, linking the human spirit to the natural world in its beauty and unpredictability. The image of the kite "tugging, bounding—far away as my grandmother—dance against the blue" further reinforces this connection, portraying the tethered yet striving nature of life's endeavors.

The conclusion, with the grandmothers poised "on the brink of freedom, to close the too many doors from which the rain falls," suggests a protective action to preserve the integrity and sanctity of the children's world. Yet, there is also a recognition that new keys must be found, new ways to engage with and understand the ever-renewing cycle of life.

Overall, "The Structure of Rime VI" is a profound meditation on the cycles of life, the impact of memory, and the ways in which we navigate the landscapes of the past and present. Through its pastoral imagery and thoughtful reflection, the poem invites readers to consider their own relationships with nature, memory, and the generations that come before and after them.

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