Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Forrest Gander's "Ruined Tunnel" encapsulates a moment of suspended time and intense presence, using the imagery of a disused tunnel to explore themes of camaraderie, fear, and the eerie beauty of decay. The poem begins with a gritty, practical scenario where a worker drops a radio into a hardhat and curses, signifying the futility of their efforts as they confront a situation that has already gone beyond their control. The line "we won't need this one" hints at an acceptance of an inevitable change or failure.

The subsequent explosion transforms the landscape: "In the dynamite's wake, boulders turn to snow." This metaphorical snowfall evokes a sense of transformation and impermanence, as solid rock is reduced to something as transient as snowflakes. This image sets the tone for the men’s journey through a landscape altered by both human and natural forces.

As the men walk through the trees, the poem transitions into a more introspective and serene mood. The coolness and quiet of the tunnel contrast sharply with the violence of the dynamite, creating a meditative space where even the subtle sounds of "tracks rust" can be heard. The reference to the Monte Ne line, an abandoned railway that never fulfilled its purpose, serves as a poignant symbol of unrealized potential and forgotten dreams.

The "summering passengers / unstartled by sudden dark, / the temperature drop" evokes ghosts of the past, hinting at lives once intertwined with this place now left behind. The description of stones as "gargoyles scabbed with lichen" adds a layer of gothic imagery, emphasizing the decay and timelessness of the tunnel.

Gander's use of the "steamy eye / of an afternoon" watching from either end of the tunnel personifies the setting, imbuing it with a sense of sentience and mystery. This line underscores the men’s feeling of being observed, adding an element of the uncanny to their experience.

The poem's atmosphere grows increasingly surreal and intense. The mention of a stone slithering off or being imagined blurs the line between reality and perception, enhancing the sense of disorientation. In the pitch darkness, the men are acutely aware of each other's presence, their breaths a tangible connection in the void. This shared experience strips them down to a primal state, "unborn," as if they are in a womb-like space, waiting to emerge into a new reality.

A voice breaks the silence, mentioning a camera left in the car, which serves as a reminder of the outside world and the passage of time. The bats "opening like orchids" is a striking image, combining the natural world's beauty with an underlying sense of unease. This simile captures the delicate yet unsettling nature of the bats' flight, contributing to the poem's ethereal quality.

The line "the absence of one of us, unimaginable" speaks to the profound bond between the men. Their present moment is described as "so intense / its tense is aorist," using a grammatical term to convey timelessness and immediacy. This intensity underscores their fear of leaving anyone behind, highlighting the depth of their connection and mutual reliance.

"Ruined Tunnel" is a powerful exploration of human connection amid decay and transformation. Gander's vivid imagery and meticulous attention to sensory details create an immersive experience that delves into the complexities of time, memory, and the bonds that tie us to one another. The poem captures the tension between the physical world and the inner lives of its characters, offering a profound meditation on presence and absence, change and constancy.

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