Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Linda Gregg’s poem “Being” portrays a woman engaged in the simple, repetitive tasks of daily life, capturing a sense of profound existence within the mundane. Through a series of understated and vividly detailed actions, Gregg explores themes of solitude, routine, and the quiet persistence of life.

The poem begins with the woman walking “up the mountain / and then down,” emphasizing a cyclical journey. This imagery sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a rhythm to the woman’s life that is both purposeful and repetitive. The mountain, often a symbol of challenge or aspiration, here becomes part of a routine, its grandeur softened by the everyday nature of the woman’s ascent and descent.

Next, the woman “wades into the sea / and out,” further underscoring the theme of cyclical motion. The sea, vast and timeless, contrasts with the woman’s small, deliberate actions. The phrase “and out” highlights her return to where she began, reinforcing the sense of a continuous loop. This interaction with nature, though seemingly ordinary, carries a quiet significance, connecting her to the larger rhythms of the natural world.

The poem’s focus shifts to the woman’s domestic tasks: she walks to the well, draws water, and returns to the house. These actions, described in plain language, emphasize the simplicity and necessity of her routine. The well, a traditional symbol of life and sustenance, underscores her connection to basic, elemental needs. Her tasks, though mundane, are imbued with a sense of purpose and care.

As the woman “hangs wet clothes” and later folds them, Gregg captures the repetitive yet essential nature of domestic work. These activities, while not extraordinary, are the fabric of the woman’s daily existence. The evening brings a creative act: she crochets “from six until dark,” crafting birds, flowers, and stars. This act of creation amidst routine suggests an inner life, a spark of individuality and artistry within the repetitive tasks.

The poem introduces a touch of whimsy with the mention of her rabbit living “in an empty donkey pen.” This detail adds depth to the woman’s solitude, hinting at a world beyond her immediate tasks. The sea, described as “out there as far as the stars,” reinforces the vastness and isolation of her environment. The imagery of the sea and stars suggests a longing or a distant dream, a world beyond her reach.

Gregg’s use of sensory detail brings the woman’s world to life. The quietness of her environment is palpable: “Always quiet. / No one there.” This profound solitude defines her existence, a stark contrast to the busy, connected lives of many. The line “She may not believe / in anything” introduces a note of existential uncertainty. The woman’s actions may lack a clear purpose or belief, yet they are performed with a quiet determination.

The poem concludes with the woman’s daily act of watering the geranium plant. This small, consistent gesture symbolizes care and continuity. The sensory detail of the leaves smelling “like lemons” adds a touch of freshness and vitality, a simple pleasure in her otherwise solitary life. This act of nurturing the plant encapsulates the essence of her being: a quiet, persistent engagement with the world around her.

In “Being,” Linda Gregg masterfully captures the essence of existence through the lens of a solitary woman’s daily routine. The poem’s simplicity and attention to detail highlight the profound beauty and significance found in the mundane. Through the woman’s repetitive actions, Gregg explores themes of solitude, routine, and the quiet persistence of life, inviting readers to find meaning and grace in the everyday.

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