Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Eleanor Wilner's poem "For a Poet of Nature" delves into the themes of authenticity, self-deception, and the intricate relationship between humans and nature. The poem begins by challenging the authenticity of the titular poet of nature, suggesting that the connection to the natural world is not as genuine as it appears. This sentiment is captured in the lines, "Opinions, we only seemed to hold, to hoe the ordinary fields— / in fact, we were, like him / cunning by nature, natural only by adoption." The use of "seemed" and "adoption" underscores a sense of artificiality, implying that the embrace of nature is more a matter of appearance than a true, innate affinity.

Wilner's exploration of this theme continues with the depiction of nature as a "vast irrelevance of green," serving as a "hiding place with a good name." The poet suggests that the natural world, while vast and seemingly significant, is used by individuals as a means of escape or disguise. This portrayal of nature as a backdrop for human pretense contrasts sharply with the romanticized view of nature as a source of truth and purity.

The poem’s imagery reinforces this idea of pretense and artifice. The speaker describes taking "refuge in the dappled light, in mist, in trellises / where the tendrils of the vine tangled the light as it broke through reluctance into shade." Here, nature is depicted as a filter or frame, a constructed environment that conceals rather than reveals. The metaphor of light being "tangled" by the vine suggests a deliberate obfuscation, a reluctance to face the unfiltered reality.

Wilner further critiques this artificial connection to nature by highlighting the characters’ inability to perform basic agricultural tasks: "We, who couldn't really plow a field, or bring the rich mud tumble of the earth to bear." This admission underscores the disconnect between the romanticized image of living in harmony with nature and the reality of human incompetence and reliance on superficial engagement.

The poem's turning point comes with the acknowledgment of fear and transformation: "We were afraid of the camouflage we had become." This line captures the profound realization that in attempting to blend in with nature, the individuals have lost their true selves, becoming mere shadows of their authentic identities. The use of "camouflage" suggests a defensive mechanism, a way to protect oneself from vulnerability or exposure, but ultimately leading to a loss of genuine selfhood.

The metaphor of a game of hide and seek further illustrates this theme of self-deception and the pursuit of power over loss. The "arbor" represents a shared space of hiding, where individuals inadvertently converge. The imagery of "skin seem[ing] lace instead of flesh" emphasizes the superficiality of their transformation, highlighting the fragility and insubstantiality of their adopted personas.

In the poem's concluding lines, Wilner brings attention to the decay and intricacy of the trellis: "The sun caught the trellis ladder in the light, showing where the paint was flaking off the wood, how many of the vines were dead, how intricate the weaving was, how admirable the whole design." This final image serves as a powerful metaphor for the human condition described throughout the poem. The trellis, with its peeling paint and dead vines, symbolizes the inevitable decay and impermanence of human constructs. Yet, the admiration for the design suggests a lingering appreciation for the effort and complexity involved in creating these facades, despite their ultimate failure to provide true shelter or authenticity.

"For a Poet of Nature" is a contemplative critique of the romanticization of nature and the human tendency to use it as a means of escape or disguise. Wilner's rich imagery and introspective tone invite readers to reflect on their own relationships with nature and authenticity, challenging them to move beyond superficial connections and embrace a more genuine engagement with the world around them.

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