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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

HE SAID TURN HERE, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"He Said Turn Here" by Dean Young is a poignant and imaginative exploration of the relationship between human emotions and the natural world. Through the lens of a simple narrative about a visit to a lake where Tony, a friend of the speaker, has disposed of his sadness, Young delves into themes of healing, friendship, and the ineffable connection between the human spirit and nature.

The poem opens with a straightforward yet intimate gesture: Tony takes his friends to a lake, a place of personal significance where he has previously attempted to unburden himself of his sadness. The description of the lake as perfect, without any physical flaws, immediately elevates it from a mere body of water to a symbol of idealized nature—a receptacle for human emotions, capable of absorbing and neutralizing pain without judgment or consequence.

Young employs vivid imagery and personification to imbue the lake with life and character. The lake "mumbling Italian to itself" and climbing down "two wooden stairs back to the beach" suggests a sentient being with its own experiences and emotions, reinforcing the idea that nature is not just a backdrop to human activity but an active participant in our lives. This personification deepens the bond between Tony and the lake, highlighting the unique comfort and solace that the natural world can offer.

The poem subtly addresses the theme of isolation and communication through the motif of water. The lake, proximate to the ocean yet only interacting with the rain, symbolizes the human condition of being surrounded by others yet often feeling disconnected. Tony's act of sharing his sadness with the lake represents a moment of communication and connection that transcends the usual barriers between individuals.

The transformation of Tony's sadness into something tangible yet dissolvable in the water reflects the poem's meditation on the nature of grief and healing. Young suggests that sadness, though it may seem overwhelming and permanent, can be alleviated through expression and the support of friends and the natural world. The sadness is depicted as "radiant, aluminum kind," emphasizing its weight and the effort required to carry it, yet the lake accepts it without alteration, its color ever-changing and indefinable, much like the nature of emotions themselves.

The narrative takes a turn towards the magical as the lake becomes an active agent in Tony's life, protecting him from a fire and seeking him out across distances. These fantastical elements underscore the deep emotional connection Tony has with the lake, suggesting that places of solace and healing can have a lasting and profound impact on our lives, offering protection and companionship in times of need.

The promise made by the speaker and their friends to return and swim with Tony signifies the importance of shared experiences and support systems in the process of healing. It's a gesture of solidarity and understanding, acknowledging the lake not just as a place but as a witness to their bonds of friendship and the shared human endeavor to find peace amid life's trials.

In "He Said Turn Here," Dean Young captures the essence of emotional catharsis and the power of the natural world to absorb, transform, and alleviate human suffering. The poem is a testament to the strength found in vulnerability, the comfort offered by the earth, and the enduring nature of friendship. Through its lyrical language and evocative imagery, Young invites readers to consider their own places of refuge and the ways in which we seek and find solace in the world around us.


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