Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Dust-Bowl Memory" by Jimmy Santiago Baca is a poignant reflection on the passage of time, the richness of community history, and the deep roots of personal and cultural identity. Through the figure of Mr. Abaskin, an elderly neighbor with a rich life story that spans continents and epochs, Baca captures the essence of memory as a living, breathing entity that connects the present with the past.

Mr. Abaskin, with his remarkable journey from Russia to America and seventy years of farming the land, embodies the spirit of perseverance, migration, and adaptation. His daily walks with his wife evoke a sense of enduring partnership and resilience, likened to "two solitary mesquite trees rooted high at the edge of a rocky cliff," a powerful metaphor for survival and steadfastness in the face of life's vast and sometimes harsh landscapes.

The intimate gestures of Mr. Abaskin, such as pocketing candy in the speaker's son's pants, highlight the warmth and kindness that underpin community relationships. These small acts of generosity and the daily interactions by the fence where they discuss farming conditions and reminisce about the past weave a tapestry of shared experiences and mutual respect.

Mr. Abaskin's memory serves as a portal to a bygone era, offering vivid snapshots of the community's history, from the dynamics of Williams' Packing Company to the changing social fabric that saw the introduction of locks on screen doors and the linguistic transformation of the valley. His recollections of a time when "only Spanish was spoken in this valley" and the mention of "the finest gardens in the world" with incredible tomatoes and chile highlight the cultural richness and self-sufficiency of the Mexican community that once thrived in the area.

The poem is not just a tribute to Mr. Abaskin but also a meditation on the importance of remembering and honoring the stories that shape our communities and our understanding of place. Baca skillfully uses the character of Mr. Abaskin to bridge generations, cultures, and histories, emphasizing the value of oral history and the role of elders in preserving and passing down knowledge and traditions.

"Dust-Bowl Memory" is a testament to the layered complexity of American rural life, marked by waves of migration, economic hardships, and the enduring strength of community bonds. Through Baca's evocative storytelling and rich imagery, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own connections to history, land, and the stories that bind us to one another.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Black_Mesa_Poems/x8A3XWOORoEC?q=jimmy+baca+%22DRIVING+HOME+TONIGHT%22&gbpv=1&bsq=DUST-BOWL#f=false

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