Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"First Book of Odes: 22" by Basil Bunting delves into the life of fishermen, capturing the essence of their work with the sea as both a source of livelihood and an enigmatic force. Through vivid imagery and a reflective tone, Bunting portrays the precarious balance between man and nature, highlighting the skill, patience, and uncertainty inherent in the fishing profession. The poem also subtly explores themes of longing, connection, and the mundane juxtaposed with the vast, unpredictable nature of the sea.

The poem begins with the act of casting a mesh for mackerel, described as a task that requires both guesswork and a special kind of intuition or "knack." This opening sets the stage for a meditation on the nature of fishing as "a difficult job, hazardous and seasonal," emphasizing the unpredictability and the sporadic abundance provided by the sea. The reference to the "many shoals" that "it would tax the Apostles to take the lot" infuses the narrative with a biblical allusion, suggesting both the miraculous and overwhelming abundance of the sea and the enduring human struggle to harness its resources.

The imagery of nets lying dormant on the shingle during periods of inactivity captures the cyclic nature of the fishermen's work, marked by intense bursts of activity followed by long stretches of waiting. This rhythm mirrors the ebb and flow of the sea itself, underscoring the deep connection between the fishermen and their maritime environment. The mention of "a pint in the tap" during these downtimes conveys a sense of camaraderie and the simple pleasures that punctuate their waiting, grounding the fishermen's experiences in the tangible and familiar.

The sudden arrival of pilchards, startling the "man on the cliff," further emphasizes the unpredictable and capricious character of the sea. This moment of surprise serves as a reminder of the sea's power to astonish and challenge those who depend on it, reinforcing the theme of human vulnerability in the face of nature's whims.

The poem concludes with a nostalgic and somewhat wistful message to "the teashop girls," asking to be remembered as men who have "seen no legs better than theirs." This seemingly light-hearted comparison between the allure of the sea and the attraction of the teashop girls introduces a layer of longing and human desire, contrasting the vast, impersonal beauty of the sea with the intimate, human beauty found in everyday connections. The mention of the sea's "treason, copiousness, tedium" encapsulates the fishermen's complex relationship with the sea, characterized by a mixture of awe, betrayal, and monotony.

Through "First Book of Odes: 22," Basil Bunting crafts a nuanced portrait of fishermen's lives, weaving together themes of labor, nature, and human longing. The poem invites reflection on the intricate dance between humanity and the natural world, highlighting the resilience, skill, and adaptability required to navigate the uncertainties of both the sea and human existence. Bunting's use of imagery and allusion enriches the narrative, offering a multifaceted exploration of the ties that bind us to the natural world and to each other.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Complete_Poems/AWq5rlXayfgC?q=BUNTING+%22Dear+be+still!+Time%27s+start+of+us+lengthens+slowly%22&gbpv=1#f=false

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