Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field's poem "Rule of the Desert" explores themes of cultural clash, spiritual yearning, and the pursuit of personal liberation within the confines of societal norms. The poem is divided into two parts, each narrating distinct yet interlinked experiences that capture the protagonist's internal and external conflicts during a bus journey through the desert.

Part 1 begins with the narrator's uncomfortable bus ride, "crowded three to a seat," emphasizing the physical discomfort and the stark environment of a government bus traveling through the desert at night. The repetition of the 23rd Psalm by the narrator serves as a mental escape to "green pastures...still waters," contrasting sharply with the harsh, barren reality of his surroundings. This invocation of the psalm is a spiritual grounding technique, seeking solace and protection in an unforgiving landscape.

The narrative shifts when the bus makes a stop by a "dark hotel" in the middle of the vast plain. The discovery of a swimming pool, described as "full" and sourced from "pure water from springs far beneath the desert," presents a surreal and almost miraculous opportunity for refreshment and relief. This unexpected oasis becomes a pivotal moment for the narrator, who chooses to embrace this rare chance for liberation by swimming in the pool, disregarding his initial hesitations and the lack of proper attire.

This act of swimming in the desert pool under the moonlight is almost a baptismal moment, symbolizing purification and renewal. However, it also marks the narrator's deviation from the expected behavior, highlighting the poem's exploration of individual desire versus communal norms.

Part 2 of the poem reveals the social consequences of the narrator's actions. Upon reboarding the bus, he finds himself ostracized, "no one would talk to me," indicating disapproval from his fellow passengers. This isolation is further exacerbated when only a French girl, seeking protection, chooses to sit next to him, inadvertently placing herself in a socially compromising position by defying gender-segregated seating norms.

The narrator reflects on the harsh judgments of dignity, modesty, and manliness imposed by others, who view his spontaneous act at the pool and the seating arrangement with the French girl as breaches of cultural decorum. The term "tourist" is used derogatively by the driver, suggesting that the narrator's foreignness and perceived lack of respect for local customs compound his alienation.

Interestingly, the resolution comes when the bus breaks down at dawn, leading to a change in the passengers' attitudes. The men's initial scorn transforms into camaraderie, indicated by their nudging and joking, asking "How many times?" This shift might suggest a grudging respect for his audacity or simply a return to joviality after the shared ordeal of the bus breakdown.

"Rule of the Desert" is a reflective and evocative poem that uses a physical journey through the desert as a metaphor for the spiritual and existential journeys of the individual. Field masterfully captures the tension between the desire for personal freedom and the constraints of societal expectations, illustrating how moments of personal liberation can lead to both conflict and connection within a cultural context. The poem's narrative, rich with symbolic imagery and profound introspection, offers a nuanced perspective on the complexities of navigating different cultural terrains.

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