Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Clouds Near the Windmill" by Barbara Guest is a reflective and atmospheric poem that intertwines natural imagery with human presence, creating a meditative exploration of tranquility, observation, and subtle distinctions in the landscape. The poem opens with an inclusive gesture: "Counting you as one of us / among the rushes / the difficult pebbles, these stones..." This line immediately establishes a connection between the observer and the natural world, emphasizing unity amidst the elements.

Guest's use of imagery is rich and evocative. The "rushes" and "difficult pebbles" suggest a rugged and serene environment, where the stillness of water is preferred: "Quiet the water, it can do more, we prefer it still and birds not chattering." The desire for silence and stillness reflects a longing for peacefulness and contemplation, where the quietude allows for deeper reflections.

The poem then shifts to a focus on human presence, appreciating the voices for their significance: "We like your voices because they have more portent. / We like the armor of your skin the wisdom of your life line / hesitating from window to windowpane and the exhaustion of your bare feet climbing the sand." Here, Guest acknowledges the weight and wisdom carried in human experience, likening skin to armor and life lines to pathways of wisdom. The imagery of bare feet climbing sand speaks to the arduous journey and resilience of the individual.

As the poem continues, the windmill becomes a central metaphor: "Even as you turn / in the wind woodenly I catch a different sound, enough to separate you from them." The windmill, turning woodenly in the wind, signifies the presence of something constant and enduring amidst the changing environment. The sound it makes distinguishes it from the surrounding elements, highlighting its unique role and significance.

Guest's mention of "bringing, as you do, the bandages from tree to wounded tree" introduces a theme of healing and care. This line suggests an ongoing effort to mend and nurture the natural world, reinforcing the interconnectedness between human actions and the environment. The phrase "These are known as digestive moments and the pear wearing its wrinkles tunes down" adds a layer of introspection, suggesting that these moments of healing and care are part of a natural, cyclical process.

The poem's calmness is emphasized with "Abiding calm as light less curious now and even less significant. That chair it is moving closer to the pond." This line conveys a sense of stillness and quiet observation, where even the light loses its curiosity, and the chair's movement towards the pond signifies a gradual, almost imperceptible change.

The imagery of "shadowless birdwing and those straight lines harsh without a tremor, resembling pagoda field, resembling stalks with your imagination" further enhances the meditative quality of the poem. The shadowless birdwing and straight lines evoke a sense of precision and clarity, inviting the reader to consider the beauty and stillness of the scene.

The poem concludes with a nostalgic reflection on the past: "The land is rutted with carriages, they have their hoods pulled down." This imagery of carriages with hoods pulled down suggests a bygone era, where the landscape bears the marks of human passage and history. It evokes a sense of timelessness and continuity, where past and present intersect in the serene environment.

"Clouds Near the Windmill" is a contemplative poem that captures the essence of tranquility and observation. Barbara Guest masterfully blends natural and human elements, creating a rich tapestry of imagery that invites readers to reflect on the beauty of stillness, the significance of human presence, and the enduring connections between individuals and their environment. Through her evocative language and thoughtful reflections, Guest offers a meditation on the quiet moments that shape our understanding of the world around us.

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