Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Gary Lawless’s "Cariboudhism" intertwines nature, spirituality, and myth, reflecting on the interconnectedness of all things. The poem, divided into three parts, delves into the presence of a transformative, mystical iceberg, which evolves into various forms, delivering messages that require careful listening and deep attention.

In the first part, the iceberg is personified, approaching the poet Nanao with a message. This iceberg is beyond the window, indicating a boundary between the known and the mysterious. It is shy and vulnerable, melting away if looked at directly, symbolizing the elusive nature of wisdom and the fragility of truth in the face of harsh scrutiny. The iceberg speaks, urging listeners to be attentive, highlighting the need for subtlety and sensitivity in understanding profound truths.

The second part transforms the iceberg into a moose, now moving in darkness and seeking Nanao’s dreams. This shift from an iceberg to a moose signifies a change from a cold, distant presence to a warm, familiar one, yet still carrying the essence of the message. The moose’s careful tiptoeing between tents and preference for darkness suggest a quiet, unobtrusive approach, emphasizing the importance of dreams and intuition in receiving and understanding messages.

In the third part, the transformation continues as the moose becomes a caribou standing beside a road in a patch of bog and dirty snow. This being is described as the color of glacier, snow, and light, symbolizing purity and the elemental forces of nature. The caribou disappears into the woods, merging back with nature, reinforcing the idea of interconnectedness. The caribou, like the iceberg, embodies the message and the dream, illustrating the fluidity and transient nature of wisdom.

The poem then moves to a specific geographical context—Twillingate, Terra Nova, Gros Morne, Newfoundland—invoking a sense of place and grounding the mystical experience in real, sacred landscapes. The reverence for nature is evident as the poem declares every stump sacred, every silted river a church for pilgrim salmon, and every breath of wind a love song. This worship of wetlands, ferns, rocks, and salamanders emphasizes a deep, spiritual connection to the natural world, where the elements are imbued with holiness.

The next stanza reflects on the cyclical nature of existence. The soil dreams of trees, trees of wind, wind of clouds, clouds of water, and water returns to the earth. This cycle underscores the interdependence of all natural elements, suggesting a harmonious balance. The breaking of this cycle, where trees are absent, leads to erosion and barren land, symbolizing the disruption of natural harmony and the breaking of the world’s dreams.

The final stanza brings the reader to an ancient shell mound where a dog’s barking is heard. This sound draws the attention of seals, creating a connection between land and sea, past and present. The poem describes an archaeological exploration, where sticking hands into shell and sand strikes bone and touches the land again, creating a tactile connection to history and nature. This act of digging and discovery, of making the wind and rain, suggests a return to the roots, an embrace of the primal forces that shape existence.

"Cariboudhism" beautifully captures the essence of a spiritual journey through nature, emphasizing listening, transformation, and the sacredness of all elements. Lawless’s imagery and thematic depth invite readers to contemplate the delicate balance of the natural world and our place within it, urging a reverent and attentive approach to the wisdom that nature offers.

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