Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Horses After a Hurricane" is a poem by Mark Doty. The poem was first published in Doty's collection of poetry titled "Sweet Machine" in 1998. The poem is written in free verse and describes the aftermath of a hurricane in which the poet witnesses a group of horses grazing in a field.

Explanation:

The poem "Horses After a Hurricane" by Mark Doty portrays the aftermath of a hurricane in a field with horses grazing. The poet depicts the peaceful scene after the chaos of the hurricane. In the first stanza, the poet describes the crepuscular light that signals the end of the day and the beginning of the evening. The crepuscular light sets the scene and establishes the atmosphere for the poem.

In the second stanza, the poet describes the horses in the field. The horses are grazing and wandering about the field. The poet observes that they have a special way of grazing and moving about, as if they are dancing. The horses are described as a group, and the poet seems to marvel at their beauty and their natural grace.

In the third stanza, the poet introduces the idea of the hurricane. The aftermath of the storm is visible in the landscape and in the behavior of the horses. The poet describes the field as a mess, with debris scattered everywhere. He also notes that the horses are behaving differently. They are grazing in an agitated way, as if they are trying to find their way back to a sense of normalcy after the storm.

In the final stanza, the poet reflects on the power of the hurricane and the resilience of the horses. He notes that the horses are survivors, and that they are able to find a sense of peace and order in the midst of chaos. The poem ends with the image of the horses wandering back into the darkness, a reminder of the power and mystery of the natural world.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: Free verse
• Imagery: The poet uses visual imagery to describe the scene of the horses grazing in the field after the hurricane. The imagery helps to establish the atmosphere and the mood of the poem.
• Symbolism: The horses are a symbol of resilience and survival. They are able to find their way back to a sense of normalcy after the hurricane.
• Tone: The tone of the poem is contemplative and reflective. The poet is marveling at the beauty of the horses and reflecting on the power of nature.

Conclusion:

"Horses After a Hurricane" is a beautiful and contemplative poem by Mark Doty. The poem uses vivid imagery and symbolism to describe the aftermath of a hurricane and the behavior of a group of horses. The poem is a reminder of the power and resilience of the natural world, and the beauty that can be found even in the midst of chaos and destruction.

Poem Snippet:

"The crested iris by the front gate waves,

its purple in the last light, pale stems

holding their blooms up for inspection"

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