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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"How to See Deer" by Philip Booth is a contemplative poem that unfolds as a guide not just for spotting deer, but as a metaphor for a deeper, more introspective way of engaging with the world. Through a series of gentle imperatives, Booth invites the reader to adopt a mode of being that is quiet, patient, and attuned to the subtleties of the natural environment. This poem, rich in imagery and advice for slowing down, serves as a meditation on the art of observation and the virtues of presence and mindfulness. Booth begins by advising against the common and perhaps more intrusive methods of seeking out wildlife, such as going to places where animals are known to cross roads or hunting with guns. Instead, he suggests a path of solitude and desire, hinting at a more spiritual or contemplative approach to encountering the natural world. The speaker advocates for positioning oneself close to nature, near deep woods or old orchards, places where the promise of encountering wildlife is intertwined with the beauty and tranquility of the landscape. The mention of sunrise and fog before the sun emphasizes the importance of timing and the appreciation of subtle natural phenomena in the quest to see deer. Booth's advice to "Expect nothing always" speaks to a broader philosophical stance of openness and receptivity without the burden of expectations, a mindset that allows for genuine surprise and discovery. The poem's middle section shifts to a more detailed instruction on how to immerse oneself in nature. Learning to read ferns, moving slowly towards water like a turtle, and drinking in the pure silence instructed by a heron, all suggest a deepening relationship with the environment. These actions are not just physical but symbolic, inviting a transformation in the way one perceives and interacts with the world. Booth further advises becoming attuned to the natural elements—being compassed by wind and trusting one's quick nature like the quivering aspen—highlighting the importance of intuition and instinct in the process of observation. The notion of assuming protective color speaks to a blending with the natural world, a metaphor for becoming one with the environment to the point where distinctions between observer and observed begin to blur. The concluding lines of the poem, "Be careless of nothing. See what you see," encapsulate Booth's message about the depth of engagement and awareness that is required not just to see deer, but to truly see and appreciate the myriad details of the natural world. This closing statement serves as both a directive and a liberation, urging the reader to pay attention to everything while also freeing them from the constraints of expectation and preconception. In essence, "How to See Deer" transcends its literal subject to offer insights into a way of being in the world that is marked by patience, attentiveness, and a profound connection to the natural world. Through its serene tone and vivid imagery, the poem invites readers to slow down, observe closely, and find joy and revelation in the quiet and often overlooked moments of life.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...FAWN'S FOSTER-MOTHER by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE DEER LAY DOWN THEIR BONES by ROBINSON JEFFERS THE PLACE I WANT TO GET BACK TO by MARY OLIVER A SUNDAY DRIVE THROUGH EAGLE COUNTRY by LAURE-ANNE BOSSELAAR SECOND BOOK OF ODES: 4 by BASIL BUNTING DEER AMONG CATTLE by JAMES DICKEY ELEGIES FOR THE OCHER DEER ON THE WALLS AT LASCAUX by NORMAN DUBIE SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: STATE'S ATTORNEY FALLAS by EDGAR LEE MASTERS |
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