Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Concerning Necessity" by Hayden Carruth is a meditative and deeply personal exploration of the tension between the harsh realities of rural life and the transcendent moments of beauty and love that make existence meaningful. Carruth crafts a narrative that weaves together the everyday struggles of living close to the land with the sudden, profound realizations of love and natural beauty that punctuate and illuminate the human experience.

The poem opens with an acknowledgment of the "rural twilight" in which the speaker and his community exist, dedicating their efforts to the "hard dirt, the water and the weeds, and the difficult woods." This opening sets the stage for a detailed depiction of rural labor and the unending cycle of tasks and challenges that define this way of life. The imagery of driving wedges, heaving axes, and tickling "the dyspeptic chain saw" into action paints a vivid picture of the physicality and immediacy of their work, underscoring a life intimately connected with the natural world, yet marked by struggle and weariness.

As the poem progresses, Carruth reflects on the disillusionment with the idealized vision of rural life, possibly influenced by "that idiot Thoreau," suggesting a critique of romanticized notions of nature and simplicity. The speaker confronts the reality that necessity and survival in this setting are not alleviated by the "facts we actually have," such as the beauty of the white birch or the presence of the bay-breasted nuthatch. While these natural wonders offer solace, they are acknowledged as insufficient to wholly counterbalance the hardships faced.

Despite the poem's initial focus on the arduousness of rural existence, it shifts towards a moment of epiphany in its concluding stanzas. The turning point occurs when the speaker describes "coming all at once" upon his partner, whether she is "done in or footsore" or engaged in a tender moment, like "telling a song to a child." It is in these moments, witnessing her in movement or in rest, that the speaker experiences a renewed and overwhelming sense of love. This love is not just for his partner but extends to "human beauty" itself, a beauty so profound that it seems almost unbelievable "right here where I live."

"Concerning Necessity" is, therefore, not merely a poem about the hardships of rural life but a poignant commentary on the human condition. Carruth illuminates the ways in which love and moments of beauty offer redemption, infusing our struggles with meaning and transforming our understanding of necessity. The poem closes on a note of wonder and affirmation, suggesting that amidst the backdrop of labor and decay, the capacity for love and the appreciation of beauty endure as essential, saving graces. Through this exploration, Carruth invites readers to reflect on their own sources of strength and renewal in the face of life's necessities.

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