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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

WHAT TO DO, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

"What to Do" by Hayden Carruth is a poignant and concise meditation on the therapeutic potential of nature and the temporal nature of solace it offers. Carruth presents a straightforward yet profound directive to the reader, suggesting a method of coping with the "agony" of the mind by sharing it with the natural world, personified here as "the white bloom of the blue plum tree." This act of telling one's troubles to a flowering tree serves as a metaphor for finding comfort and understanding in the beauty and constancy of nature, despite the ephemeral nature of both human suffering and natural beauty.

The poem emphasizes the contrast between the turmoil of the human psyche and the serene, unchanging beauty of the natural world. The "white bloom of the blue plum tree" is described as "a responding beauty, irreducible," suggesting that the simplicity and purity of this natural scene offer a kind of response to human complexity and pain. This beauty is "irreducible," meaning it cannot be broken down into simpler components or fully comprehended, yet it provides a form of solace that is both real and grounding. The phrase "of the one earth and ground" reinforces the idea that this beauty and solace are part of the fundamental fabric of the world, accessible and shared by all who seek it.

Carruth's specification of "Once a year in April in this region" highlights the seasonal nature of the plum tree's bloom, reminding the reader of the fleeting availability of this particular form of solace. The limitation of "for a little while" further underscores the transient nature of both the beauty found in nature and the relief it can provide to human suffering. This temporal aspect suggests that while nature can offer moments of respite and clarity, it is not a permanent solution to the deeper, ongoing struggles of the mind.

Through its simplicity and brevity, "What to Do" captures a moment of potential connection between the human experience and the natural world. Carruth's advice to share one's agony with the bloom of a plum tree serves as a metaphor for the broader practice of seeking solace in nature, of finding moments of beauty and peace amid the complexities and challenges of life. The poem invites readers to appreciate the small, seasonal miracles of the natural world as a means of coping with internal turmoil, while also acknowledging the ephemeral nature of such solace. In doing so, Carruth offers a contemplative reflection on the interplay between human emotion and the natural environment, and the ways in which we seek and find comfort in the beauty around us.


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