Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Galway Kinnell's "The Fossils" is a richly textured poem that explores themes of time, memory, and the enduring presence of the past within the present. Through vivid imagery and a blend of personal reflection and historical contemplation, Kinnell captures the essence of geological and human history intertwined.

The poem begins with a tactile exploration of the past: "In the cliff over the frog pond I clawed in the flagmarl and stones." The act of digging through the earth connects the speaker to ancient times, as they uncover "atrypas," "lophophyllidiums," and other fossils. These names, rooted in paleontology, evoke a sense of scientific discovery and wonder. The fossils, described as "corals bandaged in wrinkles" and "sea-lily discs," represent remnants of life that have withstood the passage of time, transforming into permanent markers of a bygone era.

As the speaker continues to dig, night descends "in black smoke," rendering them blind and heightening the sensory experience of the excavation. The darkness symbolizes the unknown and the passage of time, while the tactile engagement with the fossils—"poking up spirifers into flying black dust"—reflects an intimate connection with the earth’s history. The mention of "sylvan remains" and "glacial roses" adds a layer of poetic beauty to the description, merging natural imagery with the act of discovery. The fossils embody the "pure absence of the ephemera," emphasizing the enduring nature of these ancient forms compared to the fleeting nature of human life.

The first section ends with a reflection on the ornithosuchus, a prehistoric creature whose "wings / try, not to evade earth, but to press closer on it." This image suggests a profound connection to the earth, highlighting the groundedness and continuity of life through time.

In the second section, the poem shifts to a more personal and immediate scene. Bill Gratwick, a figure of vivacity, leads a dance, embodying the spirit of the present. The speaker dances with Sylvia, whose name evokes the woods and natural elements. Their movements are described with a lightness and ethereality, as they "sashayed" and "crackled in the leaves." The dance connects the participants to the past, with Sylvia as "Sylph-ia," an almost mythical figure who rekindles ancient memories and energies. The imagery of "shoulder blades starting to glitter" suggests a transformation and a connection to the elemental past, as if the dancers are becoming part of the natural history they embody.

The third section brings the poem back to a contemplative tone. The speaker presses a fingerprint onto a stone, symbolizing the merging of human presence with the ancient past. This act of imprinting oneself onto the fossilized stone represents a continuity between the living and the dead, the present and the past. The breaking of day over the fossils—"day breaks in gold, frankincense, and myrrh"—invokes the sacred and eternal, suggesting that even the smallest remnants of the past hold profound significance. The reference to these gifts traditionally associated with the nativity story infuses the scene with a sense of reverence and continuity, linking the dawn of each day to the ancient and ongoing history of the earth.

"The Fossils" by Galway Kinnell is a masterful meditation on time, memory, and the interconnectedness of all life. Through its vivid imagery and reflective tone, the poem invites readers to consider their own place within the vast continuum of history, where the past is always present, and the present is always becoming part of the past. The poem underscores the beauty and significance of this eternal cycle, celebrating the enduring connection between human experience and the ancient world.

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