Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Rick of the Green Wood" by Edward Dorn is a pastoral yet contemplative poem that explores human interactions with nature, the nuances of labor, and familial dynamics, all set within the simple task of selecting wood. Through this seemingly mundane activity, Dorn weaves a narrative that touches on personal identity, the changing seasons, and the importance of physical and emotional sustenance.

The setting is a woodyard, a place of both labor and natural beauty, described as "a pleasure for the eye to go." This introduction places the reader in a space where nature meets human need, where the practicality of wood gathering intersects with the aesthetic appreciation of the landscape.

The speaker's interaction with the woodsman, Burlingame, revolves around the specific types of wood the speaker desires. He emphasizes not wanting "a rick of green wood" because of its unsuitability for immediate burning and perhaps because of the physical toll it could take on his wife, whose back is described as "slender." This concern for his wife introduces a tender element to the poem, highlighting the ways in which our choices are often guided by considerations of the well-being of loved ones.

Dorn's choice to have the speaker and the woodsman share their names, "My name is Burlingame" and "My name is Dorn," serves to establish a sense of mutual respect and identity in this transactional moment. This exchange underscores the personal connections that can form even in brief, everyday interactions, and how these moments contribute to the fabric of community life.

The woodcutter’s comment, "I buzz on Friday if the weather cools," provides a glimpse into the rhythm of his work, dictated by the natural elements and the practicalities of his trade. The mention of weather cooling and the work scheduled around it subtly introduces the theme of changing seasons, which is echoed in the larger setting of the poem and the natural cycle of growth and dormancy.

The arrival of the speaker's daughter, singing and tracing the path of the woodcutter’s horse, adds a layer of generational continuity and joy to the narrative. Her presence links the past (the morning's earlier activities) and the present moment, and her singing infuses the scene with a sense of life and vitality, contrasting with the static, though essential, nature of the wood.

The final lines, describing the air getting colder as they stand talking "pleasantly, of the green wood and the dry," capture the essence of transition—not just in terms of the seasons but also in the exchange between the two men. It reflects a shared understanding and appreciation of both the practical aspects of their lives and the deeper, unspoken connections to the environment and each other.

Overall, "The Rick of the Green Wood" is a beautifully crafted poem that uses the simple setting of a woodyard to explore profound themes of human interaction, responsibility, and the subtle beauties of everyday life. Dorn's narrative invites readers to consider how even the most ordinary tasks are interwoven with deeper meanings and connections.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...