Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Water" by Robert Lowell is a contemplative poem that delves into themes of memory, impermanence, and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and a meditative tone, the poem reflects on a past experience in a small Maine lobster town, exploring the physical and emotional landscapes of the setting and the people involved.

The poem begins with a simple yet evocative description: "It was a Maine lobster town— / each morning boatloads of hands / pushed off for granite / quarries on the islands." This opening establishes the setting as a working-class town, characterized by its connection to the sea and the harsh, manual labor of quarrying granite. The image of "boatloads of hands" emphasizes the labor-intensive nature of the work, with the use of "hands" synecdochically representing the workers themselves.

The description of "dozens of bleak / white frame houses stuck / like oyster shells / on a hill of rock" paints a picture of a stark, unforgiving landscape. The comparison to "oyster shells" suggests a sense of fragility and the houses' precarious attachment to the rocky terrain. This imagery conveys a sense of isolation and resilience, as these homes are perched on an inhospitable surface.

As the poem continues, the speaker recalls the sight of the sea below, "lapping / the raw little match-stick / mazes of a weir, / where the fish for bait were trapped." The "match-stick mazes" of the weir, a structure used to catch fish, evoke a sense of intricacy and fragility. The use of "raw" suggests a lack of refinement, emphasizing the natural and rugged environment.

The poem then shifts to a personal memory: "Remember? We sat on a slab of rock." The speaker addresses a companion, inviting them to recall a shared moment. The rock they sat on is described as "the color / of iris, rotting and turning purpler," though it is clarified that it was actually "the usual gray rock / turning the usual green / when drenched by the sea." This discrepancy between memory and reality highlights the subjective nature of recollection and the way time can alter perceptions.

The description of the sea's interaction with the rock—"The sea drenched the rock / at our feet all day, / and kept tearing away / flake after flake"—serves as a metaphor for the relentless passage of time and the gradual erosion of both physical and emotional landscapes. The image of the sea eroding the rock suggests the impermanence of all things, including memories and relationships.

The poem takes a turn with a surreal and intimate memory: "One night you dreamed / you were a mermaid clinging to a wharf-pile, / and trying to pull / off the barnacles with your hands." This dream imagery introduces a sense of longing and transformation, as the figure of the mermaid represents a desire for a different existence, perhaps one more attuned to the natural world. The act of trying to remove the barnacles suggests an effort to cleanse or change, to rid oneself of unwanted attachments or burdens.

The final stanza expresses a wistful longing for a return to simplicity and connection: "We wished our two souls / might return like gulls / to the rock." The simile of gulls returning to the rock evokes a sense of freedom and ease, contrasting with the earlier harshness of the environment. However, the concluding line—"In the end, / the water was too cold for us"—brings a sense of resignation and acceptance of limitations. The cold water symbolizes the barriers and challenges that ultimately prevent the fulfillment of this desire for return and reconnection.

"Water" is a poignant exploration of memory, change, and the inevitable passage of time. Through its detailed imagery and introspective tone, the poem captures the ephemeral nature of human experiences and the bittersweet realization that some aspects of the past cannot be reclaimed. The setting of the Maine lobster town, with its rugged beauty and relentless natural forces, serves as a powerful backdrop for these meditations on impermanence and the human condition.

Copyright (c) 2024 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...