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OF MONEY AND THE PAST, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

Muriel Rukeyser’s poem "Of Money and the Past" presents a poignant meditation on memory, loss, and the relentless pursuit of meaning amidst the residues of time. Through vivid imagery and reflective tones, the poem explores the weight of past experiences and the often elusive nature of fulfillment.

The poem begins with symbolic representations of time and value: "These coins and calendars stood for the moon, strong boys, / And the resinous storerooms of a house in silence." Coins and calendars are tangible items that measure and represent the intangible—time and value. They stand for larger concepts such as the moon, youth, and the silent repositories of memories within a home. The use of "resinous storerooms" suggests a preservation of memories and past experiences, encapsulated and somewhat fossilized over time.

Rukeyser acknowledges the inevitability of loss: "Too many losses among the possible." This line captures the essence of life’s potentiality and the inherent losses that come with making choices. The potential paths not taken and opportunities missed are part of the human experience. The following lines emphasize this sense of loss and its auditory impact: "But only when you hear their fearful music: / Nothing at all and then the front door slamming." The sudden, startling noise of the front door slamming signifies a definitive end or departure, underscoring the theme of abrupt loss.

The imagery of desolation continues with "The cave of sound at the station after all hope has gone, / Fifteen wire hangers jangling in emptied closets." The station, a place of transit, becomes a "cave of sound," echoing with emptiness and the absence of hope. The jangling wire hangers in emptied closets further evoke a sense of abandonment and the stark reality of things left behind.

Rukeyser then shifts to a moment of revelation: "When you discover the real, lying under, and still, / Among the silences green morning reopening." Here, "the real" refers to an underlying truth or reality that remains constant despite the chaos and noise above it. The "green morning reopening" symbolizes renewal and the promise of a new beginning, even amidst the silences and the aftermath of loss.

The poem then takes a turn towards introspection and guidance: "Now your invisible path between the brambles opens / To the hill of oyster-shells under the hills of cloud / And the hard knuckles of a boy poverty-driven / And the moon rising in a smell of vanilla." The "invisible path" signifies a personal journey through challenges (brambles) towards a place of potential discovery and reflection (the hill of oyster-shells). The "hard knuckles of a boy poverty-driven" introduce a human element of struggle and resilience, while the "moon rising in a smell of vanilla" evokes a sensory blend of the sublime and the comforting.

The voices of past experiences and the lure of money are personified: "Voices of money, voices of your past, / The swinging music in these voices telling." These voices offer conflicting messages, urging the speaker to leave: "No, no, you must go. Now. Go from this bay to where / You can bridge backward and forward and move toward form." The directive to leave and seek elsewhere indicates a journey towards a deeper understanding and the creation of something meaningful.

The poem repeatedly emphasizes the futility of seeking fulfillment in the current place: "For here there is nothing. Nothing for you here. / Somewhere you may find something. But not here." This repetition underscores the necessity of moving beyond current confines to find true meaning and purpose.

The final lines offer a promise of revelation beyond the immediate: "Beyond these coins and seasons, then look back. / When the black voices turn brilliant and call: Here!" This suggests that true understanding and fulfillment may come only after moving past the immediate and reflecting back with newfound insight. The "black voices" turning "brilliant" symbolizes a transformation of past burdens into enlightening guides.

In "Of Money and the Past," Muriel Rukeyser masterfully blends imagery and introspection to explore the themes of memory, loss, and the search for meaning. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences and the ways in which past and present intersect, ultimately guiding them towards a deeper understanding of themselves and their place in the world. Through its evocative language and poignant reflections, the poem underscores the importance of moving beyond immediate constraints to uncover the true essence of life’s journey.


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