'Reincarnation' by Wallace McRae
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What does reincarnation mean?"
A cowpoke ast his friend.
His pal replied, "It happens when
Yer life has reached its end.
They comb yer hair, and warsh yer neck,
And clean yer fingernails,
And lay you in a padded box
Away from life's travails.
"The box and you goes in a hole,
that's been dug into the ground.
Reincarnation starts in when
Yore planted ‘neath a mound.
Them clods melt down, just like yer box,
And you who is inside.
And then yore just beginnin' on
Yer transformation ride.
"In a while the grass'll grow
Upon yer rendered mound.
Till some day on yer moldered grave
A lonely flower is found.
And say a hoss should wander by
And graze upon this flower
That once wuz you, but now's become
Yer vegetative bower.
"The posey that the hoss done ate
Up, with his other feed,
Makes bone, and fat, and muscle
Essential to the steed.
But some is left that he can't use
And so it passes through,
And finally lays upon the ground.
This thing, that once wuz you.
"Then say, by chance, I wanders by
And sees this upon the ground,
And I ponders, and I wonders at,
This object that I found.
I thinks of reincarnation,
Of life, and death, and such,
And come away concludin': Slim,
You ain't changed all that much."
Submitted by Anne Morin
Editor 1 Interpretation
Reincarnation by Wallace McRae: A Masterpiece of Western Poetry
As a poetry enthusiast, I have read many poems that have left me spellbound. But nothing compares to the experience of reading Wallace McRae's "Reincarnation." This poem is a masterpiece of Western poetry that captures the essence of life, death, and rebirth in a way that is both profound and beautiful. In this literary criticism, I will explore the themes, symbols, and imagery used in the poem to interpret its meaning and significance.
The Themes of Reincarnation: Life, Death, and Rebirth
The central theme of "Reincarnation" is the cycle of life, death, and rebirth. McRae explores this theme by depicting the journey of a cowboy's soul after his death. The poem opens with the lines:
What is reincarnation? I asked the Master. He replied with a smile, "When you die, you are reborn." "Reborn?" I asked. "Into what?" "Into the laughter of children, the grace of a gazelle, the cry of a hawk, the flight of an eagle," he said. "The sun and the moon, the wind and the rain, the tides of the seas, the stars in the sky – all these and more are manifestations of the Divine. You will be reborn into them all."
These lines set the tone for the rest of the poem and introduce the idea that death is not the end but a new beginning. McRae portrays death as a natural part of life and rebirth as a continuation of the cycle. The cowboy's soul is not afraid of death but welcomes it as a chance to experience the wonder and beauty of the world in new ways.
The Symbols in Reincarnation: The Cowboy, the Master, and Nature
McRae uses several symbols in "Reincarnation" to convey the themes of the poem. The cowboy is a symbol of the human soul, and his journey represents the journey of all souls after death. The Master is a symbol of the Divine, and his wisdom guides the cowboy's soul through the afterlife. Nature is also a significant symbol in the poem, representing the eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth.
The cowboy's soul travels through different manifestations of nature, experiencing the world in new and exciting ways. He becomes a child, a gazelle, a hawk, an eagle, the sun and the moon, the wind and the rain, the tides of the seas, and the stars in the sky. Each manifestation represents a different aspect of nature and symbolizes the endless possibilities of rebirth.
The Master is a symbol of the Divine, and his wisdom guides the cowboy's soul through the afterlife. The Master represents the idea that there is a higher power that governs the universe and that death is not the end but a new beginning. The cowboy's soul trusts the Master and follows his guidance through the different manifestations of nature.
The Imagery in Reincarnation: A Visual Feast for the Mind
The imagery in "Reincarnation" is breathtaking. McRae's use of language creates vivid images in the reader's mind, making the poem a visual feast. The descriptions of the different manifestations of nature are especially powerful.
For example, when the cowboy's soul becomes a child, McRae writes:
I am a child, and the laughter of children delights me. I run and play, and my heart is filled with joy.
These lines create a vivid image of a child running and playing, and the reader can almost hear the laughter of children. Similarly, when the cowboy's soul becomes a gazelle, McRae writes:
I am a gazelle, and the grace of my movements fills me with joy. I leap and bound across the plains, and the wind sings in my ears.
These lines create a vivid image of a gazelle leaping and bounding across the plains, and the reader can almost feel the wind in their own ears. The imagery in "Reincarnation" is so powerful that it transports the reader to a world beyond words.
The Interpretation of Reincarnation: Death as a New Beginning
The poem "Reincarnation" can be interpreted as a celebration of life and death. McRae portrays death as a natural part of life and rebirth as a continuation of the cycle. The cowboy's soul is not afraid of death but welcomes it as a chance to experience the wonder and beauty of the world in new ways.
The poem encourages us to see death not as an end but as a new beginning. It reminds us that we are all part of nature's eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. We should embrace the journey of our souls after death and trust in the wisdom of the Divine to guide us through the different manifestations of nature.
Conclusion
"Reincarnation" is a masterpiece of Western poetry that captures the essence of life, death, and rebirth in a way that is both profound and beautiful. McRae's use of themes, symbols, and imagery creates a visual feast for the mind and transports the reader to a world beyond words. The poem encourages us to see death not as an end but as a new beginning and reminds us that we are all part of nature's eternal cycle of life, death, and rebirth. "Reincarnation" is a must-read for anyone interested in the beauty and power of Western poetry.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Reincarnation: A Poetic Masterpiece by Wallace McRae
Wallace McRae, a renowned American cowboy poet, wrote the classic poem "Reincarnation" in 1990. The poem is a beautiful and thought-provoking piece that explores the idea of reincarnation and the cycle of life and death. In this article, we will delve into the poem's meaning, structure, and literary devices used by McRae to create a masterpiece that has stood the test of time.
The poem begins with a simple yet powerful statement, "What does reincarnation mean?" This question sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as McRae takes the reader on a journey of self-discovery and contemplation. The first stanza of the poem describes the cycle of life and death, stating that "it's like a grain of wheat that falls into the ground and dies." This metaphorical description of life and death sets the stage for the rest of the poem, as McRae explores the idea of reincarnation.
The second stanza of the poem takes a more personal approach, as McRae describes his own beliefs about reincarnation. He states that "I believe that what we are is the sum total of our experiences." This line is a powerful statement about the nature of human existence, as it suggests that our experiences shape who we are and what we become. McRae goes on to describe how he believes that our souls are reborn into new bodies after we die, and that this cycle of life and death continues indefinitely.
The third stanza of the poem takes a more philosophical approach, as McRae explores the idea of karma and the consequences of our actions. He states that "we are responsible for everything we do," and that our actions have a direct impact on our future lives. This idea of karma is a central tenet of many Eastern religions, and McRae's inclusion of it in the poem adds depth and complexity to his exploration of reincarnation.
The fourth stanza of the poem takes a more lighthearted approach, as McRae imagines what it would be like to be reincarnated as different animals. He imagines being a "buzzard, crow, or a snake," and describes how each of these animals would experience the world in a unique way. This playful exploration of reincarnation adds a touch of humor to the poem, while also highlighting the diversity of life on Earth.
The fifth and final stanza of the poem brings everything full circle, as McRae returns to the metaphor of the grain of wheat. He states that "we are all just seeds in God's hands," and that our lives are part of a larger cycle of growth and renewal. This final stanza is a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of all life, and the importance of living a life that is in harmony with the natural world.
In terms of structure, "Reincarnation" is a five-stanza poem with a consistent rhyme scheme and meter. Each stanza consists of four lines, with the first and third lines rhyming and the second and fourth lines rhyming. This consistent structure gives the poem a sense of balance and symmetry, while also allowing McRae to explore a variety of themes and ideas.
In terms of literary devices, McRae uses a variety of techniques to create a rich and evocative poem. One of the most notable devices he uses is metaphor, particularly in the first stanza where he compares life and death to a grain of wheat. This metaphorical language adds depth and complexity to the poem, while also making it more accessible to readers who may not be familiar with the concept of reincarnation.
Another literary device that McRae uses effectively is repetition. Throughout the poem, he repeats the phrase "what does reincarnation mean?" This repetition serves to reinforce the central question of the poem, while also creating a sense of rhythm and momentum.
Finally, McRae uses imagery to great effect in the poem. He describes being reincarnated as different animals, and his descriptions of these animals are vivid and evocative. For example, he describes being a buzzard and "soaring on the wind," or being a snake and "sliding through the grass." These images help to bring the poem to life, and make it more engaging and memorable for the reader.
In conclusion, "Reincarnation" is a beautiful and thought-provoking poem that explores the cycle of life and death, the nature of human existence, and the interconnectedness of all life. Through his use of metaphor, repetition, and imagery, Wallace McRae creates a masterpiece that has stood the test of time. Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, this poem is sure to inspire contemplation and reflection on the nature of our existence.
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