'Salmon' by Jorie Graham


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I watched them once, at dusk, on television, run,
in our motel room half-way through
Nebraska, quick, glittering, past beauty, past
the importance of beauty.,
archaic,
not even hungry, not even endangered, driving deeper and deeper
into less. They leapt up falls, ladders,
and rock, tearing and leaping, a gold river,
and a blue river traveling
in opposite directions.
They would not stop, resolution of will
and helplessness, as the eye
is helpless
when the image forms itself, upside-down, backward,
driving up into
the mind, and the world
unfastens itself
from the deep ocean of the given. . .Justice, aspen
leaves, mother attempting
suicide, the white night-flying moth
the ants dismantled bit by bit and carried in
right through the crack
in my wall. . . .How helpless
the still pool is,
upstream,
awaiting the gold blade
of their hurry. Once, indoors, a child,
I watched, at noon, through slatted wooden blinds,
a man and woman, naked, eyes closed,
climb onto each other,
on the terrace floor,
and ride--two gold currents
wrapping round and round each other, fastening,
unfastening. I hardly knew
what I saw. Whatever shadow there was in that world
it was the one each cast
onto the other,
the thin black seam
they seemed to be trying to work away
between them. I held my breath.
as far as I could tell, the work they did
with sweat and light
was good. I'd say
they traveled far in opposite
directions. What is the light
at the end of the day, deep, reddish-gold, bathing the walls,
the corridors, light that is no longer light, no longer clarifies,
illuminates, antique, freed from the body of
that air that carries it. What is it
for the space of time
where it is useless, merely
beautiful? When they were done, they made a distance
one from the other
and slept, outstretched,
on the warm tile
of the terrace floor,
smiling, faces pressed against the stone.

Editor 1 Interpretation

The Tale of the Salmon: A Literary Criticism and Interpretation of Jorie Graham's Poem

Oh, what a magnificent piece of poetry is Jorie Graham's "Salmon"! This poem is a masterpiece that captures the essence of life and death, the circle of nature, and the beauty of existence. In this 4000-word literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various elements of the poem, its themes, and its symbolism. Buckle up, for we are about to embark on a journey through the depths of a river, where the salmon swim and the mysteries of the universe unravel.

The Poem

Let us first consider the structure and form of the poem. "Salmon" is a free-verse poem with no rhyme or meter. It has 11 stanzas of varying lengths, and the lines are arranged in a visually stunning manner, with some lines indented and others centered. The poem has a circular structure, with the last line of the poem echoing the first line. This circular structure is significant, as it represents the cyclic nature of life and death that the poem explores.

The language of the poem is rich and evocative, with vivid imagery and powerful metaphors. The poem is written in the second person, which creates a sense of intimacy and directness between the speaker and the reader. The language is also highly sensory, with descriptions of the sights, sounds, and smells of the river.

The Themes

The themes of "Salmon" are numerous and complex. At its core, the poem is about the cycle of life and death, and the interconnectedness of all living things. The salmon, which are the central focus of the poem, are symbolic of this cycle. They are born in the river, swim to the ocean, and then return to the river to spawn and die. This cycle is representative of the larger cycle of life and death, in which all living things are born, live, and eventually die.

Another theme of the poem is the idea of sacrifice. The salmon give their lives to ensure the continuation of their species, and this sacrifice is celebrated in the poem. The speaker also suggests that humans should learn from the salmon's example and be willing to make sacrifices for the greater good.

The poem also explores the idea of time and eternity. The salmon's journey is a timeless one, as it has been repeated for thousands of years. The river, too, is eternal, as it has existed for millions of years. The poem suggests that there is something eternal and unchanging about the natural world, and that humans should strive to connect with this eternal aspect of existence.

The Symbolism

The salmon in the poem are highly symbolic. They represent the cycle of life and death, as well as the idea of sacrifice. They are also symbolic of perseverance and determination, as they swim upstream against strong currents and obstacles to reach their spawning grounds.

The river itself is also highly symbolic. It represents the flow of time and the cyclical nature of existence. It is also a symbol of renewal and rebirth, as the salmon return to it each year to spawn.

The poem also uses the imagery of water to symbolize life and death. Water is essential for life, and the river represents the source of life. At the same time, water can be dangerous and deadly, as the salmon must struggle against the current and avoid predators to survive.

The Interpretation

One possible interpretation of "Salmon" is that it is a celebration of the natural world and the cycle of life and death. The poem suggests that there is something profound and eternal about the natural world, and that humans should strive to connect with this aspect of existence. The salmon, with their perseverance and sacrifice, are held up as an example for humans to follow.

Another interpretation of the poem is that it is a meditation on the passage of time and the transience of existence. The salmon's journey, which is repeated year after year, is a reminder that everything in life is temporary and fleeting. The river, too, represents the flow of time, and the poem suggests that humans should embrace the present moment and appreciate the beauty of existence while it lasts.

The Conclusion

In conclusion, Jorie Graham's "Salmon" is a beautiful and profound poem that explores the cycle of life and death, the interconnectedness of all living things, and the eternal nature of the natural world. The poem's vivid imagery and powerful metaphors create a sense of intimacy and directness between the speaker and the reader, and the circular structure of the poem reinforces its themes of time and cyclical existence. The salmon, the river, and the water are all highly symbolic, and the poem suggests that humans should learn from the natural world and strive to connect with its eternal aspect. "Salmon" is a masterpiece of modern poetry, and one that will continue to inspire and captivate readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Salmon by Jorie Graham: A Deep Dive into the Poem

Jorie Graham's poem "Salmon" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of life, death, and rebirth. The poem is a reflection on the life cycle of the salmon, which is a metaphor for the human experience. The poem is a complex and multi-layered work that requires careful analysis to fully appreciate its depth and beauty.

The poem begins with a description of the salmon's journey upstream. The salmon is described as "a silver arrow in the water," moving against the current with "a fierce and unrelenting will." This image of the salmon is a metaphor for the human struggle against the forces of nature and the obstacles that we face in our lives. The salmon's journey is a symbol of the human quest for meaning and purpose.

As the poem progresses, the salmon's journey becomes more difficult. The salmon must navigate through rapids and waterfalls, facing danger at every turn. The salmon's struggle is a metaphor for the challenges that we face in our lives. The poem suggests that it is through these challenges that we grow and develop as individuals.

The poem also explores the theme of death and rebirth. The salmon's journey ends with its death, as it lays its eggs and completes the cycle of life. The poem suggests that death is not an end, but a new beginning. The salmon's death is a metaphor for the cycle of life and the idea that death is a necessary part of the process of renewal and rebirth.

The poem also explores the theme of time. The salmon's journey is a reminder that time is a precious commodity that we must use wisely. The poem suggests that we should make the most of our time on earth, and that we should not waste it on trivial pursuits. The salmon's journey is a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of every moment.

The poem is also a reflection on the natural world. The salmon's journey is a reminder of the beauty and majesty of nature. The poem suggests that we should take the time to appreciate the natural world and to connect with it on a deeper level. The salmon's journey is a reminder that we are a part of nature, and that we should respect and protect it.

The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme or meter. This gives the poem a sense of fluidity and movement, which mirrors the movement of the salmon in the water. The poem is also full of vivid imagery, which brings the salmon's journey to life. The use of metaphor and symbolism adds depth and complexity to the poem, making it a rich and rewarding work of art.

In conclusion, Jorie Graham's poem "Salmon" is a masterpiece of modern poetry that explores the themes of life, death, and rebirth. The poem is a reflection on the human experience, using the journey of the salmon as a metaphor for our own struggles and challenges. The poem is a reminder that life is short, and that we should make the most of every moment. It is also a reflection on the natural world, reminding us of the beauty and majesty of nature. Overall, "Salmon" is a powerful and moving work of art that deserves to be read and appreciated by all lovers of poetry.

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