'Unrelenting Flood' by William Matthews


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Black key. White key. No,
that's wrong. It's all tactile;
it's not the information
of each struck key we love,
but how the mind and leavened
heart travel by information.
Think how blind and near-
blind pianists range along
their keyboards by clambering
over notes a sighted man
would notice to leave out,
by stringing it all on one
longing, the way bee-fingered Art
Tatum did, the way we like
joy to arrive: in such
unrelenting flood the only
way we can describe it
is by music or another
beautiful abstraction,
like the ray of sunlight
in a child's drawing
running straight to a pig's ear,
tethering us all to our star.


Anonymous submission.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Unrelenting Flood by William Matthews: A Poem of Tragedy and Redemption

William Matthews is a poet whose works have always resonated with readers because of their emotional depth and the timeless themes they explore. In his poem, Unrelenting Flood, Matthews takes the reader on a journey of a family that is forced to confront their mortality and the consequences of their actions. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and an unflinching look at human nature, Matthews creates a haunting narrative that leaves a lasting impression on the reader.

Overview

Unrelenting Flood is a poem that tells the story of a family that is caught in a flood and must fight for their survival. The poem begins with the family members going about their day, unaware of the impending disaster that is about to change their lives forever. When the flood hits, the family is forced to make difficult decisions as they try to find higher ground and stay alive. As the waters rise and the situation becomes more dire, the family members begin to turn on each other, revealing their true nature and the flaws in their relationships. In the end, only the father survives, and he is left to confront the consequences of his actions and the loss of his loved ones.

Analysis

One of the most striking features of Unrelenting Flood is its use of vivid imagery. Throughout the poem, Matthews paints a picture of a world that is being consumed by water. He uses words like "torrential," "swirling," and "whirlpool" to create a sense of chaos and danger. This imagery is particularly effective in the early parts of the poem, as the reader is introduced to the family and their peaceful way of life. The sudden arrival of the flood, and the subsequent destruction of everything the family knows, creates a visceral sense of loss and despair.

Another key element of the poem is its use of metaphor. Matthews employs a number of metaphors to explore the themes of the poem, including the fragility of human life, the power of nature, and the consequences of our actions. One of the most powerful metaphors in the poem is the flood itself. The flood can be seen as a metaphor for the chaos and unpredictability of life, as well as the destructive power of nature. The fact that the flood is "unrelenting" underscores the idea that there are some forces in the world that are beyond our control, and that we must be prepared to face them.

The family members themselves can also be seen as metaphors for different aspects of human nature. The father, for example, represents our desire for control and our struggle to accept our limitations. The daughter, on the other hand, represents innocence and the loss of childhood. The mother is a symbol of our need for stability and our fear of change. By using these characters as metaphors, Matthews is able to explore complex themes in a way that is both accessible and emotionally resonant.

Themes

Unrelenting Flood is a poem that explores a number of themes, including the fragility of human life, the power of nature, and the consequences of our actions. One of the most prominent themes in the poem is the idea of redemption. Throughout the poem, the father is forced to confront the consequences of his actions and the mistakes he has made in his life. As he struggles to survive the flood, he begins to realize the importance of his family and the things that truly matter in life. This realization is a form of redemption, as the father is able to find meaning in the midst of tragedy and to grow as a person.

Another important theme in the poem is the idea of the human condition. The family members in the poem are flawed and imperfect, and their struggles to survive the flood highlight the difficulties of being human. The father's desire for control, the daughter's innocence, and the mother's fear of change are all examples of the ways in which we are limited as human beings. However, the poem also suggests that it is precisely these limitations that make us human, and that it is through our struggles and our flaws that we are able to grow and evolve.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Unrelenting Flood is a powerful poem that explores themes of tragedy, redemption, and the human condition. Through his use of vivid imagery, powerful metaphors, and an unflinching look at human nature, William Matthews creates a haunting narrative that is both emotionally resonant and intellectually stimulating. The poem is a reminder of the fragility of human life and the importance of finding meaning in the face of tragedy. It is a work of art that will continue to inspire and challenge readers for generations to come.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Unrelenting Flood: A Poem of Life's Inevitabilities

William Matthews' poem, Unrelenting Flood, is a powerful and thought-provoking piece that explores the inevitabilities of life. Through vivid imagery and poignant language, Matthews takes the reader on a journey through the ups and downs of existence, ultimately arriving at the conclusion that life is a flood that cannot be stopped or controlled.

The poem begins with a description of a river, which serves as a metaphor for life. Matthews writes, "The river is a torrent, / a surge of water that will not be stopped." This opening line sets the tone for the rest of the poem, as it establishes the idea that life is a force that cannot be tamed or controlled. The river is described as "unrelenting," which suggests that life is a constant and unyielding force that will continue to flow no matter what obstacles it encounters.

As the poem progresses, Matthews explores the different aspects of life that are affected by this unrelenting flood. He writes, "The river carries everything with it, / trees and rocks, fish and debris." This line suggests that life is a force that carries everything along with it, including both the good and the bad. The trees and rocks represent the obstacles and challenges that we encounter in life, while the fish and debris represent the joys and sorrows that we experience.

Matthews also touches on the idea of mortality in the poem. He writes, "The river is a reminder / that everything is temporary." This line suggests that life is fleeting and that we must make the most of the time that we have. The river serves as a reminder that everything is constantly moving and changing, and that we must learn to adapt and flow with the current.

One of the most powerful aspects of Unrelenting Flood is its use of imagery. Matthews paints vivid pictures with his words, bringing the river to life in the reader's mind. He writes, "The river is a churning mass of foam and spray, / a wild and untamed thing that cannot be contained." This description of the river is both beautiful and terrifying, and it perfectly captures the essence of life as a force that is both awe-inspiring and unpredictable.

Another aspect of the poem that stands out is its use of repetition. Matthews repeats the phrase "the river is" throughout the poem, which serves to reinforce the idea that life is a flood that cannot be stopped. The repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and momentum, which mirrors the flow of the river itself.

In the final stanza of the poem, Matthews brings the metaphor full circle. He writes, "The river is life, / and life is an unrelenting flood." This line serves as a powerful conclusion to the poem, as it ties together all of the themes and ideas that Matthews has been exploring. Life is a force that cannot be stopped or controlled, and we must learn to navigate its currents and adapt to its changes.

Overall, Unrelenting Flood is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the inevitabilities of life. Through its use of vivid imagery, repetition, and poignant language, Matthews creates a portrait of life as a force that is both beautiful and terrifying. The poem serves as a reminder that we must learn to flow with the current of life, adapting to its changes and making the most of the time that we have.

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