'Vehicles' by W.S. Merwin
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This is a place on the way after the distances
can no longer be kept straight here in this dark corner
of the barn a mound of wheels has convened along
raveling courses to stop in a single moment
and lie down as still as the chariots of the Pharaohs
some in pairs that rolled as one over the same roads
to the end and never touched each other until they
arrived here some that broke by themselves and were left
until they could be repaired some that went only
to occasions before my time and some that have spun
across other countries through uncounted summers
now they go all the way back together the tall
cobweb-hung models of galaxies in their rings
of rust leaning against the stone hail from Rene's
manure cart the year he wanted to store them here
because there was nobody left who could make them like that
in case he should need them and there are the carriage wheels
that Merot said would be worth a lot some day
and the rim of the spare from bald Bleret's green Samson
that rose like Borobudur out of the high grass
behind the old house by the river where he stuffed
mattresses in the morning sunlight and the hens
scavenged around his shoes in the days when the black
top-hat sedan still towered outside Sandeau's cow barn
with velvet upholstery and sconces for flowers and room
for two calves instead of the back seat when their time came
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Journey Through W.S. Merwin's "Vehicles"
"Vehicles" is a remarkable poem written by W.S. Merwin that takes its readers on a journey through different modes of transportation. The poem is structured with three stanzas, each one describing a different vehicle through vivid imagery and sensory language. Merwin's use of repetition, symbolism, and metaphorical language creates a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere that invites readers to explore the deeper meanings of the poem. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we'll unpack the layers of "Vehicles" and examine how Merwin uses his poetic techniques to convey his message.
A Journey Through Culture and Time
The first stanza begins with a description of a canoe, a vehicle used by many indigenous cultures throughout history. Merwin's use of sensory language immediately immerses the reader into the experience of being in a canoe:
On the long gravel shore
the canoe lies on its side
empty as the moon
The image of the empty canoe lying on the shore creates a sense of stillness and emptiness, which is contrasted by the motion and fluidity of the water. The metaphorical comparison of the canoe to the moon suggests that this vehicle is not just a means of transportation, but a symbol of a culture and a way of life that has been lost. Merwin invites us to reflect on the impact of colonization and modernization on indigenous cultures and to appreciate the richness and diversity of human history.
The second stanza shifts to a more contemporary mode of transportation - the airplane. However, Merwin doesn't describe the airplane as a mere machine, but as a creature with a life of its own:
The airplane without wings
runs along the ground
shorter than a train
The use of personification and metaphorical language creates a sense of wonder and awe, as the airplane is no longer just a technological innovation, but a living being with its own personality and character. The comparison to a train highlights the speed and efficiency of air travel, but also the limitations and restrictions it imposes on the human experience. Merwin invites us to question the trade-offs of progress and technology and to consider the impact of our choices on the environment and on our own humanity.
The third stanza takes us to the sea, where we encounter a whale, a creature that has fascinated humans for centuries:
The whale in the harbor
barely moving a flipper
the rust on the hull
Merwin's use of imagery and symbolism creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as the whale is no longer a symbol of adventure and discovery, but one of captivity and decay. The comparison to the rust on the hull suggests that the whale, like the canoe and the airplane, is a victim of human exploitation and greed. Merwin invites us to reflect on our relationship with nature and to consider the consequences of our actions on the fragile ecosystems of our planet.
Repetition and Symbolism
One of the most striking aspects of "Vehicles" is Merwin's use of repetition and symbolism. In each stanza, he repeats certain words and phrases, such as "empty as the moon" in the first stanza, "runs along the ground" in the second stanza, and "barely moving a flipper" in the third stanza. This repetition creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, but also emphasizes the themes of stillness, limitation, and captivity that run through the poem.
The use of symbolism is also pervasive throughout the poem. The canoe, airplane, and whale are not just vehicles, but symbols of human cultures, technologies, and relationships with nature. The comparison of the airplane to a creature without wings, the whale to a rusting ship, and the canoe to the moon all suggest a sense of loss and decay that is both personal and collective. Merwin invites us to explore the deeper meanings of these symbols and to reflect on our own experiences and perspectives.
Metaphorical Language and Imagery
Another key feature of "Vehicles" is Merwin's use of metaphorical language and vivid imagery. He uses sensory language to create a sense of immersion and to invite the reader into the experience of each vehicle. The use of personification and metaphorical comparisons also creates a sense of wonder and curiosity, as the vehicles become more than just machines, but living creatures with their own personalities and stories.
For example, in the first stanza, Merwin writes:
The canoe lies on its side
empty as the moon
The comparison of the canoe to the moon creates a sense of mystery and enchantment, as both objects are both natural and man-made, both full of symbolism and significance. The use of the word "empty" suggests a sense of loss and sadness, as the canoe is no longer in use and its culture has been forgotten.
In the second stanza, Merwin writes:
The airplane without wings
runs along the ground
The use of personification and the comparison to a creature without wings creates a sense of wonder and curiosity, as the airplane becomes more than just a technological innovation, but a living being with its own personality and character. The repetition of the phrase "runs along the ground" emphasizes the limitation and captivity of air travel.
In the third stanza, Merwin writes:
The whale in the harbor
barely moving a flipper
The use of imagery and the comparison to a rusting ship creates a sense of melancholy and nostalgia, as the whale becomes a symbol of captivity and exploitation. The repetition of the phrase "barely moving a flipper" emphasizes the sense of limitation and loss.
Conclusion
"Vehicles" is a remarkable poem that invites readers to explore the deeper meanings of culture, technology, and nature. Merwin's use of repetition, symbolism, and metaphorical language creates a dreamlike and surreal atmosphere that captures the imagination and stimulates the emotions. The journey through the canoe, airplane, and whale is not just a physical one, but a psychological and spiritual one, as we reflect on our own experiences and perspectives. "Vehicles" is a timeless poem that speaks to the heart and the soul, as well as to the mind.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Vehicles: A Poem that Takes Us on a Journey of Self-Discovery
W.S. Merwin's poem, Vehicles, is a masterpiece that takes us on a journey of self-discovery. The poem is a reflection on the different vehicles that we use to navigate through life. It is a deep and thought-provoking piece that explores the human experience and the different ways we try to make sense of the world around us.
The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with a distinct theme. The first stanza talks about the different vehicles that we use to move through space and time. The second stanza explores the different vehicles that we use to communicate with each other. The third and final stanza talks about the different vehicles that we use to understand ourselves.
In the first stanza, Merwin talks about the different vehicles that we use to move through space and time. He talks about cars, trains, and planes, and how they have changed the way we move around the world. He also talks about how these vehicles have made the world smaller and brought people closer together. However, he also acknowledges that these vehicles have their limitations and that they cannot take us everywhere we want to go.
Merwin's use of imagery in this stanza is particularly striking. He talks about "the long tunnels of the trains" and "the high bridges of the planes," painting a vivid picture of the different vehicles that we use to move through space and time. He also talks about how these vehicles have changed the way we experience the world, saying that "we have learned to see the world from above."
In the second stanza, Merwin explores the different vehicles that we use to communicate with each other. He talks about telephones, radios, and television, and how they have changed the way we connect with each other. He also talks about how these vehicles have made it easier for us to share our experiences and ideas with others.
Merwin's use of language in this stanza is particularly powerful. He talks about "the voices that cross the distances" and "the images that flicker and dance." He also talks about how these vehicles have made it possible for us to connect with people from all over the world, saying that "we have learned to speak in tongues that are not our own."
In the third and final stanza, Merwin talks about the different vehicles that we use to understand ourselves. He talks about books, music, and art, and how they have the power to transform us. He also talks about how these vehicles have the power to connect us with our inner selves and help us make sense of the world around us.
Merwin's use of metaphor in this stanza is particularly striking. He talks about how books can "open the doors to rooms we never knew we had," and how music can "take us to places we have never been." He also talks about how art can "show us the world in a different light."
Overall, Vehicles is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores the human experience and the different vehicles that we use to navigate through life. Merwin's use of language and imagery is particularly striking, and he has a way of painting vivid pictures with his words. The poem is a reminder that there are many different ways to experience the world, and that we should never stop exploring and discovering new things.
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