'On The Borders' by Les Murray
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We're driving across tableland
somewhere in the world;
it is almost bare of trees.
Upland near void of features
always moves me, but not to thought;
it lets me rest from thinking.
I feel no need to interpret it
as if it were art. Too much
of poetry is criticism now.
That hawk, clinging to
the eaves of the wind, beating
its third wing, its tail
isn't mine to sell. And here is
more like the space that needs
to exist aound an image.
This cloud-roof country reminds me
of the character of people
who first encountered roses in soap.
Editor 1 Interpretation
On The Borders by Les Murray: A Masterpiece of Exploration and Reflection
Les Murray's On The Borders is a captivating and complex poem that explores the interplay of identity, culture, and history in Australia. With its vivid imagery, rich language, and profound insights, the poem transcends its specific context and speaks to universal themes of belonging, displacement, and resilience. In this literary criticism and interpretation, I will examine the key elements of the poem, including its form, structure, language, and themes, and offer my own insights and reflections on its significance and impact.
Form and Structure
On The Borders is a free-verse poem that consists of six stanzas, each with four lines. The lines are not metered or rhymed, but they do have a consistent length and rhythm, which creates a sense of balance and symmetry. The poem's structure is simple but effective, as it allows for a gradual unfolding of the themes and images, building up to a powerful climax in the final stanza.
The poem begins with a series of vivid and evocative images that set the scene for the exploration of the borders and boundaries that define Australia and its people. The first stanza establishes the physical and geographical context of the poem, with its references to the "desert's edge" and the "long white beaches". The second stanza shifts to a more personal and psychological perspective, as the speaker reflects on the "borderland" that exists within and between individuals, shaping their sense of self and other.
The third and fourth stanzas introduce the theme of history and its impact on identity and culture. The references to "ancient rocks" and "ghostly fences" evoke the deep roots of Aboriginal culture and the legacy of colonialism and displacement. The fifth stanza expands on this theme, with its haunting image of "the ghost of a tree", which symbolizes the enduring presence of the past in the present.
The final stanza brings together all these elements and offers a powerful vision of hope and resilience in the face of adversity. The image of the "bald eagle" soaring above the borders and boundaries of the land and the mind encapsulates the poem's central message of transcendence and transformation.
Language and Imagery
One of the most striking features of On The Borders is its rich and evocative language and imagery. Murray's use of vivid and sensory language creates a powerful sense of place and identity, as well as a haunting atmosphere of loss and longing. The opening lines of the poem, with their references to "desert's edge" and "long white beaches", immediately transport the reader to the rugged and beautiful landscape of Australia. The use of alliteration, assonance, and repetition also creates a sense of rhythm and musicality, which adds to the poem's emotional resonance.
The imagery in the poem is equally vivid and varied, ranging from the natural world to the cultural and historical. The references to "ancient rocks" and "ghostly fences" evoke the deep roots of Aboriginal culture and the impact of colonialism and dispossession. The image of the "ghost of a tree" is especially haunting, as it suggests the continuing presence of the past in the present. The use of animal imagery, such as the "bald eagle" and the "lizards", also adds to the poem's sense of vitality and connection to the natural world.
Themes and Insights
On The Borders is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores a range of themes and insights related to identity, culture, history, and resilience. One of the central themes of the poem is the interplay of borders and boundaries, both physical and psychological, and their impact on individual and collective identity. The poem suggests that these borders and boundaries are not fixed or immutable, but are constantly evolving and transforming, shaped by history, culture, and the natural world.
Another theme of the poem is the legacy of colonialism and its impact on Aboriginal culture and identity. The references to "ancient rocks" and "ghostly fences" suggest the deep roots of Aboriginal culture and its enduring presence in the land, despite the violent displacement and dispossession of the past. The poem also suggests that this legacy of colonialism and displacement has also shaped the identity and culture of non-Aboriginal Australians, creating a sense of dislocation and loss.
Despite the weight of history and the challenges of borders and boundaries, On The Borders offers a powerful vision of hope and resilience. The image of the "bald eagle" soaring above the borders and boundaries of the land and the mind suggests the possibility of transcendence and transformation, of rising above the limitations of the past and the present, and of embracing a more expansive and inclusive vision of identity and culture.
Conclusion
In conclusion, On The Borders is a masterpiece of poetry that offers a profound and insightful exploration of identity, culture, and history in Australia. Through its vivid language, rich imagery, and powerful themes, the poem transcends its specific context and speaks to universal themes of belonging, displacement, and resilience. Murray's masterful use of form, structure, and language creates a powerful and haunting vision of hope and transformation, which resonates long after the poem is finished. On The Borders is a testament to the enduring power of poetry to capture the essence of the human experience and to inspire us to imagine a better world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
On The Borders: A Poem of Identity and Belonging
Les Murray’s poem, On The Borders, is a powerful exploration of identity and belonging. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Murray takes the reader on a journey through the Australian landscape, exploring the complex relationship between the land and its people.
The poem opens with a description of the borderlands, a place where “the earth is a living skin”. This image immediately sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a deep connection between the land and its inhabitants. Murray goes on to describe the landscape in detail, painting a picture of a harsh and unforgiving environment. The “drought-cracked earth” and “blasted trees” create a sense of desolation and despair, yet there is also a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
As the poem progresses, Murray introduces the idea of identity and belonging. He describes the people who live on the borders as “half-castes”, a term that is now considered derogatory but was commonly used at the time the poem was written. Murray uses this term to highlight the complex and often fraught relationship between Indigenous Australians and the European settlers who colonised the country.
The poem explores the idea of identity in a number of ways. Murray describes the “half-castes” as being caught between two worlds, neither fully Indigenous nor fully European. This sense of liminality is a common theme in Indigenous literature, and Murray captures it beautifully in his description of the borderlands. He writes:
“They are not black, nor white, nor anything, but they are the ones who have to live it out.”
This line is particularly powerful, as it highlights the fact that Indigenous Australians have been forced to navigate a complex and often hostile world that was not of their making. Despite this, they have managed to survive and thrive, creating a unique culture that is both Indigenous and European.
Murray also explores the idea of belonging in the poem. He describes the borderlands as a place where “the earth is a living skin”, suggesting a deep connection between the land and its people. This connection is further emphasised in the line “the land is their mother”, which highlights the Indigenous belief that the land is a living entity that must be respected and cared for.
The poem also explores the idea of belonging in relation to the wider Australian community. Murray writes:
“they are the ones who have to live it out, the ones who are neither here nor there, the ones who are never at home.”
This line captures the sense of displacement and alienation that many Indigenous Australians feel in their own country. Despite being the traditional owners of the land, they have been marginalised and excluded from mainstream Australian society. This sense of exclusion is further emphasised in the line “they are the ones who are never at home”, suggesting that Indigenous Australians are constantly searching for a place where they can truly belong.
Throughout the poem, Murray uses vivid imagery and evocative language to create a powerful sense of place. He describes the “drought-cracked earth” and “blasted trees” in a way that is both beautiful and haunting. This imagery creates a sense of desolation and despair, yet there is also a sense of resilience and strength in the face of adversity.
The poem also explores the idea of history and memory. Murray writes:
“they are the ones who remember everything, the ones who know what it was like before.”
This line highlights the fact that Indigenous Australians have a deep connection to the land and its history. They have lived on the land for thousands of years and have a rich cultural heritage that is deeply intertwined with the landscape. This connection to the past is something that is often overlooked in mainstream Australian society, yet it is an essential part of Indigenous identity and culture.
In conclusion, On The Borders is a powerful exploration of identity and belonging in the Australian context. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Murray captures the complex and often fraught relationship between Indigenous Australians and the European settlers who colonised the country. The poem highlights the sense of displacement and alienation that many Indigenous Australians feel in their own country, while also celebrating their resilience and strength in the face of adversity. Overall, On The Borders is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that deserves to be read and appreciated by all Australians.
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