Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "All the Difficult Hours and Minutes" by Jane Hirshfield is a study in contrast, transformation, and the idea that even calamity is temporary and cyclical. Through its vivid imagery and intricate metaphor of salted plums (umeboshi) in a jar, the poem delves into the complexities of human emotions, particularly the notion of adversity turning into tranquility over time.

The opening lines, "All the difficult hours and minutes / are like salted plums in a jar," immediately encapsulate the idea that challenging times are preserved, like salted plums, but are also transformative. These "hours and minutes" are not static; they are "wrinkled," turning "steeply into themselves," as if contemplating their nature and potential for change. The words "wrinkled" and "steeply" suggest age and depth, invoking the idea that difficult times are often filled with introspection and concentrated emotional energy.

The plums "mutter something the color of sharkfins to the glass," a line steeped in nuanced symbolism. The color of shark fins could evoke danger, mystery, or depth-emotions and experiences lurking beneath the surface. This line is a nod to the unfathomable aspects of our struggles that are often hard to express but nonetheless real. The fact that these feelings are directed "to the glass" suggests a degree of self-examination or perhaps scrutiny from the outside world.

The line "Just so, calamity turns toward calmness" forms the crux of the poem. It's a statement of transformation, reminiscent of Eastern philosophies like Taoism, where all things are in a cycle of change, turning from one opposite into another. In this cyclical vision of life, there's the suggestion that one's difficulties are not permanent but part of a greater, ever-changing pattern.

Finally, "First the jar holds the umeboshi, then the rice does," brings full circle the idea of transformation and cyclical change. Umeboshi, or salted plums, are often eaten with rice, and this reference evokes a sense of completeness, where one element complements the other. Just as the jar first holds the umeboshi (the symbol of difficult times), later, the rice (perhaps a symbol of nourishment and sustenance) also holds it, integrating the experience into something more fulfilling or complete.

This simple yet deeply philosophical poem examines the passage of time and the potential for change in even the most trying circumstances. It uses the metaphor of salted plums and a jar to explore the complexities of life's difficulties, suggesting that within each calamity lies the seed of tranquility, waiting for its moment to unfold. Hirshfield masterfully captures this essence, inviting the reader to consider the transformative power of time, adversity, and the cyclical nature of life itself.

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...