Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

James Galvin’s poem “Cherry Blossoms Blowing in West Blowing Snow” is a contemplative and poignant reflection on the life and legacy of the speaker’s friend, Ray. Through vivid imagery and tender recollection, the poem explores themes of labor, transience, and the quiet heroism of everyday acts of kindness.

The poem opens with a stark statement: “The industry of flowers / Is dying young.” This line immediately sets a somber tone, suggesting the premature end of beauty and life. The mention of flowers, often symbols of fleeting beauty, serves as a metaphor for Ray’s life and the ephemeral nature of existence. The speaker then transitions to a personal note: “My friend Ray, I'm afraid, is gone.” This direct and unembellished declaration underscores the poem’s emotional gravity.

Ray is depicted as a man deeply connected to the land and its rhythms: “His crook was a shovel, / His flock was water.” This pastoral imagery likens Ray to a shepherd, but instead of tending sheep, he manages water—a vital and precious resource in the dry country where he lives. The poem details Ray’s practical and benevolent actions: building snowfences, shoveling ditches, and ensuring the reservoirs are filled for the ranchers. These actions highlight Ray’s role as a caretaker and a problem-solver, essential yet often overlooked.

The repetition of Ray’s contribution, “He filled the reservoir / For the ranchers / On the prairie,” emphasizes the importance and consistency of his work. Ray’s labor is framed as a selfless service to his community, driven by a desire to help others: “Ray just wanted to help someone / By building a bridge / Across a ditch / Or clearing a neighbor's winter road.” His acts of kindness extend to gathering mountain phlox for a widow’s windowbox, symbolizing his attentiveness to both practical needs and emotional well-being.

The poem then shifts to a reflective tone, contemplating the harshness of the environment: “It's hard to be happy / In such a dry country.” This line underscores the difficulty of finding joy and sustenance in a place where resources are scarce. Ray’s efforts to fill the reservoirs are portrayed as vital in combating the harsh conditions, providing a lifeline where “otherwise only weeds would grow.”

In a poignant turn, the poem describes Ray’s final journey: “Up the mountain, early spring, / He shouldered his shovel / Like a single, useless wing.” The image of the shovel as a wing suggests both the burden of his labor and a sense of transcendence, as if Ray’s work lifts him towards a higher purpose. The phrase “under the grass was the last thing he wanted” subtly implies Ray’s awareness of his mortality, and his acceptance of it.

The poem’s closing lines bring a sense of quiet resolution and humility: “Each one shouldered a wing / And climbed the window into the sky, / As if to show us humility, / The science of living on.” The image of ants carrying moth wings and climbing towards the sky serves as a powerful metaphor for perseverance and humility. It suggests that life, despite its hardships and losses, continues with grace and resilience.

“Cherry Blossoms Blowing in West Blowing Snow” is a moving tribute to the enduring spirit of a humble, hardworking man. Through its rich imagery and reflective narrative, the poem captures the essence of Ray’s life and the impact of his quiet acts of service. Galvin’s portrayal of Ray’s connection to the land and his community highlights the profound beauty in ordinary, everyday actions, and the lasting legacy of a life well-lived.

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