Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Rainbow" by David Baker is a multilayered narrative poem that weaves together personal reflection, historical allusion, and a deep engagement with the natural world to explore themes of legacy, memory, and the search for meaning. Through the juxtaposition of the speaker's contemporary life with the diaristic entries of Samuel Sewall, a 17th-century figure, Baker creates a dialogue across time that examines the universal human desire to make sense of our existence, to connect with others, and to leave something lasting behind.

The poem begins with the speaker reflecting on the laborious task of building a swing set for his daughter amidst continuous rain, drawing a parallel to the meticulous journaling of Sewall, who finds significance in the everyday occurrences of his life, including the weather and its implications. This connection between physical labor and the labor of writing underscores the poem's exploration of how we create meaning through our actions and records.

As the narrative unfolds, Baker skillfully integrates Sewall's observations of his environment and the events of his time with the speaker's contemporary experiences, highlighting the continuity of human concerns across centuries. The mention of a "NOBLE Rainbow" in Sewall's journal serves as a focal point for the poem, symbolizing hope, covenant, and the transient beauty of the world.

The speaker's reflections on his relationship with his daughter and his fears about the legacy of temperament and memory he will leave behind deepen the poem's examination of parental responsibility and the ways in which we influence and are influenced by those we love. The concern for his daughter's safety and her future, paralleled with his own reflections on his father's anger and his stroke, reveals the complex interplay of genetics, behavior, and memory that shapes our identities and relationships.

Baker's incorporation of Sewall's dream about losing his daughter in a small closet adds another layer to the poem's meditation on loss, memory, and the fear of what we cannot control. This dream, along with the speaker's own worries about forgetfulness and the loss of meaning, underscores the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing the moments we have.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of a father comforting his child during a storm, a scene that resonates with the poem's themes of protection, love, and the enduring human effort to provide comfort and assurance in the face of life's uncertainties. This closing image serves as a testament to the poem's exploration of the ways in which we seek to connect with others, to make sense of our experiences, and to find solace in the beauty and complexity of the world around us.

"The Rainbow" is a rich and evocative poem that invites readers to reflect on the connections between past and present, the natural world and human emotion, and the enduring quest for meaning and legacy in the tapestry of life. Through its intricate narrative and thematic depth, Baker offers a poignant meditation on the human condition, the power of memory, and the beauty of the natural world as sources of inspiration and consolation.

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