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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Watering the Horse" by Robert Bly is a succinct yet profound reflection on the moment of clarity and presence that can emerge from relinquishing ambition. In just a few lines, Bly captures a transformative moment of realization, where the act of noticing a simple, natural beauty becomes a profound experience. This poem explores themes of mindfulness, the beauty in the mundane, and the liberation found in letting go of one's striving for more. The opening line, "How strange to think of giving up all ambition!" introduces a contemplative and somewhat counterintuitive notion. In a world that often values achievement and progress, the idea of abandoning ambition is presented as both odd and enlightening. This statement sets the stage for a shift in perspective, inviting the reader to consider the value of being present and finding contentment in what is already at hand. The revelation that follows, "Suddenly I see with such clear eyes," signifies a moment of awakening or epiphany. The act of giving up ambition does not lead to loss or emptiness, but rather to a heightened state of awareness and perception. Bly suggests that it is through the relinquishing of constant desire and striving that one can truly see the world and appreciate its beauty. The focus of this newfound clarity is captured in the image of "The white flake of snow / That has just fallen in the horse's mane." This detail, small and easily overlooked, becomes imbued with significance. The snowflake, unique and ephemeral, resting in the horse's mane, symbolizes the fleeting, delicate moments of beauty that permeate our lives. By highlighting this simple scene, Bly elevates the ordinary to the extraordinary, illustrating how moments of true presence can reveal the profound in the everyday. "Watering the Horse" is a meditation on the power of presence, the beauty of simplicity, and the liberation that comes from letting go of ambition. Robert Bly, through this brief but impactful poem, invites readers to pause, to notice, and to appreciate the world around them with "such clear eyes." The poem serves as a reminder of the richness of experience available to us when we shift our focus from the pursuit of achievement to the appreciation of the present moment. Through the act of watering the horse and noticing the snowflake, Bly offers a pathway to a deeper engagement with life, marked by awareness, wonder, and contentment.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...A RHYME OUT OF MOTLEY by AMY LOWELL PENCIL STUB JOURNALS: ON AN EXALTED NONENTITY by JOHN CIARDI THERE ARE ROUGHLY ZONES by ROBERT FROST SPOON RIVER ANTHOLOGY: ALBERT SCHIRDING by EDGAR LEE MASTERS THE ARCHITECT (2) by KAREN SWENSON FAILING AND FLYING by JACK GILBERT |
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