Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tess Gallagher’s poem “Redwing” is a rich meditation on the nature of poetry, perception, and mythology. Through the imagery of a rainbow and the allusion to a myth, Gallagher explores the profound and often unseen connections between the natural world, human imagination, and the art of poetry.

The poem begins with a broad statement about the readers and writers of poetry, referring to them as a “nation inside the nation.” This metaphor suggests that those who engage with poetry form a distinct community, united by their appreciation for the art form. Poetry, in this context, becomes a separate realm with its own rules and inhabitants, existing parallel to the everyday world.

Gallagher then describes a moment of witnessing a rainbow over the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The vivid description of the rainbow’s “violet inner rim” and “guess-work dome of crimson” creates a striking visual image. The phrase “guess-work dome” implies a sense of wonder and the limitations of human understanding when faced with natural beauty. The speaker acknowledges the need to position oneself correctly—“My back to the sun for this to happen at all”—highlighting the idea that perspective is crucial in perceiving such phenomena.

The poem’s next lines delve into the act of seeing beyond the visible: “the eye extending its shadow until it sees into what it doesn’t see.” This paradoxical statement captures the essence of poetic vision, where imagination and perception extend beyond the physical realm to grasp deeper truths. The speaker rejects the need to understand the scientific principles of a rainbow—“I don’t have to think of raindrops hanging as light”—instead embracing the awe and mystery it inspires.

Gallagher introduces the myth of the Vilela Indians, where a rainbow is imagined as a gigantic serpent charmed by a small girl. This myth adds a layer of narrative and cultural richness to the poem, connecting the natural phenomenon to human storytelling and belief. The serpent’s eventual defeat by an army of birds, each bird dipping itself in the monster’s blood, symbolizes the triumph of small, seemingly insignificant forces over a mighty adversary. This victory is portrayed as both violent and redemptive, a powerful transformation where blood signifies both destruction and renewal.

In this myth, the rainbow-serpent and the birds become potent symbols. The serpent, initially charmed and then vanquished, represents the wild and uncontrollable aspects of nature and life. The birds, acting collectively and dipping themselves in the serpent’s blood, signify resilience, unity, and the capacity for renewal through struggle.

Gallagher’s use of myth and natural imagery serves to elevate the act of seeing and writing poetry to a mythic level. Poetry, like the rainbow and the myth, is both a reflection of and a commentary on the world. It captures fleeting moments of beauty and transforms them into something enduring and meaningful.

“Redwing” is a contemplative poem that celebrates the imaginative power of poetry and its ability to connect us to the deeper, often unseen aspects of life. Through the interplay of natural imagery and myth, Gallagher invites readers to consider how perspective, imagination, and storytelling shape our understanding of the world. The poem suggests that while we may not fully grasp the scientific or rational explanations behind phenomena, we can find profound meaning and beauty through the lens of poetry and myth.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...