Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Resolution" by Eamon Grennan uses the metaphor of a burning house to delve into themes of decay, renewal, and the arduous process of reconstruction. The poem juxtaposes the destructive forces of nature and time with the resilient human spirit, emphasizing the necessity of effort and determination in restoring what has been lost.

The poem begins with a stark and dramatic metaphor: "Since life is like a burning house, what can he make / Of the wells he finds in the fields around here." This comparison sets a tone of urgency and impermanence, suggesting that life is inherently unstable and prone to sudden destruction. The wells, symbols of potential sustenance and renewal, are initially presented as neglected and unusable: "their walls / Scummed with moss, beetles swimming in their frigid / Green depths, not a drop drinkable till a hard scouring / Happens." The imagery of moss-covered walls and beetle-infested waters conveys a sense of abandonment and decay, emphasizing the need for cleansing and revitalization.

Grennan paints a vivid picture of the desolation left in the wake of destruction: "Ruined stone, a rusted padlock, nettles hemming / Broken glass: the fire that took the life of the place has left / Such signs of flourishing decay." These details evoke a landscape where nature has begun to reclaim the ruins, highlighting the persistence of life even in decay. The "rusted padlock" and "broken glass" symbolize the remnants of human presence, now overtaken by the relentless march of time and natural processes.

The poem then shifts focus to the protagonist's resolve: "With a steel brush, / A shears, a fresh vessel, he'll begin the business of cutting / And cleansing." This sequence of actions—cutting away the overgrowth, scrubbing the moss, and preparing a new container—represents the practical and determined efforts required to restore the wells. The use of "steel brush" and "shears" implies a methodical and disciplined approach, while the "fresh vessel" symbolizes readiness for renewal.

Grennan emphasizes the transformative power of these efforts: "Then, with clear water in the earth under him, / He'll bend to the next task, building from the ground up." The "clear water" represents the successful restoration of the wells, now capable of providing sustenance and symbolizing a purified, revitalized source of life. This achievement allows the protagonist to move on to the next phase of reconstruction, "building from the ground up." This phrase encapsulates the essence of renewal, suggesting a foundational and thorough approach to rebuilding not just the physical structures, but also the spirit and purpose behind them.

"Resolution" by Eamon Grennan is a powerful meditation on the themes of destruction, decay, and the potential for renewal through determined effort. The vivid imagery and metaphorical language underscore the challenges of restoring what has been lost, while also highlighting the resilience and resolve necessary to undertake such a task. Through the protagonist's methodical and disciplined actions, the poem conveys a message of hope and perseverance, suggesting that even in the face of profound destruction, there is always the possibility of renewal and reconstruction. Grennan's poem ultimately celebrates the human capacity for resilience and the enduring quest for clarity and sustenance in a world marked by impermanence and decay.

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