Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Haying Before Storm" captures a moment of intense anticipation and natural beauty, set against the backdrop of an impending storm. The poem weaves together themes of labor, nature, and the ephemeral nature of time, presenting a vivid tableau of human and natural activity.

The poem begins with a description of the sky, which is described as "unmistakable" and painted in "bruise-color," suggesting both a visual richness and an underlying sense of foreboding. This sky is "illuminated" and "limitless," hinting at its vastness and the impending power it holds. The poet's choice of colors and descriptions creates an atmosphere that is charged with the potential for change and disruption.

Beneath this sky, the scene is set in a valley filled with friends who are busy gathering the harvest. The description of the "live-colored harvest" evokes a sense of vitality and immediacy, emphasizing the importance of the task at hand. The friends are described as neither hoping nor dreading, but simply doing—engaged in the work that needs to be done before the storm arrives. This depiction of action without overt emotion suggests a pragmatic approach to life and its challenges.

The poet's position as an observer is established with the line, "I stand where I can see / Holding a small pitcher, coming in toward / The doers and the day." This perspective allows the poet to reflect on the scene, capturing both the physical activity and the deeper significance of the moment. The small pitcher she holds contrasts with the larger, more communal efforts of the harvesters, highlighting her role as a witness and commentator.

Rukeyser uses imagery to convey the sense of urgency and the transient nature of the moment. The "blade of the strong hay stands like light before me" is a powerful image that suggests both the fragility and the resilience of life. The hay, representing the harvest and the culmination of labor, stands momentarily in the light before being consumed by the approaching storm.

The sky, described as a "torment on our eyes," underscores the inevitability of the storm and the limited time available to complete the harvest. The repetition of the phrase "there is hardly" in the lines "There is hardly a moment to stand before the storm. / There is hardly time to lay hand to the great earth" emphasizes the fleeting nature of time and the urgency of the present. This sense of urgency is contrasted with the timeless power that "shines past storm," suggesting that while storms and challenges are inevitable, there is a greater enduring force that persists beyond them.

"Haying Before Storm" encapsulates a moment of intense activity and anticipation, set against the powerful forces of nature. Through vivid imagery and a keen observation of human and natural rhythms, Muriel Rukeyser captures the essence of labor, the ephemeral nature of time, and the enduring power that transcends the immediate challenges of life. The poem serves as a reminder of the importance of action and presence in the face of inevitable change.

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