Poem Analysis - An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow

An Unexpected Outburst and its Ripple Effect

Les Murray’s "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a powerful observation of a public breakdown and its surprising impact on the surrounding community. The poem begins with an almost journalistic detachment, cataloging the reactions of various bystanders. However, it soon shifts to a more contemplative and empathetic tone, exploring the complex emotions stirred up by the man’s unrestrained grief. The poem ultimately suggests that even the most ordinary display of raw emotion can hold profound significance and reveal the hidden vulnerabilities within us all. It's a portrait of communal humanity unearthed by individual sorrow.

The Contagion of Grief: A Theme of Shared Humanity

One of the central themes of the poem is the shared, often suppressed, humanity that binds us together. The man's weeping acts as a catalyst, unlocking a well of emotion in the onlookers. The initial reactions of curiosity and disruption quickly evolve into something more profound. The lines describing the uniforms who "feel, with amazement, their minds/longing for tears as children for a rainbow" powerfully illustrate this. This imagery implies a fundamental human need for emotional release, something often stifled by societal expectations of stoicism. This longing is directly contrasted with the "fiercest manhood, the toughest reserve, the slickest wit amongst us" which "trembles with silence" showing how societal pressure can suppress genuine emotion.

The Paradox of Ordinary Sorrow

The poem plays with the paradox of an "absolutely ordinary rainbow," using the rainbow, traditionally a symbol of hope and beauty, to describe an act of profound sorrow. The man's grief is described as “hard as the earth, sheer, present as the sea,” emphasizing its raw, elemental power. This raw, unadorned display of emotion contrasts with the performative or stylized grief often seen. It is in its very ordinariness, its lack of artifice, that the weeping possesses its power. The weeping man is not delivering "messages, but sorrow," stripping grief of any pretension and presenting it in its purest form. The paradoxical title highlights the extraordinary impact of an ordinary man's honest expression of pain.

The Symbolism of Tears: A Gift of Acceptance

Tears are a central symbol in the poem, representing a release of pent-up emotion and a potential for connection. The poem suggests that weeping is not a sign of weakness, but a **gift**. The woman who "shines" as she receives "the gift of weeping" embodies this. She accepts her own vulnerability and allows herself to feel, becoming a beacon for others. Conversely, those who "refuse to weep for fear of all acceptance" are trapped by their own defenses, unable to experience the catharsis and connection that weeping can provide. The man who weeps acts as a conduit, facilitating an emotional exchange within the crowd. This connects to the idea of the poem that society often discourages displays of emotion, and this man’s display is a sort of rebellion against that societal pressure.

Final Acceptance and the Departure of Grief

In conclusion, "An Absolutely Ordinary Rainbow" is a deeply moving exploration of grief, empathy, and the human need for connection. The poem suggests that even in the most mundane settings, profound emotional experiences can unfold, revealing the hidden depths of our shared humanity. The man's public weeping acts as a catalyst, exposing the vulnerabilities and longings that lie beneath the surface of everyday life. His departure, after finishing weeping, allows the city and citizens to resume life changed, showing the power of a single act to ripple through a community and leave a lasting impact. The poem prompts us to consider the importance of acknowledging and accepting our emotions, both individually and collectively.