Poem Analysis - Cockspur Bush

An Introduction to Resilience

Les Murray's "Cockspur Bush" is a powerful affirmation of life's tenacious hold, even in the face of adversity. The poem adopts the voice of the bush itself, creating a sense of intimate connection with the natural world. The tone is initially reflective, even resigned, acknowledging the cycles of life and death, but it gradually shifts to a celebration of survival, adaptation, and intrinsic value. The bush’s resilience, resourcefulness and connection to the ecosystem are a key focus.

The Bush as Survivor: Embracing the Life Cycle

One of the main themes explored in "Cockspur Bush" is that of resilience and the enduring power of nature. The opening lines, "I am lived. I am died," immediately establish the cyclical nature of existence, a constant flux of creation and destruction. The poem then details the various hardships the bush has endured – grazing, pruning by cattle, and the preying of butcher birds. Yet, instead of succumbing, the bush "multiplied, sharp-thorned and caned," adapting and thriving despite the challenges. The phrase "earth-salt by sun-sugar" encapsulates this process, showcasing the bush's ability to transform harsh elements into sustenance and growth.

Nature's Interconnected Web: More Than Just Survival

Another prominent theme is the interconnectedness of life within an ecosystem. The bush provides shelter and sustenance for various creatures, from thrushes and finches to mice and lizards. The line "nested and raised" speaks to its role as a habitat, while "Inches in, baby seed-screamers get supplied" highlights its contribution to propagation and renewal. The poem illustrates that the bush's existence is not solitary; it is deeply intertwined with the lives of other organisms, all contributing to the overall balance of the environment. Its beauty extends beyond simple survival; it exists as part of a grander scheme.

The Triumph over "Starve-Gut Instinct"

The poem also subtly explores the tension between nature's inherent tendencies and external pressures, suggesting a theme of resistance to control. The "starve-gut instinct to make prairies / of everywhere" can be interpreted as a metaphor for human intervention or destructive forces that seek to homogenize and dominate the landscape. The bush, with its "cattle-pruned" shape and thorns, stands as a symbol of defiance against this instinct. It refuses to be eradicated, instead adapting and maintaining its unique form and function within the ecosystem. The bush’s thorns become a testament to its refusal to be controlled.

Symbolism of Thorns and Berries: Defense and Sustenance

Several symbols contribute significantly to the poem's message. The thorns represent both protection and a deterrent, a defense mechanism against external threats. They are "stuck with caries / of mice and rank lizards by the butcher bird," illustrating the harsh realities of survival and the bush's role in a food chain that includes death. The berries, on the other hand, symbolize sustenance, fertility, and the continuation of life. The contrasting descriptions of "now fewer berries, now more of sling / out over directions of luscious dung" suggests nature's unpredictable cycle, where abundance and scarcity alternate, but the overall drive towards propagation remains constant.

A Final Resilience

"Cockspur Bush" is a compelling meditation on resilience, interconnectedness, and the enduring power of life. Through the personified voice of the bush, Murray captures the beauty and tenacity of the natural world. The poem ultimately suggests that even in the face of hardship and external pressures, life persists, adapts, and continues to contribute to the intricate web of existence. The cockspur bush stands as a small monument to the everyday miracles of nature.