Poem Analysis - The Dream Of Wearing Shorts Forever

Les Murray's "The Dream Of Wearing Shorts Forever" is a whimsical and thoughtful exploration of identity, freedom, and the allure of a simpler life. The poem takes the seemingly mundane garment of shorts and elevates it to a symbol of cultural and personal significance. With a tone that shifts between humorous observation and earnest contemplation, Murray uses the image of shorts as a lens through which to examine Australian identity, the tension between civilization and nature, and the desire for unburdened existence. The poem ultimately celebrates the liberating potential of embracing informality and finding contentment in the everyday.

Shorts as a Symbol of Australian Identity and Freedom

One of the central themes of the poem is the association of shorts with a specific Australian identity, particularly a rejection of formality and an embrace of the outdoors. The opening lines establish this yearning for a return to a simple, rural existence: "To go home and wear shorts forever / in the enormous paddocks, in that warm climate." This imagery connects shorts with the Australian landscape and a sense of belonging. The poem contrasts shorts with more formal or traditional garments like "Robes," "the toga, the kilt, the lava-lava," highlighting the rejection of established power structures and the embrace of egalitarianism. Murray positions shorts as a distinctly Australian "rig," a "crisp golfing style / of our youngest male National Costume," suggesting they are more than just clothing; they are a symbol of national pride and a rejection of European conventions. This association with freedom is further emphasized in the lines connecting shorts with "Scunge," a state of "holiday," "freedom from ambition," and invisibility to societal pressures.

The Spectrum of "Scunge" and the Allure of Self-Forgetfulness

Murray dedicates a significant portion of the poem to exploring the concept of "Scunge," which represents a state of relaxed informality and self-forgetfulness associated with wearing shorts. He describes it as "real negligee – housework in a swimsuit, pyjamas worn all day," illustrating the complete lack of concern for appearances and social expectations. "Scunge makes you invisible / to the world and yourself," highlighting the appealing aspect of escaping the pressures of self-awareness and external judgment. While acknowledging the potential downsides of "scunge" – that it "can get you conquered by more vigorous cultures" – Murray ultimately portrays it as a pathway to contentment and a kind of "weightlessness." The poem suggests that embracing this state of informality, symbolized by wearing shorts, allows one to access a deeper sense of self-acceptance and freedom from the burdens of ambition.

Spiritual Nudity and the Mind's Sabine Acres

Towards the end of the poem, Murray elevates shorts to a near-spiritual status. He contrasts "public nakedness" with the "angelic nudity" of shorts, suggesting that they offer a unique form of liberation that is both innocent and empowering. This "spirituality with pockets!" implies that practicality and a connection to the physical world are essential aspects of this freedom. The poem concludes with a vision of returning to nature, "to farm the mind's Sabine acres / for product and subsistence," suggesting that the freedom and self-forgetfulness associated with wearing shorts can unlock creative potential and a deeper understanding of oneself and the world. The image of "walking meditatively / among green timber, through the grassy forest / towards a calm sea" encapsulates the poem's overall message: that embracing informality and simplicity can lead to a life of contentment, connection to nature, and intellectual exploration.

A Final Insight: The Quiet Rebellion of Comfort

In conclusion, "The Dream Of Wearing Shorts Forever" is a celebration of the unpretentious, the comfortable, and the uniquely Australian. Les Murray uses the image of shorts as a symbol of freedom from social constraints, a rejection of formality, and a yearning for a simpler life connected to nature. The poem's exploration of "scunge" offers a nuanced perspective on the value of self-forgetfulness and the potential for finding contentment in the everyday. Ultimately, Murray suggests that the humble garment of shorts can be a powerful tool for self-discovery and a quiet rebellion against the pressures of modern society. The poem leaves the reader pondering the ways in which our clothing choices reflect and shape our identities, and whether embracing informality can lead to a more authentic and fulfilling existence.