Poem Analysis - Flowering Eucalypt In Autumn

A Burst of Life in Autumn's Embrace

Les Murray's "Flowering Eucalypt In Autumn" is a vibrant celebration of nature, specifically the Australian eucalypt in its autumnal glory. The poem is rich in sensory detail, particularly visual and olfactory, creating a vivid portrait of the tree and its surrounding ecosystem. The tone is largely celebratory and awestruck, shifting slightly to a more reflective and philosophical mood in the latter half as the poet contemplates growth and decay. The poem is a testament to the resilience and beauty found even in the seemingly "tough" and "raucous" aspects of the natural world.

Australian Landscape and Identity

Les Murray is a prominent Australian poet known for his focus on the Australian landscape and its influence on national identity. "Flowering Eucalypt In Autumn" reflects this interest by immersing the reader in the sights, sounds, and smells of a distinctly Australian environment. The mention of "parrot gang with green pocketknife wings" and "fig-squirting bats" immediately grounds the poem in a specific geographical context. The description of the "dried-blood western gum tree" itself speaks to the harsh, often unforgiving, beauty of the Australian outback, a recurring theme in Murray's work.

The Cycle of Life and Death

One of the central themes in the poem is the continuous cycle of life, death, and rebirth, evident in the juxtaposition of vibrant blossoms and decaying petals. The poem opens with the eucalypt in full bloom, "retarded en masse by crimson blossom," highlighting the vitality of the tree. However, the "eyelash drift" and "minute urns" of fallen blooms scattered beneath the tree remind us of the inevitable decline. This cycle is further reinforced by the comparison with the Japanese plum tree, where the speaker contemplates the artistic possibilities of fallen petals, suggesting that even in decay, there is potential for beauty and new beginnings. The final image of the "crusted riverbed with up-country show towns" underscores this theme, illustrating how life emerges even from seemingly barren landscapes.

Sensory Imagery and Nature's Power

Murray employs vivid imagery to convey the power and beauty of nature. The description of the eucalypt's foliage as "strung haze-blue" and the blossoms as "flared like a sneeze in a redhaired nostril" creates a powerful and somewhat unusual visual impression. The olfactory sense is evoked with the "honeyed model of the tree's fragrance" that "crisping in your head." These sensory details contribute to a sense of immediacy and immersion, allowing the reader to experience the eucalypt and its environment as if they were physically present. The "pinch-sized rockets knocked down by winds" is a brilliant metaphor for the delicate, yet powerful, life force contained within each bloom.

From Blossoms to "Swish Tatters": The Enduring Strength

The final stanza offers a poignant reflection on the enduring nature of the eucalypt. From the delicate blossoms, the poem shifts to a description of the tree's mature form as a "tower of fabulous swish tatters, a map hoisted upright." This image suggests a rugged strength and resilience, highlighting the tree's ability to withstand the elements and continue to grow. The comparison to a "crusted riverbed with up-country show towns" suggests that even in a seemingly desolate landscape, life persists and flourishes. The poem ultimately celebrates the enduring power and beauty of the natural world, finding value in both the vibrant blossoms and the weathered remains of the eucalypt.