Poem Analysis - The Harleys

A Hellish Procession of Power

Les Murray's "The Harleys" is a vibrant and somewhat unsettling poem that captures the raw energy and rebellious spirit of a motorcycle gang. The poem is filled with striking imagery and a powerful sense of forward motion, portraying the riders as figures of both awe and menace. Initially, the tone is almost celebratory, but it quickly darkens as the poem progresses, highlighting the potential for destruction and the underlying sense of transgression. The poem's ending evokes a complex image of nostalgia blended with danger.

Echoes of Rebellion: Marlon Brando and Beyond

While specific historical or biographical contexts are not explicitly provided, the poem's reference to "forty years on from Marlon" strongly suggests an engagement with the cultural impact of Marlon Brando's iconic portrayal of a motorcycle gang leader in the 1953 film *The Wild One*. This reference anchors the poem in a historical moment where motorcycle culture became associated with youthful rebellion, anti-establishment attitudes, and a certain brand of masculine power. The poem acknowledges this legacy while simultaneously pushing beyond it, creating a modern, almost mythic vision of the Harley riders.

Themes of Freedom, Power, and Transgression

One of the central themes is freedom, embodied in the act of riding and the escape from societal norms. The phrase "all riding astride, on the outside" emphasizes the riders' position on the periphery of conventional society, both literally on their motorcycles and figuratively in their lifestyle. A second theme is power, conveyed through the poem's vivid descriptions of the motorcycles themselves ("sleek grunt vehicles") and the riders' physical presence ("massed in leather muscle"). The roaring engines and imposing figures suggest an unrestrained force. Closely related to power is the theme of transgression, particularly in the image of "Santas from Hell." This phrase directly subverts the traditionally benevolent image of Santa Claus, presenting the riders as figures who disrupt and challenge societal expectations.

Symbolic Imagery: From Sveinn Forkbeard to Hellish Santas

The poem is rich in striking imagery. The opening lines, with references to "Sveinn Forkbeard" (an historical Viking king) and figures like "Moe Snow-Whitebeard" and "Possum Brushbeard," immediately elevate the motorcycle gang to a level of almost mythical significance, associating them with historical figures known for their power and ferocity. The repeated use of "beard" also hints at a deliberate, perhaps ironic, connection to masculinity. The image of the "Santas from Hell" is particularly potent. This juxtaposition of the sacred and the profane creates a sense of unease and challenges our preconceived notions. It suggests that these riders, while potentially destructive, also represent a kind of disruptive force that challenges the status quo. Perhaps the image can be interpreted as an illustration that society's benevolent symbols can have their dark underbellies.

Final Roll: A Synthesis of Menace and Memory

In conclusion, "The Harleys" is a powerful and evocative poem that explores themes of freedom, power, and transgression through the lens of motorcycle culture. By drawing on historical and cultural references, Les Murray creates a complex and unsettling portrait of the Harley riders, who are at once figures of rebellion and symbols of a darker undercurrent within society. The poem lingers in the mind, prompting reflection on the allure and potential consequences of embracing a life outside the bounds of convention. Ultimately, it reminds us that even seemingly simple images can contain layers of complex and challenging meanings.