Poem Analysis - Towards The Imminent Days

Introduction: A Pastoral Embrace

Les Murray's "Towards the Imminent Days" paints a vivid and comforting picture of rural life in Australia, filtered through the lens of family and tradition. The poem evokes a sense of warmth and nostalgia, grounded in the tangible realities of farming and the enduring bonds of kinship. The poem's tone is predominantly peaceful and reflective, though it carries an undercurrent of reverence for the land and its history. This quiet admiration builds gradually, culminating in a hopeful assertion about the power of connection and the land to heal the modern world.

Historical Echoes and Grounded Present

While the poem doesn't explicitly delve into historical events, the references to "Nelson" and the "Georgic furrow" subtly nod to European influences on Australian farming and culture. The mention of beech boards from England used in the family table creates an implied connection between the present and the past. This creates a sense of legacy. The "Pleistocene clay never ploughed since the world's beginning" emphasizes the vastness of time and the deep roots of the land itself, setting the stage for the speaker to explore how the past and present meet.

The Enduring Power of Place

One of the central themes of "Towards the Imminent Days" is the deep connection between people and place. This is explored through the imagery of the land, the farm, and the family home. The "stump-ridden field of blady-grass and Pleistocene clay" is not just a landscape; it's a repository of history and a source of identity for the uncle who "sails" it. The "Georgic furrow" symbolizes the ongoing human effort to cultivate and shape the land, a practice that connects the present to generations past. The poem emphasizes how the land defines those who inhabit it, and is defined by them in turn.

Language of the Land

The poem also examines the language of property and ownership, not merely as legal constructs but as deeply embedded cultural narratives. The "charred-in black-letter script of iron characters" on the post in the ruined blacksmith shop represents a system of communication that transcends spoken language. This "weird bush syllabary" speaks directly to the "muscles of cattle" and the "world of feed," suggesting a primal understanding of land and ownership that predates formal legal codes. It also illustrates how the land itself becomes a form of language, speaking silently to those who are fluent in its history and rhythms. This theme touches on how knowledge of property is not only contained in written forms but also within the "muscles of cattle" and the memories of the farmers.

Love, Legacy, and Healing

The overarching theme of the poem appears to be the healing power of love and tradition. The speaker finds solace and hope in the simple acts of sharing a meal and engaging in familiar conversation. The "teapot of calm" represents a moment of peace and connection amidst the complexities of the modern world. The "depth in this marriage" – both the literal marriage of the aunt and uncle and the metaphorical marriage of people and the land – is presented as a force that can "heal the twentieth century." This suggests a belief in the enduring value of human relationships and the restorative power of connection to nature and heritage.

Symbols: Milk Jugs and Hidden Smiles

The "milk jug's beaded crochet cover" is a particularly evocative image. This small, domestic object represents a loving, handcrafted tradition, a symbol of care and attention to detail. The "pie spiced like islands, dissolving in cream" evokes a sense of abundance and sensory delight. The "aunt's grave mischievous smile" is another recurring image, suggesting a quiet wisdom and a deep understanding of life's complexities. This smile "shines out of every object," imbuing the familiar surroundings with a sense of warmth and affection. The smile represents the pervasive love and acceptance that the speaker experiences within this family setting.

Conclusion: A Balm for the Modern Soul

"Towards the Imminent Days" offers a poignant reflection on the enduring importance of family, tradition, and connection to the land. Les Murray's poem invites readers to find solace in the simple pleasures of rural life and to recognize the wisdom embedded in the landscapes and customs that shape our identities. It is a poem that speaks to the need for grounding and connection in an increasingly complex and fractured world, suggesting that the roots of healing can be found in the shared meals, quiet conversations, and deep-seated love that bind us to one another and to the land we call home.