Harvest at Mynachlog
By Gillian Clarke
At last the women come with baskets,
The older one in flowered apron,
A daisied cloth covering the bread
And dappled china, sweet tea
In a vast can. The women stoop
Spreading their cups in the clover.The engines stop. A buzzard watches
From the fence. We bury our wounds
In the deep grass: sunburnt shoulders,
Bodies scratched with straw, wrists bruised
From the weight of the bales, blood beating.For hours the baler has been moulding
Golden bricks from the spread straw,
Spewing them at random in the stubble.
I followed the slow load, heaved each
Hot burden, feeling the sun contained.And unseen over me a man leaned,
Taking the weight to make the toppling
Load. Then the women came, friendly
And cool as patches of flowers at the far
Field edge, mothy and blurred in the heat.We are soon recovered and roll over
In the grass to take our tea. We talk
Of other harvests. They remember
How a boy, flying his plane so low
Over the cut fields that his fatherStraightened from his work to wave his hat
At the boasting sky, died minutes later
On an English cliff, in such a year
As this, the barns brimming gold.We are quiet again, holding our cups
In turn for the tilting milk, sad, hearing
The sun roar like a rush of grain
Engulfing all winged things that live
One moment in the eclipsing light.
Summary of Harvest at Mynachlog
Gillian Clarke’s “Harvest at Mynachlog” is a beautifully observed poem that captures a moment of respite amid the demanding work of the harvest. Set in a Welsh farming landscape, the poem depicts the arrival of women bringing refreshments to the laborers, creating a temporary haven amidst the strenuous physical work. Beyond a simple depiction of rural life, the poem subtly explores themes of community, shared experience, and the poignant awareness of life’s fragility. The poem is notable for its evocative imagery, realistic depiction of labor, and the melancholic undercurrent evoked by a recounted tragedy.
At its heart, “Harvest at Mynachlog” is a poem about pausing, acknowledging the cost of labor—both physical and emotional—and finding a moment of connection in a harsh environment. The memory of the boy who died while flying over the fields casts a shadow over the scene, reminding us that even in moments of peaceful restoration, loss and mortality remain ever‑present.
Analysis of Poetic Devices Used in Harvest at Mynachlog
Clarke masterfully employs a range of literary and poetic devices to create a rich and layered poem. These are not merely embellishments but tools that deepen the poem’s meaning and impact. Let’s examine some key techniques.
Imagery and Sensory Detail
The poem is brimming with vivid imagery that engages multiple senses. Clarke doesn’t just tell us about the harvest; she allows us to experience it. Consider these lines:
“The engines stop. A buzzard watches
From the fence. We bury our wounds
In the deep grass: sunburnt shoulders,
Bodies scratched with straw, wrists bruised
From the weight of the bales, blood beating.”
Here, the imagery is visceral—we feel the pain and exhaustion of the laborers. The “sunburnt shoulders” and “bruised wrists” are not just descriptions; they are evidence of hard work and sacrifice. The image of burying our wounds is particularly striking, suggesting a temporary concealment of pain rather than true healing.
Metaphor and Symbolism
Clarke uses metaphor and symbolism to add layers of meaning to the poem. The harvest itself can be seen as a metaphor for life—a time of labor, growth, and eventual reaping. The golden bricks of straw, while literal, also symbolize the fruits of labor and the abundance of the land. The boy’s death, recounted in the poem, is symbolic, representing the fragility of life and the ever‑present threat of loss.
The sun roaring like a rush of grain is a powerful example of personification and metaphor, suggesting the overwhelming power of nature and its ability to both nurture and consume.
Sound Devices
Clarke subtly employs sound devices to enhance the poem’s musicality and create a particular mood. Notice the use of alliteration in phrases such as “friendly and cool” and “bodies scratched.” While not overwhelming, these instances of repeated consonant sounds contribute to the poem’s flow and rhythm.
The poem also uses assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, creating a sense of harmony and resonance. For example, the repetition of the “e” sound in “sweet tea” and “deep grass” creates a sense of sonic connection.
Enjambment
Clarke uses enjambment—the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next—to create a sense of momentum and fluidity. This technique mirrors the continuous, unbroken nature of the harvest work. For instance:
“Straightened from his work to wave his hat
At the boasting sky, died minutes later
On an English cliff, in such a year
As this, the barns brimming gold.”
The flow of the lines mirrors the swiftness of the tragedy, creating a poignant contrast between the ordinary gesture of waving and the sudden, devastating loss.
Diction and Tone
Clarke’s diction—her choice of words—is precise and evocative. She avoids overly ornate language, opting for a simple, direct style that reflects the honesty and authenticity of rural life. The tone of the poem is predominantly melancholic, tinged with a sense of quiet resilience. The poem does not shy away from acknowledging the hardships of farm work, but it also celebrates the bonds of community and the enduring beauty of the natural world.
Quotes to be Used
These lines from “Harvest at Mynachlog” are particularly evocative and useful for illustrating themes of labor, loss, and the beauty of the natural world:
“The engines stop. A buzzard watches
From the fence. We bury our wounds
In the deep grass: sunburnt shoulders,
Bodies scratched with straw, wrists bruised
From the weight of the bales, blood beating.”
This passage vividly depicts the physical toll of farm work and the laborers’ attempts to find temporary respite. It is a powerful image that encapsulates the poem’s central themes.
And consider this poignant line:
“We are quiet again, holding our cups
In turn for the tilting milk, sad, hearing
The sun roar like a rush of grain”
This simple scene encapsulates the poem’s melancholic tone and the sense of quiet contemplation that pervades the harvest landscape.
“Harvest at Mynachlog” is a deeply moving poem that offers a powerful glimpse into the lives of those who work the land. Its evocative imagery, subtle symbolism, and skillful use of poetic devices create a lasting impression on the reader, prompting us to reflect on the beauty, hardship, and fragility of life.