Harvest at Mynachlog

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 father

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.

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.

Exploring Gillian Clarke’s “Harvest at Mynachlog”

Gillian Clarke’s “Harvest at Mynachlog” is a poignant and deeply evocative poem that invites readers into a moment of respite amidst the demanding labor of a rural harvest. This exploration delves into the poem’s rich tapestry of imagery, its profound themes, and the masterful use of literary devices that make it a compelling study for anyone seeking to understand the power of poetic expression. Discover the layers of meaning within “Harvest at Mynachlog” and appreciate its enduring impact.

“Harvest at Mynachlog” Summary and Central Idea

Gillian Clarke’s “Harvest at Mynachlog” beautifully captures a temporary pause in the strenuous work of harvesting. Set against the backdrop of a Welsh farming landscape, the poem depicts the arrival of women bringing refreshments to the weary laborers, creating a brief sanctuary from the physical toil. This moment of communal rest allows for reflection on the arduous nature of their work and the deeper currents of life and memory.

The central idea of “Harvest at Mynachlog” revolves around the profound interplay between human labor, the rhythms of nature, and the fragility of life. It highlights the importance of community and shared experience in enduring hardship, while simultaneously acknowledging the ever-present shadow of mortality. The poem suggests that even in moments of peace and abundance, the memory of loss can cast a melancholic hue, reminding all of life’s delicate balance.

A noteworthy aspect of this poem is its ability to ground universal themes within a specific, tangible setting. The vivid depiction of farm life, the physical sensations of labor, and the quiet camaraderie among workers resonate deeply, making the poem accessible while offering profound insights into the human condition.

In-Depth Analysis of “Harvest at Mynachlog”

Gillian Clarke employs a sophisticated array of literary and poetic devices to craft “Harvest at Mynachlog,” transforming a simple scene into a meditation on existence. An examination of these techniques reveals the poem’s depth and emotional resonance.

Imagery and Sensory Detail in “Harvest at Mynachlog”

The poem is rich with vivid imagery that appeals to multiple senses, immersing the reader directly into the harvest experience. Clarke does not merely describe the scene, but allows readers to feel, see, and hear it. For instance, the opening lines immediately establish a visual and tactile sense of comfort and care:

“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.”

Here, “flowered apron,” “daisied cloth,” and “dappled china” create a pastoral, comforting visual, while “sweet tea” evokes taste and warmth. This initial imagery contrasts sharply with the subsequent depiction of the laborers’ physical exhaustion:

“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 visceral imagery of “sunburnt shoulders,” “scratched with straw,” and “wrists bruised” conveys the harsh reality of manual labor, allowing the reader to almost feel the pain and fatigue. The phrase “blood beating” emphasizes the raw, physical exertion and the life force within the workers.

Metaphor and Symbolism in “Harvest at Mynachlog”

Clarke skillfully uses metaphor and symbolism to imbue the poem with deeper layers of meaning. The harvest itself functions as a powerful metaphor for life’s cycles of labor, growth, and eventual reaping. The “golden bricks” of straw, meticulously “moulding” by the baler, symbolize the tangible fruits of hard work and the abundance gleaned from the land:

“For hours the baler has been moulding
Golden bricks from the spread straw,
Spewing them at random in the stubble.”

These “golden bricks” represent not only the physical product but also the value and sustenance derived from the earth. The memory of the boy’s death serves as a potent symbol of life’s inherent fragility and the suddenness of loss, even amidst prosperity. This tragic recollection casts a shadow over the scene of abundance, reminding all that life’s bounty can be fleeting.

Personification and Figurative Language

Personification is employed to give human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract concepts, enhancing the poem’s emotional impact. The “boasting sky” in the lines describing the boy’s flight is a striking example:

“How a boy, flying his plane so low
Over the cut fields that his father
Straightened from his work to wave his hat
At the boasting sky, died minutes later”

The sky is personified as “boasting,” suggesting a proud or perhaps indifferent witness to human endeavors and tragedies. This adds a layer of cosmic irony to the boy’s fate. Another powerful instance is the “sun roar” in the concluding stanza:

“sad, hearing
The sun roar like a rush of grain
Engulfing all winged things that live
One moment in the eclipsing light.”

Here, the sun is personified with a “roar,” an auditory image that evokes immense power and an almost predatory force. This metaphor compares the sun’s overwhelming presence to a “rush of grain,” linking the source of life and growth to a destructive, engulfing power. It symbolizes the relentless passage of time and the ultimate, inevitable end of all living things, highlighting the transient nature of existence.

Sound Devices in “Harvest at Mynachlog”

Clarke subtly integrates sound devices to enhance the poem’s musicality and reinforce its themes. Alliteration, the repetition of initial consonant sounds, contributes to the poem’s flow and rhythm. Examples include “spread straw” and “sunburnt shoulders,” which create a gentle, almost lulling effect that belies the hard work described. The phrase “friendly and cool as patches of flowers at the far field edge” uses both alliteration and assonance to create a soft, welcoming sound that mirrors the comforting arrival of the women.

Assonance, the repetition of vowel sounds within words, also adds to the poem’s sonic texture. The repeated “ee” sound in “sweet tea” and “deep grass” creates a sense of harmony and connection, drawing attention to these moments of solace. The long “o” sound in “slow load” and “golden” emphasizes the weighty, deliberate nature of the work.

Enjambment and Pacing

Enjambment, the continuation of a sentence or phrase from one line to the next without a pause, is a key structural device in “Harvest at Mynachlog.” This technique creates a sense of momentum and fluidity, mirroring the continuous, often unbroken nature of farm work and the flow of memory. Consider these lines:

“How a boy, flying his plane so low
Over the cut fields that his father
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 enjambment here propels the narrative forward, reflecting the swiftness and unexpectedness of the tragedy. The lack of end-stops creates a breathless quality, emphasizing the sudden shift from a father’s proud wave to the devastating news of his son’s death. This continuous flow also connects the past tragedy directly to the present scene of abundance, highlighting the enduring presence of memory.

Diction and Tone in “Harvest at Mynachlog”

Clarke’s diction, her precise choice of words, is both simple and profoundly evocative. She avoids overly ornate language, opting for a direct, honest style that reflects the authenticity of rural life and labor. Words like “stoop,” “heaved,” “burden,” and “bruised” convey the physical demands of the harvest, while “friendly,” “cool,” and “recovered” describe the restorative power of community and rest.

The tone of “Harvest at Mynachlog” is predominantly melancholic, tinged with a quiet resilience and a deep appreciation for the natural world. While acknowledging the hardships of farm work, the poem also celebrates the bonds of community and the enduring beauty found in simple moments. The shift from the immediate physical relief to the somber recollection of the boy’s death introduces a poignant, reflective tone that pervades the latter half of the poem, culminating in the bittersweet contemplation of life’s fleeting nature.

Contrast and Juxtaposition

The poem masterfully uses contrast and juxtaposition to highlight its central themes. The harshness of physical labor is juxtaposed with moments of tender care and communal solace. The “sunburnt shoulders” and “wrists bruised” are contrasted with the “sweet tea” and “friendly and cool” women. This creates a dynamic tension between hardship and comfort, emphasizing the restorative power of human connection.

Furthermore, the present moment of harvest and abundance, with “the barns brimming gold,” is juxtaposed with the past tragedy of the boy’s death. This contrast underscores the fragility of life and the way memory can intrude upon even the most peaceful scenes, reminding readers that joy and sorrow often coexist.

The Enduring Resonance of “Harvest at Mynachlog”

“Harvest at Mynachlog” stands as a powerful testament to Gillian Clarke’s poetic skill. Through its vivid imagery, profound symbolism, and masterful use of literary devices, the poem offers a deeply moving glimpse into the lives of those who work the land. It explores universal themes of labor, community, the power of nature, and the poignant awareness of life’s fragility. This comprehensive analysis of “Harvest at Mynachlog” reveals its layers of meaning, inviting readers to appreciate its artistry and reflect on the enduring human experience it so eloquently captures.