History by John Burnside

Analysis of the Title

The title "History" immediately suggests a reflection on past events. It conveys a sense of looking back and examining the significance of what has occurred. In the context of John Burnside's poem, it not only refers to personal or collective memories but also to the broader historical events, particularly the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. The title invites readers to consider how history shapes identity, emotions, and perceptions of the world.

Structure and Form

Form, Meter, and Rhyme

• The poem is composed of 73 lines broken into nine stanzas of varying lengths.
• It employs free verse, with no consistent rhyme scheme, which lends a conversational and contemporary tone.
• The poem transitions into iambic pentameter in the fourth stanza, providing a rhythmic consistency that contrasts with the initial irregularity.
• The frequent use of enjambment enhances the flow and continuity of thoughts, reflecting the speaker's wandering reflections.

Speaker

• The speaker appears to be John Burnside, given the personal references to his son Lucas and the setting in his home country of Scotland.
• He grapples with fear and uncertainty in a world of violence and environmental degradation.
• Despite the overarching dread, he strives to remain present, appreciating the small, immediate moments with his son.

Setting

• The poem is set on West Sands beach in St. Andrews, Scotland, in September 2001, amidst the global shock of the 9/11 attacks.
• The beach setting contrasts the natural beauty and peacefulness of the location with the underlying anxiety and fear resulting from the attacks.

Poetic Devices

Enjambment

• The poem is heavily enjambed, spreading thoughts across multiple lines to create anticipation and a thoughtful tone. For example: "Today / as we flew the kites"

Caesura

• Caesurae within lines slow the reader down, creating a contemplative rhythm. For instance: "patient; be afraid; but still, through everything"

Alliteration

• Alliteration adds musicality and emphasizes important images, such as: "sand spinning", "gasoline gusting"

Repetition

• Repetition of words and phrases underscores key themes and emotions, like the anaphora of "Today".

Allusion

• The poem alludes to the September 11 attacks, providing historical context without directly naming the event. This is seen in the epigraph: "St Andrews: West Sands; September 2001"

Key Themes

Fear, Uncertainty, and Connection

• The poem explores the fear and uncertainty in the wake of the 9/11 attacks, juxtaposed with moments of connection and attentiveness to the present. This is encapsulated in the line: "with the news in my mind, and the muffled dread / of what may come."

Innocence, Curiosity, and Vulnerability

• The speaker contrasts the innocence and curiosity of his child with his anxiety, highlighting a protective instinct and a desire to safeguard purity in a tumultuous world.

Humanity, Identity, and Nature

• The poem suggests that true identity and connection are found beyond human-made boundaries, in the natural world. The speaker reflects: "something lost between the world we own / and what we dream about behind the names."

Line by Line Analysis

Lines 1-5

Today

as we flew the kites

the sand spinning off in ribbons along the beach

and that gasoline smell from Leuchars gusting across

the golf links;

"Today"

• The word "Today" grounds the poem in the present moment.
• It sets a reflective tone, indicating the speaker is recounting a current or recent event.

"as we flew the kites"

• This line introduces a peaceful activity, creating a calm atmosphere.
• The simplicity of flying kites contrasts with the underlying tension hinted at in the following lines.

"the sand spinning off in ribbons along the beach"

• The imagery of sand spinning in ribbons creates a vivid picture of the scene.
• It suggests movement and the passage of time, emphasizing the transient nature of the moment.

"and that gasoline smell from Leuchars gusting across"

• The mention of a gasoline smell introduces a sense of unease.
• It hints at the presence of the nearby airbase in Leuchars, linking the scene to broader geopolitical events.

"the golf links;"

• The image of the golf course reinforces the everyday setting.
• It highlights the intrusion of external, potentially dangerous elements into a peaceful environment.

Lines 6-11

the tide far out

and quail-grey in the distance;

people

jogging, or stopping to watch

as the war planes cambered and turned

in the morning light –

"the tide far out"

• The tide being far out suggests exposure and vulnerability.
• It symbolizes the ebb and flow of life and events, reflecting the broader themes of change and uncertainty.

"and quail-grey in the distance;"

• The quail-grey colour adds to the subdued, reflective mood.
• It creates a visual contrast with the more immediate, colourful activity of the people on the beach.

"people"

• The presence of people introduces a communal aspect to the scene.
• It emphasizes the normalcy and routine of daily life, despite underlying tensions.

"jogging, or stopping to watch"

• These activities depict ordinary life, emphasizing the routine nature of the scene.
• The act of stopping to watch suggests curiosity or concern, hinting at the intrusion of unusual events.

"as the war planes cambered and turned"

• The warplanes contrast sharply with the peaceful beach scene, introducing a sense of threat.
• Their manoeuvres symbolize ongoing conflict and its impact on daily life.

"in the morning light –"

• The morning light offers a moment of beauty and hope amidst the tension.
• It underscores the contrast between the peaceful setting and the ominous presence of warplanes.

Lines 12-14

today

with the news in my mind, and the muffled dread

of what may come –

"today"

• The repetition of "today" reinforces the immediacy and presence of current events.
• It emphasizes the speaker's focus on the present moment.

"- with the news in my mind, and the muffled dread"

• The news likely refers to the September 11 attacks, introducing a global context.
• "Muffled dread" conveys a subdued but persistent fear, highlighting the emotional impact of the news.

"of what may come –"

• This line expresses uncertainty and anxiety about the future.
• The open-ended nature of the line mirrors the unresolved tension in the speaker's mind.

Lines 15-22

I knelt down in the sand

with Lucas

gathering shells

and pebbles

finding evidence of life in all this

driftwork:

snail shells; shreds of razorfish;

smudges of weed and flesh on tideworn stone.

"I knelt down in the sand"

• The speaker's action of kneeling suggests humility and attentiveness.
• It signifies a moment of connection with the natural world.

"with Lucas"

• The presence of the speaker's son introduces a personal, intimate element.
• It highlights the familial bond and the significance of the moment.

"gathering shells"

• Gathering shells is a simple, grounding activity that contrasts with the earlier tension.
• It represents a search for beauty and meaning in small, everyday actions.

"and pebbles"

• The addition of pebbles further emphasizes the simplicity of the activity.
• It suggests a focus on the tangible and immediate.

"finding evidence of life in all this"

• The search for life amidst the driftwork symbolizes resilience and continuity.
• It highlights the small, often overlooked signs of life that persist despite larger disruptions.

"driftwork:"

• The term "driftwork" encompasses the remnants of marine life found on the shore.
• It signifies the natural process of decay and renewal.

"snail shells; shreds of razorfish;"

• The detailed description creates a vivid, tactile image.
• It emphasizes the beauty and intricacy of the natural world.

"smudges of weed and flesh on tideworn stone."

• The imagery of weed and flesh on stone underscores the interconnectedness of life and death.
• It reflects the ongoing cycle of nature, offering a sense of continuity and endurance.

Lines 23-29

At times I think what makes us who we are

is neither kinship nor our given states

but something lost between the world we own

and what we dream about behind the names

on days like this

our lines raised in the wind

our bodies fixed and anchored to the shore

"At times I think what makes us who we are"

• The speaker reflects on the nature of identity and belonging.
• It introduces a philosophical tone, suggesting a deeper contemplation.

"is neither kinship nor our given states"

• The speaker dismisses traditional markers of identity like family ties and nationality.
• This suggests a more fluid and expansive understanding of identity.

"but something lost between the world we own"

• The line implies that true identity lies in an elusive space between reality and dreams.
• It highlights the disconnect between material possessions and inner aspirations.

"and what we dream about behind the names"

• This line reinforces the idea that names and labels are insufficient to capture true identity.
• It suggests that dreams and aspirations are more reflective of one's true self.

"on days like this"

• The phrase grounds the philosophical reflection in the specific context of the present day.
• It emphasizes the importance of moments of contemplation and connection.

"our lines raised in the wind"

• The image of lines raised in the wind symbolizes freedom and aspiration.
• It contrasts with the grounded nature of the next line, creating a balance between movement and stability.

"our bodies fixed and anchored to the shore"

• The contrast between the floating lines and anchored bodies underscores the tension between freedom and stability.
• It suggests a harmonious coexistence of aspiration and groundedness.

Lines 30-39

and though we are confined by property

what tethers us to gravity and light

has most to do with distance and the shapes

we find in water

reading from the book

of silt and tides:

the rose or petrol blue

of jellyfish and sea anemone

combining with a child's

first nakedness.

"and though we are confined by property"

• The speaker acknowledges the limitations imposed by ownership and material possessions.
• It suggests a critique of the way property confines human experience.

"what tethers us to gravity and light"

• This line introduces a more profound connection to the natural world.
• It implies that true grounding comes from natural elements rather than material possessions.

"has most to do with distance and the shapes"

• The line suggests that spatial awareness and natural forms are fundamental to our sense of being.
• It emphasizes the importance of the natural environment in shaping the human experience.

"we find in water"

• Water symbolizes fluidity and change, reflecting the poem's themes of transformation and continuity.
• It highlights the significance of natural elements in human life.

"reading from the book"

• The metaphor of the book suggests that nature is a source of knowledge and wisdom.
• It reinforces the idea of learning and understanding through observation of the natural world.

"of silt and tides:"

• The mention of silt and tides emphasizes the dynamic and ever-changing nature of the environment.
• It reflects the ongoing cycles of life and nature.

"the rose or petrol blue"

• The colours evoke the beauty and diversity of marine life.
• They create a vivid, sensory image that enhances the poem's descriptive quality.

"of jellyfish and sea anemone"

• The specific mention of marine creatures highlights the intricacy and fragility of life.
• It underscores the interconnectedness of all living beings.

"combining with a child's"

• The combination with a child's perspective introduces innocence and purity.
• It suggests a harmonious relationship between human beings and nature.

"first nakedness."

• The child's nakedness symbolizes vulnerability and openness.
• It reinforces the theme of innocence and the natural connection to the environment.

Lines 40-45

Sometimes I am dizzy with the fear

of losing everything - the sea, the sky,

all living creatures, forests, estuaries:

we trade so much to know the virtual

we scarcely register the drift and tug

of other bodies

"Sometimes I am dizzy with the fear"

• The speaker expresses a profound sense of anxiety.
• The word "dizzy" conveys a feeling of being overwhelmed and disoriented.

"of losing everything - the sea, the sky,"

• This line emphasizes the magnitude of the speaker's fear.
• The inclusion of natural elements like the sea and sky highlights their importance and vulnerability.

"all living creatures, forests, estuaries:"

• The speaker's fear extends to all forms of life and natural habitats.
• The list underscores the interconnectedness of all living things and the environment.

"we trade so much to know the virtual"

• This line critiques modern society's focus on virtual experiences over tangible reality.
• It suggests that in the pursuit of technology, we sacrifice our connection to the natural world.

"we scarcely register the drift and tug"

• The speaker laments the loss of awareness of physical sensations and interactions.
• It implies a growing detachment from the natural and physical world.

"of other bodies"

• This line highlights the isolation and lack of connection between individuals.
• It underscores the theme of alienation in a technologically advanced society.

Lines 46-51

scarcely apprehend

the moment as it happens: shifts of light

and weather

and the quiet, local forms

of history: the fish lodged in the tide

beyond the sands;

"scarcely apprehend"

• The repetition of "scarcely" emphasizes the lack of awareness.
• It reinforces the theme of missing out on the present moment.

"the moment as it happens: shifts of light"

• This line focuses on the beauty of fleeting moments.
• It suggests the importance of being present and attentive to subtle changes in the environment.

"and weather"

• The inclusion of weather highlights its impact on daily life and the natural world.
• It emphasizes the dynamic nature of the environment.

"and the quiet, local forms"

• This line draws attention to small, often unnoticed aspects of life.
• It suggests that these details are crucial to understanding the broader picture.

"of history: the fish lodged in the tide"

• The metaphor of the fish in the tide symbolizes small events that contribute to the larger historical narrative.
• It reflects the theme of interconnectedness and the passage of time.

"beyond the sands;"

• This line suggests looking beyond immediate surroundings to understand broader contexts.
• It emphasizes the importance of perspective and awareness.

Lines 52-62

the long insomnia

of ornamental carp in public parks

captive and bright

and hung in their own

slow-burning

transitive gold;

jamjars of spawn

and sticklebacks

or goldfish carried home

from fairgrounds

to the hum of radio;

"the long insomnia"

• The phrase "long insomnia" suggests a state of constant unrest.
• It implies a sense of unnaturalness and discomfort.

"of ornamental carp in public parks"

• The ornamental carp represent beauty constrained within captivity.
• It highlights the contrast between natural beauty and artificial confinement.

"captive and bright"

• The juxtaposition of "captive" and "bright" emphasizes the paradox of beauty trapped in confinement.
• It suggests a loss of freedom despite the vividness of life.

"and hung in their own"

• The image of being "hung" evokes a sense of suspension and helplessness.
• It underscores the unnatural state of captivity.

"slow-burning"

• This phrase suggests a gradual and continuous process.
• It reflects the slow, persistent impact of confinement on the creatures.

"transitive gold;"

• The term "transitive" implies a temporary state.
• It suggests that the beauty of the carp is fleeting and impermanent.

"jamjars of spawn"

• The image of jamjars filled with spawn highlights human interference with natural processes.
• It reflects the commodification of life.

"and sticklebacks"

• The mention of sticklebacks adds to the diversity of life affected by human actions.
• It emphasizes the impact on various species.

"or goldfish carried home"

• The image of goldfish being taken home from fairs represents the casual acquisition of life.
• It underscores the detachment from the natural environment.

"from fairgrounds"

• The fairgrounds symbolize the commercial aspect of acquiring life.
• It reflects the trivialization of living creatures.

"to the hum of radio;"

• The hum of the radio signifies the background noise of modern life.
• It emphasizes the distraction from and neglect of the natural world.

Lines 63-68

but this is the problem: how to be alive

in all this gazed-upon and cherished world

and do no harm

a toddler on a beach

sifting wood and dried weed from the sand

and puzzled by the pattern on a shell

"but this is the problem: how to be alive"

• The speaker introduces a central dilemma of existence.
• It underscores the challenge of living ethically in the modern world.

"in all this gazed-upon and cherished world"

• The phrase highlights the beauty and value of the world.
• It suggests a sense of responsibility toward preserving it.

"and do no harm"

• The speaker emphasizes the ethical challenge of causing no harm.
• It reflects a desire for a harmonious coexistence with nature.

"a toddler on a beach"

• The image of a toddler introduces innocence and simplicity.
• It contrasts with the complexity of the ethical dilemma.

"sifting wood and dried weed from the sand"

• The toddler's action symbolizes curiosity and discovery.
• It represents a pure, unadulterated engagement with the natural world.

"and puzzled by the pattern on a shell"

• The child's puzzlement highlights a sense of wonder and fascination.
• It underscores the importance of maintaining a childlike curiosity and respect for nature.

Lines 69-73

his parents on the dune slacks with a kite

plugged into the sky

all nerve and line:

patient; afraid; but still, through everything

attentive to the irredeemable.

"his parents on the dune slacks with a kite"

• The image of parents with a kite introduces a sense of family and continuity.
• It suggests a balance between duty and leisure.

"plugged into the sky"

• The kite symbolizes a connection to a larger, transcendent reality.
• It implies aspiration and the quest for freedom.

"all nerve and line:"

• The phrase reflects tension and focus.
• It suggests the fragility and strength required to maintain connections.

"patient; afraid; but still, through everything"

• The juxtaposition of patience and fear highlights the complexity of human emotions.
• It underscores the resilience required to navigate life's challenges.

"attentive to the irredeemable."

• The final line emphasizes the importance of awareness and mindfulness.
• It suggests that despite fears and uncertainties, one must remain focused on what cannot be reclaimed or restored, highlighting the theme of preservation and reverence for the natural world.