Put-in-Bay is a Poem Awaiting Explication
Once upon a time, in a school district far away, a friend of mine disagreed vehemently with me for underscoring the importance of the poem, “The Red Wheelbarrow,” by William Carlos Williams. I’m not certain whether it was the imagery or simplicity in the writing she did not appreciate, but her understanding of the poem did not support its inclusion in countless American literature anthologies. Nonetheless, I prepared my students to encounter the poetry of Modernism visually and intellectually–an exercise in mind-bending awareness which can serve us well when we find ourselves in the wheel track of daily life.
Today, situated pleasantly on a Lake Erie island engulfed by summer visitors who seek the extraordinay, I understand more clearly how a direct and realistic portrayal of life may fail (for some) to be a touchstone to significant meaning-making. However, “make it new” came to be Modernism’s famous slogan, and Williams’s poem forces one to examine his use of the vernacular. In short, to re-think our perceptions and consequent understandings.
The Bass Islands and the village of Put-in-Bay harness society’s yearning for escape, excitement, and celebration to such an extent people forget that beneath the effervescent lie the unenviable challenges of making a living, raising children, making ends meet, staying healthy, and keeping the peace. William Shakespeare’s 16th-century aphorism, “All that glitters is not gold,” may be trite, but it remains true.
This is not to say island life apart from bars, historical sights, and water-sports is mundane. No, rather the essential factors of “life is good” stand out prominently when they are recognized by minds unencumbered by superficiality. To this end, I invite you to re-construct your Put-in-Bay analysis in the same way I encouraged my students to tackle Williams’s red wheelbarrow, rainwater, and white chickens.
Consider examining the images below without the hyperbolic aura embedded in the words attractions, events, and features. Instead, focus on the opportunity to see a different narrative point of view. Break away from the conventional labeling, “make it new” for you! For example, in the feature image above, there is more than a Storywalk children’s attraction with local sponsors. Find marvelous in the functional and recognize significance in the ordinary.
