I Heard the Desert Calling
By Gilbert Parker
I heard the desert calling, and my heart stood still —
There was winter in my world and in my heart;
A breath came from the mesa, and a message stirred my will,
And my soul and I arose up to depart.
I heard the desert calling, and I knew that over there
In an olive-sheltered garden where the mesquite grows,
Was a woman of the sunrise with the star-shine in her hair
And a beauty that the almond-blossom blows.
In the night-time when the ghost-trees glimmered in the moon,
Where the mesa by the water-course was spanned,
Her loveliness enwrapped me like the blessedness of June,
And all my life was thrilling in her hand.
I hear the desert calling, and my heart stands still —
There is summer in my world, and in my heart;
A breath comes from the mesa, and a will beyond my will
Binds my footsteps as I rise up to depart.
Poem Analysis:
Gilbert Parker's poem "I Heard the Desert Calling" is a lyrical exploration of longing, love, and the powerful allure of the desert landscape. Through vivid imagery and evocative language, Parker captures the profound emotional and spiritual pull that the desert exerts on the speaker. The poem is structured in four stanzas, each contributing to the overall theme of a transformative journey driven by an irresistible inner call.
Themes
- Longing and Desire: The poem begins and ends with the speaker hearing the "desert calling," a phrase that symbolizes an intense yearning. This longing is both physical and spiritual, suggesting a deep-seated desire for change and connection. The repetition of the desert's call underscores the speaker's profound need to respond to this internal summons.
- Love and Idealization: Central to the poem is the image of a woman described as having "star-shine in her hair" and "a beauty that the almond-blossom blows." She embodies an idealized love that the speaker is drawn to, representing not just a romantic interest but also an ethereal, almost mythical figure who brings life and warmth to the speaker’s world.
- Transformation and Renewal: The desert, typically seen as barren and harsh, is here a place of renewal and transformation. The transition from "winter" to "summer" in the speaker's heart mirrors the emotional journey from desolation to fulfillment. The desert's call and the woman's presence act as catalysts for this personal rebirth.
Imagery and Symbolism
- The Desert: The desert is personified as a calling force, a mystical presence that compels the speaker to leave behind a state of emotional winter. It symbolizes a place of challenge and stark beauty, where true transformation can occur.
- Seasonal Imagery: Parker uses seasonal contrasts to highlight the speaker's inner journey. The initial state of "winter" signifies coldness, stagnation, and despair, while the eventual "summer" represents warmth, growth, and renewed vitality. This seasonal imagery is crucial in depicting the emotional and spiritual metamorphosis.
- The Woman: The woman in the poem is more than a mere romantic figure; she is a symbol of the speaker's ideal, an epitome of beauty and inspiration. Described with celestial and natural imagery ("star-shine in her hair," "almond-blossom"), she represents a source of light and life, drawing the speaker towards a more profound existence.
- Nature Elements: Parker skillfully incorporates various elements of nature to deepen the poem's sensory appeal. The "olive-sheltered garden," "mesquite," and "ghost-trees" all serve to create a vivid, almost otherworldly landscape that is both enchanting and compelling.
Structure and Tone
- Rhythmic Structure: The poem's rhythmic structure, with its alternating line lengths and rhyming couplets, creates a musical quality that enhances its lyrical nature. This rhythm mirrors the pull of the desert, a steady and inevitable force that guides the speaker's journey.
- Reflective Tone: The tone is contemplative and introspective, as the speaker reflects on the call of the desert and the emotions it stirs. There is a sense of inevitability and acceptance in the speaker's voice, recognizing the powerful draw of the desert and the woman.
- Emotional Progression: Each stanza builds upon the previous one, illustrating the speaker's growing realization and response to the desert's call. The progression from a state of emotional winter to summer suggests a journey not just of physical movement but of profound inner change.
"I Heard the Desert Calling" by Gilbert Parker is a beautifully crafted poem that explores themes of longing, love, and transformation. Through rich imagery and evocative language, Parker portrays the desert as a place of both challenge and renewal. The poem's rhythmic structure and reflective tone complement its thematic depth, offering a powerful depiction of a journey driven by an irresistible call to embrace change and find new meaning.