I think we've been operating under the assumption that modern choice and convenience comes at no cost to us; in fact I think it comes at the expense of chance and adventure.
Love this part:
"Give us back those men
who speak of things
too wonderful to know."
Hard to speak of wonders met while on the commute from our apartments to our offices, as more and more of us do now. As Nick said, it's a wonderful call to action.
Ha too true. There’s not much wonder and adventure to be found in the convenience of a modern age. But, I think it can be found when we go looking for it, even if it means we have to cultivate it ourselves.
It must have been a subconscious thought while writing. I think it falls just shy of the more regular, bouncing meter of a good shanty, but I’m glad it reads with musicality!
I love the combo of ruddy men and the stanza about gentleness too. Somehow, you manage to recover the original meaning of meekness in the poem as a whole.
I suppose it is a plea, or a lament, or as Nick put it “a call to action.” Perhaps the point of the poem is that it begs those very questions of the reader that you’re asking now.
Respectfully, I think that’s a very low view of men. And to say there never were any would be inaccurate. There have been plenty throughout history, and numerous examples in the Bible alone. Perfect? No, but that’s not what the poem calls for. If we want to dive into the meaning of ruddy (which essentially means red at its root) then let’s remember this is poetic language. Merriam-Webster defines it as having a healthy reddish color (specifically in the face). This can imply life, strength, health. The end of the poem ties it all together in saying that these men are known for having the “name above names all” on their lips. It even quotes Job 42 where Job confesses he had spoken of “things too wonderful to know.” The poem is calling for men of God, who are bold and adventurous, who fight when there’s a need and show restraint, with meekness and a gentle hand. I have known those men in my lifetime. I’m married to such a man. But to use such words as scruffy, callous, uneducated? Those are simply demeaning.
I might check it out. I can’t help but be slightly offended as someone who puts a lot of work into her craft, to hear that someone could be so quick to respond with a negative comment and not even read what I worked so hard to create. Perhaps we need more ruddy women, too?
Love this, Brit, both the rhythm and the message.
I think we've been operating under the assumption that modern choice and convenience comes at no cost to us; in fact I think it comes at the expense of chance and adventure.
Love this part:
"Give us back those men
who speak of things
too wonderful to know."
Hard to speak of wonders met while on the commute from our apartments to our offices, as more and more of us do now. As Nick said, it's a wonderful call to action.
Ha too true. There’s not much wonder and adventure to be found in the convenience of a modern age. But, I think it can be found when we go looking for it, even if it means we have to cultivate it ourselves.
I love this. Almost sounds a bit like a rowing shanty—or some kind of song, at least! And the “name above names all” in the last line is beautiful.
It must have been a subconscious thought while writing. I think it falls just shy of the more regular, bouncing meter of a good shanty, but I’m glad it reads with musicality!
Something like Chesterton’s Lepanto is the other thing it reminded me of… I just really like the rhythm in this one!
A wonderful call to action.
This is a beautiful ode, Brit.
Thank you, Sam.
I love the combo of ruddy men and the stanza about gentleness too. Somehow, you manage to recover the original meaning of meekness in the poem as a whole.
Thank you! I’m glad that came across.
this poem is anthem for men. I loved it. I wish i could write like this.
One of my favorite things I’ve read recently. Well done!
Thank you, Eric! That means a lot.
This reads like a plea, but I'm not sure who the plea is directed toward. How could these "ruddy men" be brought back?
I suppose it is a plea, or a lament, or as Nick put it “a call to action.” Perhaps the point of the poem is that it begs those very questions of the reader that you’re asking now.
The rhythm in this poem is quite good. Excellently done, Brit!
Thank you Daniel. This was a fun one to write.
Respectfully, I think that’s a very low view of men. And to say there never were any would be inaccurate. There have been plenty throughout history, and numerous examples in the Bible alone. Perfect? No, but that’s not what the poem calls for. If we want to dive into the meaning of ruddy (which essentially means red at its root) then let’s remember this is poetic language. Merriam-Webster defines it as having a healthy reddish color (specifically in the face). This can imply life, strength, health. The end of the poem ties it all together in saying that these men are known for having the “name above names all” on their lips. It even quotes Job 42 where Job confesses he had spoken of “things too wonderful to know.” The poem is calling for men of God, who are bold and adventurous, who fight when there’s a need and show restraint, with meekness and a gentle hand. I have known those men in my lifetime. I’m married to such a man. But to use such words as scruffy, callous, uneducated? Those are simply demeaning.
Plus, I had just read the amazing Substack account or “The secret lives of men.” 🤯 wow. Recommend!!
I might check it out. I can’t help but be slightly offended as someone who puts a lot of work into her craft, to hear that someone could be so quick to respond with a negative comment and not even read what I worked so hard to create. Perhaps we need more ruddy women, too?
Absolutely. (But hey my face IS indeed red right now. Embarrassed. I need a come-to-Jesus moment right now).
Lesson learned. Please forgive me.
Certainly. I appreciate the candor. All is forgiven 😂
I’m so sorry. I didn’t bother to read it, so didn’t realize it was a poem.
(My maga-triggered—hence “red” alert—brain is way into overdrive. Need to get off social media!)
I really do apologize.