Wallace Stevens is the "King of Things" In a lot of ways I think that Wallace Stevens could relate to the lives of ranchers. Many times people think of ranching as this thing that is highly romanticized and is this "lost art" way of life. However, those of us who have experienced this life, understand that it is much more than a highly romanticized way of life. The land, while beautiful, is simply a thing, a thing that is important, but still a thing. We cannot look at this thing which is so important in a romanticized way, because it is functional, and in many ways life is not romantic but rather practical. This healing land, is the essential land, this is what feeds our cattle, and in turn keeps our livelihoods alive. In many ways we cannot afford to be super sentimental about our ways of life.
In many ways ranchers represent Wallace Stevens really well. They too are "Kings (Queens) of Things" as well because they are always thinking....always. When you don't leave your job, and you work there 24/7, 365.... your whole life revolves around thinking, and using the things around you so that you can survive. In many ways perhaps they all share the philosophy that life is not about reflecting on the metaphors in life but rather on the reality of what is in front of you.
Depression Before Spring
The cock crows
But no queen rises.
The hair of my blonde
Is dazzling,
As the spittle of cows
Threading the wind.
Ho! Ho!
But ki-ki-ri-ki
Brings no rou-cou,
No rou-cou-cou.
But no queen comes
In slipper green.
In many ways I feel this poem reflects how both ranchers, and Wallace Stevens look(ed) at life. Life is not about keeping things in a highly idealized manner, instead we live our lives as they come to us, everything ages, and everyTHING is simply a thing.
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