WHITE – CRAIG RAINE

A cabbage white:
A bluster at the edge of sight,

unbroken bronco,
its own mute rodeo,

a battle without issue.

White toilet tissue,

a single grey sheet, whole

in the lavatory bowl,

like ectoplasm.

No lightning in spasms.

Dark. But white rain,

smashed transparency:

contains
flash photography.

Is now electricity:

tiny bulbs, silver-white, shine

on the blue plastic washing line.

Dirty white, a pigeon tarred

and feathering the road.

New lambs
out on their limbs:

abrupt
little hiccoughs.

The twilight tone

of damp pumice stone.

Indifferent happiness writes

its different whites.

“A cabbage white”
The mention of a "cabbage white" likely refers to a butterfly. This sets the stage for a focus on nature and
simplicity.
“A bluster at the edge of sight, “
The term "bluster" suggests a gust of wind or a sudden, forceful movement. It's positioned at "the edge of
sight," hinting that this bluster might be on the periphery of perception, almost at the boundary of what
can be seen.
“unbroken bronco,”
The metaphor of the "unbroken bronco" conjures an image of a wild and untamed horse. The use of
"unbroken" emphasizes its untamed nature, suggesting a sense of unruliness or defiance.
“ its own mute rodeo,”
The idea of a "mute rodeo" introduces a contradiction. A rodeo is typically associated with noise, action,
and spectacle, but the use of "mute" suggests a lack of sound or perhaps a quiet, internal struggle. This
phrase implies an internal, personal challenge or conflict.
“ a battle without issue. “
The phrase "battle without issue" suggests a struggle or conflict that doesn't reach a resolution or
conclusion. It could imply an ongoing, perhaps internal, conflict that persists without a clear outcome or
winner.
The lines are talking about a butterfly. Picture it like a lively and energetic presence that you can see at
the corner of your eyes. The words "unbroken bronco" and "mute rodeo" compare the butterfly to a wild
and untamed creature, like a bucking bronco in a rodeo. This suggests that the butterfly is full of life and
energy, but it's also quiet or silent, like a rodeo without noise. The phrase "battle without issue" hints that
the butterfly faces challenges and struggles, but there may not be a clear resolution to those difficulties.
Overall, it paints a picture of a lively and untamed butterfly, facing the ups and downs of life.

“White toilet tissue,”

The mention of "white toilet tissue" introduces a common and everyday object. The color white may
symbolize cleanliness, simplicity, or neutrality. The choice of this mundane item suggests an attention to
the ordinary and the potential for finding significance in everyday things.
“a single grey sheet,”
The addition of a "single grey sheet" introduces a contrasting color. Grey, in this context, may evoke a
sense of dullness or monotony. The use of "sheet" suggests a flat and thin piece, which contrasts with the
expected softness and fluffiness associated with sheets.
“whole in the lavatory bowl, “
The placement of the grey sheet "whole in the lavatory bowl" creates a specific image. The toilet bowl, a
common fixture in bathrooms, is an unexpected location for a sheet. The word "whole" suggests
completeness, emphasizing the intact and undisturbed nature of the sheet.
“like ectoplasm.”
The comparison of the grey sheet to "ectoplasm" adds a layer of intrigue. Ectoplasm is a term often
associated with paranormal or supernatural phenomena, particularly in the context of ghostly apparitions.
This comparison introduces an element of the mysterious or otherworldly, transforming the ordinary
scene into something more enigmatic.
The shift to toilet tissue introduces a contrasting image. The mention of a "single grey sheet" in the
lavatory bowl, described as "like ectoplasm," this comparison makes the ordinary toilet tissue seem a bit
strange and ghost-like, showing how everyday things can sometimes feel unusual or temporary.

“No lightning in spasms. “

This phrase suggests a lack of sudden and intense bursts of light, as lightning typically occurs. The use of
"spasms" implies irregular or uncontrolled movements. This sets a subdued or calm atmosphere.
“Dark.”
This phrase suggests a lack of sudden and intense bursts of light, as lightning typically occurs. The use of
"spasms" implies irregular or uncontrolled movements. This sets a subdued or calm atmosphere.
“But white rain, smashed transparency: “
The introduction of "white rain" contrasts with the darkness mentioned earlier. "Smashed transparency"
suggests a disruption of clarity or visibility. The juxtaposition of "white rain" against the dark background
creates a vivid and somewhat paradoxical image.
“contains flash photography.”
The phrase "contains flash photography" adds another layer of complexity. It suggests that within the
"white rain" and disrupted clarity, there are moments of sudden brightness, akin to flash photography.
This can be interpreted metaphorically, perhaps as unexpected moments of illumination or insight within
a larger, unclear context.
The lines talk about the difference between darkness and something bright. It mentions there's no
lightning, and it's dark. Then, it describes "white rain" and something broken, like shattered glass, along
with "flash photography." This creates a mixed-up picture, playing with the idea of light and darkness
mixing together.

“Is now electricity:”

The phrase suggests a transformation or transition to electricity. It personifies or anthropomorphizes
electricity, portraying it as something that has come into existence or taken a particular form. This could
also imply a moment of change or modernization.
“tiny bulbs, silver-white,”
The imagery of "tiny bulbs" conveys the small, discrete sources of light. Describing them as "silver-
white" adds a specific visual quality, suggesting a metallic and bright appearance. The choice of "silver-
white" may also allude to modern, sleek technology.
“shine on the blue plastic washing line.”
The tiny bulbs are described as shining on a mundane object, the "blue plastic washing line." This brings
together elements of the modern (electricity, tiny bulbs) with everyday items. The use of color ("blue
plastic") adds a visual dimension, creating a specific and vivid image of the scene.
Now, the poem talks about electricity, bringing in a modern and technological idea. Picture small, silver-
white bulbs shining on a blue plastic washing line. This creates an image of artificial light in a typical
household setting.
“Dirty white, “
The use of "dirty white" suggests a shade of white that is not clean or pristine. This description introduces
a visual contradiction, as white is often associated with cleanliness and purity. The phrase sets a tone of
imperfection or uncleanliness.
“a pigeon tarred and feathering the road.”
The image of a pigeon "tarred and feathering the road" paints a vivid picture. The use of "tarred and
feathering" is particularly interesting as it draws on a historical punishment method where individuals
were coated in tar and feathers (Tarring and feathering was usually used as a form of vigilante justice and
became a favorite of early American patriots in their protests against British taxation.). Here, it describes
the pigeon's presence on the road, creating an image of the bird interacting with its surroundings.
Now, the poem talks about a pigeon. Imagine a pigeon that's a bit dirty, covered in tar, and lying on the
road. This image suggests something sad or disturbing, possibly showing harm to the environment or
nature.
“New lambs out on their limbs:”
The phrase "new lambs" suggests recently born or young lambs, emphasizing their freshness and
newness. The use of "out on their limbs" is metaphorical, portraying the lambs exploring or venturing into
their surroundings. The choice of "limbs" may also convey a sense of vulnerability, as if the lambs are on
the edge or periphery.

“abrupt little hiccoughs.”

The term "abrupt little hiccoughs" describes the lambs' movements. "Abrupt" suggests sudden and
unexpected actions, and "little hiccoughs" implies small, irregular, or hiccup-like movements. This
characterization adds a sense of playfulness and awkwardness to the description of the lambs' behavior.
The imagery here describes young lambs, perhaps exploring or testing their surroundings. The phrase "out
on their limbs" suggests a sense of vulnerability or newness. The use of "abrupt little hiccoughs" adds a
sense of sudden, unpredictable movements or behaviors. The word "hiccoughs" may also imply a certain
awkwardness or unsteadiness, emphasizing the initial, uncertain steps of the young lambs.

“ The twilight tone”

This phrase sets the mood and atmosphere by associating the color or quality of light with twilight.
Twilight is the transitional period between day and night, often characterized by subdued and dim
lighting. The use of "tone" suggests a particular quality or shade, emphasizing the visual aspect of the
scene.
“of damp pumice stone.”
The choice of "damp pumice stone" adds a tactile and textural dimension to the description. Pumice stone
is known for its porous and abrasive texture. The use of "damp" suggests a moist or wet quality, perhaps
influenced by the time of day and the atmosphere. This combination of words creates a sensory image that
goes beyond visual elements.
This line shifts the focus to a different scene, evoking a specific atmosphere. "Twilight tone" suggests the
time of day, creating an image of the soft, fading light during the evening. The mention of "damp pumice
stone" introduces a tactile and visual element, conveying a sense of coolness and humidity. The choice of
materials, such as pumice stone, adds texture and sensory depth to the description.

“Indifferent happiness writes its different whites.”

To wrap up, the poem mentions "indifferent happiness." This means happiness that doesn't show strong
emotions. It expresses itself in various ways, symbolized by "different whites." This suggests that joy and
contentment can be diverse and not always very noticeable or loud.
In summary, the poem weaves together diverse images and metaphors, touching on nature, everyday
objects, technology, and emotions. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a tapestry of experiences,
inviting readers to contemplate the complexities and contrasts in the world around us. The recurring motif
of "whites" ties the various images together, exploring different facets of light, color, and emotion.

Main Idea
The poem talks about different things in life, like nature, technology, and everyday objects. It uses the
idea of "whites" to show various feelings and experiences. The goal is to make readers think about the
many different aspects of life and emotions.

Themes
Different and Opposite Things: The poem talks about many different and opposite things, showing that
life has a lot of variety.
Being Delicate and Easily Hurt: The poem mentions baby animals and fragile things, highlighting how
life can be delicate and easily affected.
Nature and the World Around Us: Nature is an important topic in the poem, and it also touches on how
we might be harming the environment.
New Technology and Old Ways: The poem talks about new technology like bulbs and electricity,
alongside more traditional and natural things.
Life Being Short and Changing: The poem talks about moments that don't last long and emphasizes
how life is always changing.
Feeling Different Emotions: The poem suggests that people feel many different emotions, and happiness
can be expressed in various ways.
Strange and Everyday Things Together: The poem mixes strange or unreal things with everyday
objects, making it interesting and unusual.
Light and Darkness: The poem talks about light and dark things, both literally and in terms of feelings.
Creating a Specific Feeling: The poem tries to make you feel a certain way, often calm and thoughtful,
using descriptions like the twilight tone.

1. "Whites" Symbolize Different Things:

 The poem often mentions "whites," which represent various ideas like purity, light, and
feelings.
2. Contrasts and Mix of Ideas:
 The poem likes to show different things together, like nature and technology or light and
dark. This mix creates interesting and complex images.
3. Some Strange and Dreamy Parts:
 Sometimes the poem has strange or dream-like parts, making it more imaginative. For
example, describing a grey sheet as "like ectoplasm" adds a touch of fantasy.
4. Caring About the Environment:
 There's a part about a pigeon on the road, suggesting concern about pollution and its
effects on wildlife.
5. Not Following a Clear Story:
 The poem doesn't have a clear beginning, middle, or end. It seems to capture moments
and feelings without a specific order.
6. Multiple Ways to Understand:
 Because it doesn't tell a straightforward story, people can understand the poem in
different ways. It's open to personal interpretation.
7. Describing Senses and Feelings:
 The poem uses vivid details to make you imagine scenes and feel certain emotions. For
example, it talks about the feeling of twilight and the smell of damp pumice stone.
8. Exploring Different Kinds of Happiness:
 The poem looks at happiness in various ways. It suggests that happiness can be different
for everyone and may not always show in obvious ways.

Rhyme: The poem doesn't follow a regular rhyme pattern. Some lines rhyme, but there's no consistent
scheme. This lack of pattern makes the poem feel modern and free-form.
Structure: The poem is structured informally, with each observation separated by an asterisk. It doesn't
have traditional stanzas, which gives it a casual and unconventional vibe. Each part is short, like a quick
snapshot of a moment or image.
Context: The poem talks about everyday things, especially those that are white. It mentions a butterfly,
toilet tissue, lambs, and a pigeon. The poem plays with the idea that ordinary things can have deeper
meanings, like "flash photography" or "indifferent happiness."
Message: The poem explores differences, like normal versus special moments. It uses the color white a
lot, suggesting ideas of purity or simplicity. Overall, it's about finding meaning in simple, everyday stuff.
Color Motif: The recurring motif of the color white is significant. White is associated with purity,
simplicity, and neutrality. The poem explores the different facets of white, from the delicate wings of a
butterfly to the everyday item of toilet tissue. This color choice may symbolize finding meaning or beauty
in ordinary and seemingly insignificant things.
Lack of Resolution: The poem doesn't provide a clear conclusion or resolution. The final lines talk about
"indifferent happiness" writing "different whites." This suggests a kind of happiness that's detached or
neutral. The phrase "different whites" highlights the various meanings and emotions connected to the
color white. The lack of resolution leaves room for interpretation, making the ending open-ended and
somewhat ambiguous.