Turtle Island

"Mother Earth: Her Whales"

The theme of this poem is differences between countries. Snyder analyzes countries like Japan, China, Brazil, and the United States and states that they have ruined the natural resources and wildlife of each country. He uses examples like plants (Brazil), whales (Japan), tigers (China), and otters (the United States) to show what animals and natural wildlife is being destroyed due to governments and powerful people. "Standing Tree People! Flying Bird People! Swimming Sea People! Four-legged, Two-legged, people!" (page 48, lines 49-52). He states that all living creatures are all the same and are all people. Snyder tries to emphasize the point that all the useless taking from the Earth needs to be put to an end and that changes need to be made all over the world.

"The Dazzle"

The theme of this poem is the complexity of mother nature. With the use of syntax, Snyder explains the process of a seed growing underground to become a flower. This process is expected and normal, but is complex because it occurs underground where no one can see it or explain it. The "dazzle" is the growing design of the roots of the plants in the soil. 

"As For Poets"

The theme of this poem is the beauty of poetry. Snyder explains the complexity of poetry and the feelings it can create in an individual. Each type of poet he describes is different and shows a more unique side to poetry. Snyder included this poem to show the feelings he hopes to express through his poetry and to show how much poetry has impacted his life.