Drifters, a poem written by Bruce Dawe, is a powerful and poignant depiction of the harsh realities faced by many families in modern society. Through the use of vivid imagery and emotive language, Dawe paints a vivid picture of the struggles and hardships faced by these "drifters," who are often forced to move from place to place in search of work and a better life.
The poem begins with a description of the drifters themselves, who are depicted as being tired and weary from their constant movement. Dawe writes, "they come in through the night, their heads / aching, feet sore, their wallets / empty and their bellies / empty." This imagery immediately evokes a sense of exhaustion and desperation, as the drifters are depicted as being physically and emotionally drained from their constant struggles.
As the poem progresses, Dawe delves deeper into the lives of these drifters, highlighting the various challenges and hardships they face on a daily basis. He writes of their struggles to find work and provide for their families, and the constant fear and uncertainty that hangs over their lives. Despite their tireless efforts to create a better life for themselves, the drifters are constantly met with disappointment and rejection, as they are "sent away with nothing."
Throughout the poem, Dawe employs a range of literary techniques to convey the emotional impact of the drifters' experiences. He uses repetition and parallelism to emphasize the cyclical nature of their struggles, and employs vivid imagery to bring their struggles to life for the reader. The use of colloquial language and slang also helps to give the poem a sense of authenticity, as it captures the voices and experiences of these drifters in a way that feels genuine and relatable.
Ultimately, Drifters is a poignant and powerful depiction of the struggles faced by many families in modern society. Through his use of vivid imagery and emotive language, Dawe brings to life the struggles and hardships faced by these "drifters," and highlights the resilience and determination that drives them forward in the face of seemingly insurmountable challenges. So, the poem can be seen as a commentary on the social and economic issues faced by many people in the world today, and serves as a reminder of the importance of compassion and understanding in our daily lives.