Dark Images of Beautiful Things

Dark Images of Beautiful Things

The more times that I read Jeff Grieneisen poem "La Florida Redux", the darker vision of Florida that he holds became more apparent. Grieneisen utilizes many objects that typically symbolize life in Florida in a positive light, such palm trees, sunshine, Spanish moss, and alligators, in a very negative way. These symbols are attractive to most readers, and create a deep desire to visit or re-locate to Florida. After all, every Florida travel brochure will have pictures of all of these things contained within the glossy pages. These objects are what most Non-Floridians would consider to be Florida's greatest natural attractions. I remember the day thoughts of sunshine every day and palm trees conjured ideas of lounging on tropical beaches, sipping margaritas, and watching scantily clad women frolicking in the ocean. These were wonderful thoughts that really made me want to go to Florida. Spanish moss hanging from oak trees typically symbolizes a peaceful existence on a southern plantation. One can imagine drinking mint juleps in the shade of a great oak tree feeling a warm southern breeze as it blows through a beautiful southern belle's hair. In general these objects represent very pleasant thoughts that put the reader in a tranquil state of being. Interestingly, through

personification, imagery, and metaphors, Jeff Grieneisen perverts these symbols of peace and tranquility into the dark hard facts that an existence in Florida reveals. I don't believe that anyone who does not or has not lived in Florida can truly appreciate this poem in the same way Floridians can.

Grieneisen utilizes personification of the wildlife native to Florida in a very intriguing way that is intended to be contrary to the typical positive attributes associated with native animals. Grieneisen only mentions alligators in the first stanza where a "fish jumps into the alligator's mouth", but he alludes to alligators in the ninth and tenth stanzas where he describes animals "that slosh through the cedar knees, sink in the muck. Animals with harsh hides, and glowing eyes". While alligators are not generally considered to be the loveable little furry creatures that one would want to hug and cuddle, they are not usually referred to as "criminals" either. There are many tourist attractions that feature alligators, some of which are totally dedicated to their display for the appreciation of tourists. His personification of alligators by using the terms "criminal" and "distrust" can probably only be truly appreciated by one who has lived with them on a daily basis. I can easily relate alligators to criminals who are lurking in the shadows, waiting for the moment to strike, and attempting to steal away with something very dear to me. I have to scan the area around my back yard for the criminals with glowing eyes, which would try to steal away with my dog as she relieves herself before bedtime. Again, I live with alligators and have to deal with their thieving ways every night, so I can understand and relate to these lines unlike most people who have not lived in Florida.

This poem illustrates the dichotomy of the symbols used to describe Florida and the reality of these symbols to people who live with them. Grieneisen has used imagery that leaves the readers senses somewhat confused by using pleasurable symbols being described by harsh and negative adjectives. An example would be when he describes the sun as "melting through my hair, scalp, and skull". To a person living in the Midwest in February, the sun shining on ones head would be a very warm and inviting feeling as compared to Grieneisen's imagery of melting ones skull. Another example would be using "blotches" and "raspy" in relationship with the sensual symbols of palm trees and green grass. Even though I can still envision the enticing feelings associated with palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze, bright sunshine warming ones bones, and luscious green grass, I can also relate to the imagery of burned skin on my forehead, the unending supply of acorns that I have to gather from under my palm trees, and the needle sharp grass