Of Skrzynecki's poem; Ancestors is one of the most difficult to understand - partly because we're instead not offered a perspective to which can be easily understood as a past event in Peter Skryznecki's past.
Here's some notes I have:
Overview and Analysis
This is an interesting and enigmatic poem that raises many questions and images but gives little definite comment. "Ancestors", of course, are the people we are related to that have come before us. The poem encourages the audience think about their past and the people who are responsible for our existence. These figures seem to appear to the poet in a dream but cannot communicate with him. There is a clear spiritual connection between the persona and these "bearded, faceless men" but there is also a real sense of uncertainty as the "whisper into the darkness". This symbolises that they cannot be heard and cannot really be seen clearly.
(I've underlined that - because basically its one of the most important points within the poem.)
Most of us know something of our family ancestors, even if this is only a brief anecdotes or what types of jobs were done. The gaps in our knowledge is represented in these shadowy figures (<---- nightmarish, faceless - seem to be threatening) Skrzynecki does not appear to know much about them. There is continue questioning as he ask who they are and this reflects his confusion (<--- look at the rhetorical questions evident in the end of stanzas). Confusion about who they were but also, uncertainty about what has come before him. He is linked to these people by blood yet their achievements, their "footprints" and their directions have been lost. There is a sense that he has seen photographs of his ancestors when they are described as "bearded, faceless men" and are background by "Mountains", "a river" and "a moonlit plain of grasses and sand". Yet they are essentially unknown and unnamed. The poet's continual use of "they" emphasises this.
There is a sense of frustration in the final stanzas. The poet sees clearer faces yet he awakens and cannot speak. he captures his dissatisfaction and impotence in the simile, "Your tongue as dry as caked mud." Yet there is a sense of the past if not distinct details. Perhaps "the plain where sand and grasses never stir" represent past. It cannot be changed but does still affect the present, hence the image of wind blowing from it. He perceives "The wind tastes of blood" which creates feeling of a violent past or at least one of struggle. (also reinforces the image of nightmare of the shadows)
Ides about Belonging
Although the poet cannot seem to make real connection with the shadowy figures there is a connection. There is a sense of belonging with them as they share blood. This poem shows family belonging. The poet may not know a great deal about theres figures but he really wants to know. There is an unavoidable relationship. The fact that he speaks of them coming into his dreams shows this. They are spiritually joined to him and part of his subconscious. You might notice they are all men which might suggest gender is part of belonging. Perhaps it also reveals Skrzynecki's experience of male-dominated history which was so prevalent in the past.
