The Red Wheelbarrow

An Interpretation of a Poem by William Carlos Williams

One of my best friends used to call herself the Distracter.

Although this word seems to be filled with nothing but negative connotations, it was actually her superpower.

How did she use it?

She would be the first to admit that when it came to being an emotional comforter, she was not the person for the job. If you needed to find a shoulder to cry on or someone who would listen, she would recommend you find someone else.

But, if you needed someone to hang with who could get your mind off your troubles, she was the woman for the job.

Fifteen minutes with her and you would find yourself laughing out loud while the tears of whatever was bothering you were still wet on your cheeks. An evening out with her and life almost felt normal again, no matter what was bringing you down.

Sometimes, when life is tough or tragic, that is exactly what you need, a distraction.

I believe that William Carlos Williams expressed this in his poem “The Red Wheelbarrow.”

The Red Wheelbarrow by William Carlos Williams

so much depends

upon

a red wheel

barrow

glazed with rain

water

beside the white

chickens

Although there are many interpretations of this poem, one story is that the author is a doctor at the house of a terminally ill child. He has taken a break to remove himself from the situation and he is looking out into the rainy back yard and staring off in the distance. He notices several objects.

The red wheelbarrow has absolutely no importance other than to be a focal point to distract from an impossibly tragic event unfolding.

In fear and grief, there is a time for action and there is a time for tears. But, sometimes what is needed is distraction to get one’s mind working again and to regain control of one’s life.

My good friend the Distracter knew this well.

Sometimes, everyone needs a break from their troubles to focus on a red wheel barrow, glazed in rain water, beside the white chickens.