Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's poem "Butterflies Under Persimmon" vividly explores the intersection of human longing, attention, and the natural world's intricate beauty. Through detailed imagery and a contemplative tone, Jarman weaves a narrative that reflects on the desire to be seen and appreciated with the same intensity that one might study the delicate, captivating movements of butterflies.

The poem begins with a recollection: "I heard a woman / state once that because he peered so closely / at a stream of ants on the damp, naked limb of a fruit tree, / she fell for her husband." This opening sets the stage for the central theme of the poem—the deep yearning to be observed with meticulous attention and care. The woman's attraction to her husband's focused gaze on the ants highlights a profound desire for such attention to be directed towards herself.

Jarman continues, "She wanted to be studied with that attention, / to fascinate as if / she were another species." This longing to be an object of fascination, akin to a different species, underscores a universal human desire to be deeply understood and cherished. The woman's wish to be "looked at lovingly" as a form of defense suggests that such tender scrutiny can provide a sense of security and worth.

The poet's personal reflection intertwines with this narrative: "I can't remember what she looked like. I never met / the husband." This admission of not recalling the woman's appearance or having met her husband emphasizes the abstract nature of the longing being described. It is not tied to specific individuals but rather to the universal experience of desiring to be seen and valued.

Jarman shifts focus to his own experience, "leaning close to the newly dropped persimmon in the wet grass, / and the huddle of four or five hungry satyrs, drab at first glance." The detailed observation of butterflies near the persimmon tree mirrors the husband's attentive gaze on the ants. The butterflies, described initially as "drab" and "the dull brown of age spots," become fascinating subjects under closer scrutiny, much like the woman wished to be.

The poem's rich imagery continues: "flitting away in too many directions, too quickly / to count exactly, small as they are, in the shade at the tree's base." This chaotic yet captivating movement of the butterflies symbolizes the complexity and fleeting nature of beauty and attention. The poet's effort to participate in the scene, "leaning / out of the sunlight, as if / I could take part in the feast there," signifies a deep desire to immerse oneself fully in the moment of observation and appreciation.

Jarman vividly describes the butterflies: "the eye-spotted satyrs, no bigger than / eyelids, and the fritillaries, their calmer companions, like floating shreds of fire." The contrast between the satyrs and fritillaries highlights the diversity and splendor of the natural world. The detailed depiction of their behavior, "whose feet have organs / of taste that make their tongues uncoil in reflex with / goodness underfoot," emphasizes the intimate connection between the butterflies and their environment.

The poem culminates in a poignant reflection: "I thought of that woman's lover, there on my belly / in sun and shadow, / and wished I could be like that." Jarman expresses a longing to possess the same ability to be deeply engrossed in the act of loving and observing, to transcend ordinary existence and achieve a state of complete, loving immersion.

In "Butterflies Under Persimmon," Mark Jarman masterfully explores the themes of attention, longing, and the beauty of the natural world. Through his evocative imagery and reflective tone, he invites readers to consider the profound impact of being seen and appreciated with unwavering focus. The poem underscores the universal human desire for deep connection and the transformative power of attentive love, drawing parallels between human relationships and the natural world's intricate beauty.

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