Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Levine’s "Here and Now" is a deeply introspective and evocative poem that captures the transient nature of life and the poignant moments of reflection that come with aging and memory. The poem's setting by the sea serves as a powerful metaphor for the constant flux of time and the ebb and flow of human experience.

The opening lines, "The waters of earth come and go like the waters of this sea broken as it is out of the dust of other men," immediately situate the reader in a contemplative space. The comparison of earthly waters to the sea, composed of the remnants of the past, sets the tone for the poem’s exploration of time and memory. This imagery suggests that the present is inextricably linked to the past, with the "dust of other men" symbolizing the enduring impact of those who came before.

The speaker’s admission, "Don't ask me why I came down to the water's edge—hell, I was young, and I thought I knew life," reflects a youthful naivety and the arrogance of thinking one can fully grasp the complexities of existence. The metaphor of holding darkness "the way a man holds a cup of coffee before he wakens" illustrates the illusion of control and understanding one might have before truly facing the realities of life.

The narrative then shifts to a moment of introspection as the speaker recalls standing by the shore, letting "the waves climb up the dark shore." This imagery evokes a sense of surrender to the natural world and its rhythms, highlighting the speaker's transition from youthful certainty to a more humbled, contemplative state. The description of the village sleeping behind him, with his family still dreaming of home, emphasizes the isolation and introspection of this moment.

The speaker’s self-identification as "the dog of the house, prowled the darkened streets" adds a layer of humility and loyalty, suggesting a sense of duty and protectiveness. The imagery of the "first cold light smearing the eastern sky" and the "Levante blowing its warm salt breath in my face" paints a vivid picture of the early morning at the sea, blending the physical sensations with the speaker’s emotional state.

The speaker’s contemplation of commanding the sun or cursing the air reflects a longing for control and influence over the passage of time and natural events. However, this desire is tempered by the realization of his own limitations: "So I said nothing, but when my eyes filled slowly with the first salted rains of sorrow, I let them come believing I wept for joy at the gift of one more day." This moment of silent acceptance and gratitude for life’s continuance, despite its hardships, is a powerful acknowledgment of the beauty and sorrow inherent in existence.

In the closing stanza, the speaker reflects on the enduring nature of the village and the experiences of those who come after him: "I suppose the wind still blows at ease across the sleeping face of the village I fled all those years ago, and some young man comes down to the sea and murmurs a word, his name, or God's or a child's, or maybe just the sea's." This continuity of life and the repetition of moments of reflection across generations underscore the universality of human experience.

The speaker’s wish for the young man to "be wiser than I, let him fight back the tears and taste only the sea's salt" conveys a hope for greater resilience and understanding in the face of life’s challenges. The final lines, "the surprise of having come back to what no one promised, here and now," encapsulate the central theme of the poem: the acceptance and embrace of the present moment, with all its uncertainties and unfulfilled promises.

"Here and Now" is a meditation on the passage of time, the cycles of life, and the moments of clarity and acceptance that come with maturity. Levine’s use of rich, sensory imagery and introspective narrative creates a poignant and resonant exploration of what it means to be present, to reflect on the past, and to face the future with a sense of gratitude and humility.

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