Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Levine's "To Cipriano, in the Wind" is a poignant reflection on memory, dignity, and the enduring impact of past encounters. Through the lens of a conversation with Cipriano Mera, a figure from the poet's youth, Levine explores themes of resilience, loss, and the longing for justice and ownership over one's destiny.

The poem begins with the speaker addressing Cipriano, recalling words spoken 38 years earlier in the back of Peerless Cleaners. Cipriano, elevated on a wooden platform, is depicted pressing clothes, his scars—"a gift of my country"—glistening under a harsh light. This vivid image immediately sets a tone of hardship and resilience. The scars are not just physical marks but symbols of a life marked by suffering and endurance.

Cipriano's lesson to the young speaker is encapsulated in the word "dignidad," meaning dignity. He emphasizes that without dignity, there are no true riches, a concept that the dapper Sicilian coatmaker, Ferrente, finds laughable, highlighting a clash of values and perspectives. The speaker, as a boy, absorbs Cipriano's message deeply, his wide eyes reflecting the impact of this profound lesson.

The poem is set against the backdrop of 1941, a year marked by significant historical events. The winter of '41 would take the speaker's brother off to war, bring great snowfalls, and deliver news of death. These events frame the narrative, showing a world in turmoil and transition. The mention of the Battle of Bataan and the brutal experiences of Sam Baghosian further emphasizes the harsh realities of the time.

Levine contrasts the brutality of war with moments of natural beauty and renewal. After the worst snow, it rains all night, and the streets gleam in the dawn, leading to the bloom of wild phlox in the fields. This transformation symbolizes hope and the promise of new beginnings, echoing Cipriano's belief that spring always follows winter.

As the poem progresses, the speaker reflects on the continued march of war, with the Germans rolling east into Russia and the subsequent loss of his cousins. These events underscore the pervasive impact of global conflict on personal lives. Despite these losses, the speaker holds onto Cipriano's words, repeating "Dignity" and the promise that "someday this will all be ours," finding solace and strength in these affirmations.

The poem closes with a heartfelt plea for Cipriano to return, either in dreams or life, to reiterate his message. The speaker longs for reassurance and the presence of Cipriano, whose words of dignity and hope provided a foundation during a time of uncertainty and fear. This final appeal encapsulates the poem's central themes of memory, resilience, and the enduring need for dignity and justice.

"To Cipriano, in the Wind" is a powerful meditation on the enduring impact of formative experiences and the importance of dignity in the face of adversity. Levine's vivid imagery and reflective narrative invite readers to consider their own memories and the lessons they carry forward, emphasizing the timeless nature of human resilience and the quest for a better world.

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