Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Sevens (Version 3): In the Closed Iris of Creation" by Marvin Bell is a deeply philosophical and richly imagistic poem that traverses the expanse of human existence, from the cosmic to the intimately personal. Through a series of vivid and often surreal images, Bell explores themes of creation, desire, life, and the inevitable intersection of life and death. The poem oscillates between the abstract and the concrete, weaving a tapestry of reflection on the nature of being and the cycles that define the human condition.

The opening image of "a pair of heavy scissors lay across the sky" immediately sets a tone of impending action or decision, suggesting a tension between creation and cessation, with the sky—a symbol of vast potential and the unknown—serving as the backdrop for human drama. This tension is further amplified by the "sobbing clouds" ready to "rain down heavily on desire," illustrating the perennial conflict between human longing and the forces of nature or fate that seem to conspire against it.

Bell's invocation of elemental beginnings—"We who began in water, in clay, in the ancient diggings of the word"—roots humanity in the natural world, highlighting our connection to the earth and the primordial. This connection is both a source of vitality and a reminder of our mortality, as indicated by the mention of "the chalk of dreams" and the bloom of life that is "blind toward scissors and clouds," suggesting an inherent vulnerability to external forces.

The poem then shifts to a more personal realm, reflecting on the journey from birth into individual existence, where "our mothers pushed us away for the good of our souls." This separation is depicted as a necessary step toward autonomy and the formation of identity, yet it carries with it the weight of isolation and the struggle for meaning in a world "where the sun has burned a hole in the name of love."

Bell delves into the complexities of human choice, juxtaposing "knowing the truth" with "orgasm and repose," and presenting life as a series of difficult navigations through "alleys of pumice" and "the dust of exploding grains." This metaphorical journey speaks to the human quest for understanding and fulfillment amid the harsh realities of existence.

The poem's exploration of life's dualities—joy and suffering, creation and destruction, birth and death—is encapsulated in the imagery of dancing "like an orphan among loaves of black bread" and laughing in "a thicket of almonds." These moments of ephemeral happiness are contrasted with the "shivering of all cities" and the cosmic cycle of "an eternity of ice" that descends "to be shipwrecked in space," reflecting on the transient nature of human experience within the vastness of the universe.

In the concluding stanzas, Bell's ritualistic "chalk into my coffee" and "sacramental bread" serve as symbols of remembrance and reverence for the "blood and bones of the universe." This act of daily commemoration is a pledge to preserve one's life for a future that may hold promise or despair, underscoring the poem's meditation on the value of existence and the search for meaning amidst uncertainty.

"Sevens (Version 3): In the Closed Iris of Creation" is a profound contemplation of the human journey through the lens of creation and the cyclical nature of life. Marvin Bell crafts a narrative that is both cosmic in scope and intimate in detail, inviting readers to reflect on the beauty and tragedy of existence, the impermanence of joy, and the enduring quest for understanding and connection in a world that is perpetually in motion. Through its intricate imagery and philosophical depth, the poem stands as a testament to the complexities of the human spirit and the unending search for light within the darkness.

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