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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Walking Swiftly" by Robert Bly is a contemplative poem that navigates through layers of internal unrest, the quest for meaning, and the creative process, all set against the backdrop of a world that is both tranquil and charged with underlying tensions. Through vivid imagery and a seamless flow from the personal to the universal, Bly crafts a narrative that reflects on the human condition, the natural world, and the transformative power of art. The poem opens with a serene morning scene, marked by the simplicity of sheep grazing just outside, the weight of the trees soaked by dew or rain, and the sun's nascent rise. This tranquility, however, is contrasted with the speaker's internal state of unrest, hinting at the complexity of human emotions and the presence of anxiety or disquiet even in moments of apparent peace. Bly extends this juxtaposition to the human-made environment, mentioning "wooden buildings made of two-by-fours," which, despite their ordinariness, somehow impart a sense of nervousness to the landscape. This observation speaks to the impact of human activity on the natural world and suggests a disconnect or disharmony between human constructions and the environment. The narrative then shifts to a historical or mythical figure, the Emperor, whose desires for exotic and impossible treasures — "rhinoceros horn, for sky-blue phoenix eggs shaped from veined rock, dipped in rooster blood" — symbolize the human yearning for power, immortality, and transcendence. The imagery of wasps, hens, and oysters guarding and questioning further illustrates the complexity of human desires and the inscrutable nature of the world that surrounds us. As the poem progresses, Bly delves into the transformation of internal heat into various expressions of human will, generosity, and love. This heat, emblematic of life force and creative energy, manifests in different forms, each carrying its own weight and intensity. The progression from will to generosity to "mad love that lasts forever" suggests a journey through different facets of human experience, driven by an inner fire that seeks outlet and expression. The conclusion of the poem, with the artist walking swiftly to his studio to carve "oceanic waves into the dragon's mane," signifies the act of creation as a means of channeling and transmuting internal turmoil and desire into something tangible and enduring. The artist's work, imbued with energy and movement, becomes a metaphor for the creative process itself — a way to navigate and make sense of the internal and external worlds. "Walking Swiftly" is a rich exploration of the interplay between peace and unrest, the natural and the constructed, and the personal and the universal. Robert Bly masterfully weaves together diverse elements to reflect on the sources and manifestations of creative energy, the quest for meaning, and the role of art in confronting and transcending the complexities of the human condition. Through this poem, Bly invites readers to consider their own inner landscapes and the ways in which creativity and art can serve as vehicles for understanding, expression, and connection.
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