Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Her Power Is to Open What Is Shut, Shut What Is Open" by Diane Di Prima is a deeply evocative and symbolic poem that explores themes of feminine power, mystery, and the natural and spiritual realms. Through vivid imagery and contrasting elements, Di Prima captures the essence of a powerful, elemental female force that is both nurturing and destructive, present in the unseen and liminal spaces of existence.

The poem begins with the image of falling "like razors on the fine wind of yr spirit," suggesting a force that is sharp, precise, and able to penetrate the deepest layers of the self. This force is likened to "Still water in the current, / unmoving air / that the wind blows thru," highlighting its paradoxical nature—it is both part of the natural world and stands apart from it, an unmoving presence in the midst of movement.

Di Prima's portrayal of fire—"hers is the fire that clings, but does not consume, dark fire that does not light the night"—further emphasizes the complexity of this force. It is a fire that burns without destruction, a dark light that illuminates without revealing, embodying the mysterious aspects of femininity and the unknown.

The labyrinth is a recurring motif in the poem, symbolizing the intricate and often hidden pathways of the soul. The "Torches in her labyrinth" that cast shadows on "ice-cut walls" and "Flickering stalagtites cut out of garnet" create a sense of a journey into the depths of the self, where light and darkness, solidity and fluidity coexist.

Di Prima locates this force in the "unseen muddy places of yr soul" and the "wildwood where you have not dared to walk," suggesting that it dwells in the places we fear or avoid, the shadowy recesses of our inner and outer worlds. The imagery of "Wild yew & blackberries tight, dried meat / of skinny winter deer" evokes a sense of survival and resilience, the harsh beauty of nature that sustains even in the bleakest conditions.

The poem's central figure holds out these symbols "like a key," implying that understanding and embracing this force is the key to unlocking deeper layers of reality and self-awareness. Yet, her door "cannot be found," it is simultaneously closed and crumbling, elusive and ever-present, reflecting the enigmatic nature of this power.

Di Prima concludes with a celebration of the force's life-giving aspects—"Her power is to raise the pale green grass of spring, the pale wildflower carpets" and "She terraces the hills w/ her glance." These images of growth, renewal, and the transformation of the landscape underscore the creative and nurturing dimensions of feminine power.

Through "Her Power Is to Open What Is Shut, Shut What Is Open," Di Prima articulates a vision of feminine power that is deeply rooted in the natural world and the unconscious, a force that defies easy categorization and exists beyond the binaries of light and darkness, creation and destruction. It is a power that is both terrifying and awe-inspiring, inviting us to explore the unknown territories within ourselves and the world around us.

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