Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Letter to Jeanne (From Tassajara)" by Diane Di Prima is a lyrical and evocative poem that captures a moment of tender reflection and hopeful aspiration for Jeanne, presumably a young girl stepping into the vastness of her future. Di Prima's poem is rich with imagery that contrasts the natural beauty and elemental forces of Tassajara, a Zen Buddhist monastery in California, with the urban landscapes and personal memories that have shaped her own experiences. Through this letter, Di Prima expresses a deep affection and a wish for Jeanne to embrace the myriad possibilities that life offers.

The poem opens with the "dry heat of the Tassajara canyon" and the "moist warmth of San Francisco summer," immediately setting a scene that is both vivid and sensory. This juxtaposition of dry and moist, heat and coolness, effectively conveys the diversity of experiences that life presents. The "bright fog reflecting sunrise" serves as a metaphor for the potential and promise of new beginnings, with the fog—a symbol of uncertainty and mystery—illuminated by the light of dawn, suggesting clarity and revelation.

As Jeanne steps out of the "September zendo," she is portrayed as emerging from a place of contemplation and spiritual practice into the world at large, her "vajra pathway" ahead of her. The vajra, a symbol of indestructibility and irresistible force in Buddhist iconography, represents the strength and resilience that Di Prima hopes Jeanne will carry with her. The mention of Jeanne's eyes "turned sideways at us" and her "high knowing" conveys a sense of wisdom and perceptiveness, suggesting that she possesses an innate understanding and readiness for the journey ahead.

Di Prima fondly recalls Jeanne's "3-year-old wench-smile" and the image of her "flicking your thin ankles" as she "trot[s] toward Adventure," imbuing the poem with a sense of innocence and exuberance. This playful and carefree depiction contrasts with the more profound and contemplative imagery that precedes it, highlighting the multifaceted nature of growth and exploration.

The poet's wish for Jeanne's experiences to be "various" and filled with "sparkle like dustmotes at dawn in the back of grey stores" evokes a sense of wonder and the beauty to be found in the mundane. The "shooting stars over the Hudson" and the "wind in the Berkshire pines" are personal memories that Di Prima shares, connecting Jeanne's future adventures with her own past experiences, and underscoring the continuity of life's journey across generations.

Di Prima concludes with a powerful invocation of the landscapes—both literal and metaphorical—that await Jeanne. The "uncounted caves to mate in" and the description of Jeanne as "my scorpio, bright love" suggest a future full of passion, discovery, and transformation. The poet's use of "scorpio" could refer to traits associated with the astrological sign, such as intensity, depth, and the capacity for profound emotional and spiritual experiences.

"Letter to Jeanne (From Tassajara)" is a beautiful and intimate poem that serves as a blessing and a guide for a young soul at the threshold of life's vast possibilities. Through her vivid imagery and heartfelt wishes, Diane Di Prima captures the essence of growth, exploration, and the enduring bond between mentor and protégé, offering a vision of a life lived with curiosity, courage, and love.

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