Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Friary at Blossom, Prologue & Instructions" is a poem by Norman Dubie. It was first published in 1996 and is part of Dubie's collection, "The Mercy Seat."

Explanation:

The poem is divided into two parts: the Prologue and the Instructions. In the Prologue, the speaker introduces the Friary at Blossom, a fictional location that serves as the setting for the poem. The Friary is described as a place where people come to seek refuge and solace, and where they can find answers to the questions that haunt them.

The Instructions provide a guide for those who wish to visit the Friary. The speaker tells the reader what they should bring, how they should behave, and what they can expect to find at the Friary. The instructions are written in a formal, almost ritualistic language, which gives the impression that the Friary is a sacred place.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: The poem is divided into two parts, the Prologue and the Instructions.
• Imagery: The speaker uses vivid and imaginative descriptions to bring the Friary at Blossom to life. For example, he describes the Friary as a place "where the deer graze / On the vineyards of the moon / And the dead are breathing like children / Among the swans of midnight."
• Tone: The tone of the poem is reverent and mystical, as if the Friary is a holy place that should be approached with respect and awe.
• Symbolism: The Friary can be seen as a symbol of spiritual refuge, a place where people can go to find peace and answers to life's difficult questions.

Conclusion:

"The Friary at Blossom, Prologue & Instructions" is a mystical and imaginative poem that invites the reader to enter a sacred and holy place. The language is formal and ritualistic, creating a sense of reverence and awe, and the vivid imagery helps to bring the Friary to life. The poem can be interpreted as a symbol of spiritual refuge, a place where people can go to find answers to life's difficult questions.

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