Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Parentalia (2)," by Geoffrey Hill, continues the reflective and reverent tone established in the first part of the poem, further delving into themes of legacy, spiritual guidance, and the intersection of the temporal with the eternal. The title "Parentalia" alludes to a Roman festival for honoring deceased ancestors, grounding the poem in themes of remembrance and continuity.

The opening line, "Go your ways, as if in thanksgiving," sets a tone of departure and gratitude. This phrase suggests an acceptance of life's journey with a sense of thankfulness, reminiscent of a benediction. The reference to "Daniel finally instructed of the Lord" invokes the biblical figure Daniel, known for his wisdom and visions, implying that the journey is divinely guided and enlightened by spiritual understanding.

"The book is finally closed for your time; it will not / open again to the slow / Round of the psalms, the prophets of righteousness." These lines convey a sense of finality and closure. The "book" symbolizes the scriptural and spiritual texts that have guided the individual, now closed, signaling the end of an era or a particular phase of life. The mention of the "psalms" and "prophets of righteousness" underscores the spiritual journey and the teachings that have provided guidance.

"But go, as instrumental, of the Lord, / life-bound to his foreknowledge / And in his absence making your return / To the generations, the rosaceae." This passage emphasizes the ongoing nature of the journey, even in the perceived absence of direct divine presence. The term "instrumental" suggests being an active agent of the divine will, living a life that aligns with divine foreknowledge. The "return / To the generations" implies a cyclical view of life, where one returns to the roots and traditions passed down through the ages. The "rosaceae" – a family of flowering plants including roses – symbolizes beauty, continuity, and the natural cycle of life and death.

"The things of earth snagging the things of grace, / darkened hawthorn, its late flare, that stands / illustrious, and the darkening season." These lines beautifully capture the interplay between the earthly and the divine. The "things of earth" represent the tangible, everyday aspects of life, while the "things of grace" symbolize spiritual beauty and transcendence. The "darkened hawthorn, its late flare" evokes an image of a plant in its final bloom, representing both the beauty and the inevitability of decay. The "darkening season" suggests the approach of winter, a time of dormancy and reflection.

The poem concludes with "Harvest Festival to Armistice Day / the other harvest." This ending ties together themes of growth, fruition, and remembrance. The "Harvest Festival" signifies a time of gathering and gratitude for the year's bounty, while "Armistice Day" (now known as Remembrance Day) commemorates the end of World War I and honors those who have fallen in war. The phrase "the other harvest" poignantly connects the natural cycle of growth and harvest with the human cycle of life and death, suggesting that remembrance and honoring of the past are also forms of harvest.

Overall, "Parentalia (2)" is a contemplative poem that reflects on the interplay between life and death, the spiritual and the earthly, and the importance of remembrance and continuity. Through rich imagery and biblical allusions, Hill invites readers to consider their place within the larger tapestry of life and the enduring legacy of those who have come before.

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