Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Michael Ondaatje’s "The Nine Sentiments" is a brief yet evocative poem that explores the theme of desire, blending sensual imagery with mythic undertones. The work captures the interplay between longing and mystery, grounding universal emotions in specific, tactile details. Through its minimalist structure and vivid language, the poem invites readers to contemplate the primal and enduring nature of human passion.

The opening line, "All day desire / enters the hearts of men," sets the tone for the poem as a meditation on longing. The universality of desire, described as a pervasive force, suggests its inescapable presence in human experience. The phrase "all day" implies constancy, emphasizing that this longing is not confined to specific moments but exists as an undercurrent in daily life. The use of "enters" personifies desire as an active and almost intrusive force, reinforcing its potency and inevitability.

The focus shifts to the women, who "from the village of_ move along porches wearing calling bells." The blank space in "village of_" adds an air of mystery, leaving the reader to imagine or interpret the origin of these women. Their movement "along porches" suggests a deliberate, almost ritualistic action, while the "calling bells" evoke a sense of allure and beckoning. The bells serve as both a literal and symbolic element, their sound calling attention to the women’s presence while enhancing the atmosphere of anticipation and desire.

"Breath from the mouth of that moon" introduces a celestial and mythic dimension to the poem. The moon, often associated with romance, mystery, and the feminine, becomes an active participant in the scene, its "breath" imbuing the imagery with an ethereal quality. This connection between the women and the moon elevates their actions, suggesting a cosmic or otherworldly influence on the desires of men and the movements of women. The use of "that moon" points to specificity, as though the speaker is gesturing to a particular moment or vision, grounding the universal theme in a personal or observed instance.

The final image, "Arrows of flint in their hair," combines elements of danger and adornment. Flint, a material historically used for crafting tools and weapons, evokes primal associations of survival and combat. The "arrows of flint" may symbolize the sharp, penetrating nature of desire or the strength and agency of the women themselves. By placing these arrows "in their hair," Ondaatje blends the fierce with the ornamental, suggesting that desire and power are intertwined and inherent to their being.

The poem’s brevity enhances its impact, with each line contributing to a layered and resonant whole. Ondaatje’s use of free verse allows the imagery to flow naturally, creating an atmosphere that is both intimate and expansive. The interplay between the earthly and the celestial, the sensual and the mythic, reinforces the timelessness of the emotions and actions depicted.

"The Nine Sentiments" is a meditation on the enduring and primal nature of desire, capturing its universal presence through the lens of specific, evocative imagery. By intertwining the movements of women, the allure of the moon, and the potent symbols of flint and bells, Michael Ondaatje constructs a poetic tableau that is rich in both sensuality and mystery. The poem invites readers to reflect on the ways in which desire shapes and connects human experiences, transcending individual moments to tap into the deeper rhythms of existence.

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