Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "The Ram’s Horn Sounding" is an intricate, multi-faceted exploration of identity, heritage, and the poet's role in interpreting and articulating human experience. Divided into three sections, the poem weaves together personal reflection, historical consciousness, and a profound sense of connection to the natural and spiritual world. Through vivid imagery and complex metaphors, Piercy delves into the intersections of personal and collective memory, the burdens and blessings of identity, and the transformative power of words.

In the first section, the poet describes a relationship fraught with tension and dependency. The imagery of the "Giant porcupine" and "leopard cub" symbolizes a demanding, consuming force that simultaneously causes pain and awe. The poet's struggle is internalized: "I walk a rope braided / of my intestines and veins," suggesting a deep, visceral connection to this entity. The description of enduring and meandering like a river hints at a long, historical burden that the poet must navigate, much like the "river / that rose in the stark mountains beyond the desert." This section sets the stage for understanding the complexity and duality of heritage—both beautiful and burdensome.

The second section shifts focus to a historical and cultural reflection, using the metaphor of a postcard from the ghetto at Tetuan. The imagery of "old clothes tottering in the tight street," "beards matted and holy with grease," and "children crooked under water jugs" paints a vivid picture of a marginalized, struggling community. The postcard becomes a symbol of the poet's Jewish identity, which is seen as both "sentimental" and "perverse." The poet’s encounter with relatives who survived the war underscores the deep, painful legacy of displacement and survival. The line "Winners write history; losers / die of it, like the plague" poignantly captures the grim reality of historical narratives shaped by power.

In the final section, Piercy grapples with the intersection of her identities as "A woman and a Jew," describing it as both "collision and fusion, stone and seed." This duality is a source of both conflict and creativity, a fundamental aspect of her poetic mission. The invocation of the "holy name" and the description of the Shekinah—a manifestation of divine presence in Jewish mysticism—highlight the spiritual dimension of the poet's work. The imagery of the Shekinah as a hawk, a dove, and a ghost ship conveys the elusive, multifaceted nature of inspiration and divine guidance.

The poet’s role is likened to that of a shofar, the ram's horn sounded during Jewish religious ceremonies: "Coming to the new year, I am picked / up like the ancient ram’s horn to sound / over the congregation." This metaphor underscores the poet's duty to give voice to the collective experiences of humanity and the natural world. The line "knowing / there is no justice we don’t make daily / like bread and love" emphasizes the poet's belief in active, daily commitment to justice and love.

Piercy concludes with a plea for blessing and purpose: "bless me and use me for telling and naming / the forever collapsing shades and shapes of life." The poet seeks to capture the fleeting moments of beauty and knowledge, aligning them into patterns of understanding, much like constellations in the night sky. The final image of "the blood kinship with all green, hairy / and scaled folk born from the ancient warm sea" reinforces the interconnectedness of all life and the poet's responsibility to articulate this connection.

"The Ram’s Horn Sounding" is a deeply introspective and richly layered poem that traverses personal, historical, and spiritual landscapes. Through its intricate metaphors and evocative imagery, Piercy explores the burdens and blessings of identity, the transformative power of memory, and the poet's sacred duty to bear witness and give voice to the complexities of human and natural existence.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...