Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "V’ahavta" is a profound reflection on the values of love, holiness, and moral responsibility. Drawing from the Jewish prayer of the same name, which means "and you shall love" in Hebrew, Piercy expands the traditional religious injunction into a universal call for compassion, ethical living, and the nurturing of our world and relationships.

The poem begins with an invocation to love what is holy "with all your courage, with all your passion / with all your strength." This echoes the biblical commandment to love God fully, yet Piercy's use of "what is holy" broadens the scope to include all that is sacred in life, urging a deep and comprehensive commitment. This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, emphasizing the importance of integrating love and holiness into every aspect of our existence.

Piercy continues by emphasizing the importance of words and actions: "Let the words that have come down / shine in our words and our actions." This line suggests a continuity between sacred teachings and daily behavior, advocating for the transmission of these values to future generations. The directive to "teach our children to know and understand them" highlights the role of education in perpetuating these ideals.

The poem then addresses the integration of these values into everyday life: "We must speak about what is good / and holy within our homes / when we are working, when we are at play, / when we lie down and when we get up." By invoking various daily activities, Piercy underscores the need for a holistic approach to living ethically, making goodness and holiness a constant presence in all aspects of life.

Piercy's call to let "the work of our hands speak of goodness" and to let this goodness "run in our blood / and glow from our doors and windows" reinforces the idea that ethical living should be visible and tangible. Our actions should reflect our values, creating a positive impact that is evident to others.

The poem also emphasizes self-love and love for others: "We should love ourselves, for we are of God. / We should love our neighbors as ourselves." This aligns with the central tenets of many religious and ethical systems, advocating for self-respect and empathy towards others. Piercy extends this love to strangers, invoking the historical memory of the Jewish people: "We should love the stranger, for we / were once strangers in the land of Egypt / and have been strangers in all the lands of the world since." This line connects historical experiences of displacement with a broader call for compassion towards all who are marginalized or in need.

Piercy's reference to the observation of "Heaven and earth" adds a cosmic dimension to the poem, suggesting that our actions are being watched and judged by higher powers or the universe itself. The stark choice between life and death reinforces the urgency of living ethically: "We must choose life so our children's children may live."

The poem concludes with a call to introspection and action: "Be quiet and listen to the still small voice within that speaks in love. / Open to that voice, hear it, heed it and work for life." This final exhortation encourages readers to find and follow their inner moral compass, emphasizing that true guidance comes from within.

In "V’ahavta," Marge Piercy offers a rich, meditative expansion of traditional religious teachings, transforming them into a universal manifesto for ethical living. Through her eloquent and heartfelt language, Piercy urges readers to integrate love, holiness, and compassion into every facet of their lives, fostering a world where goodness and ethical responsibility are paramount. The poem serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of these values in both personal and collective contexts.

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