Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy’s poem "Zeroah: Lamb Shank" is a poignant meditation on the significance of the lamb shank on the Seder plate, a key element in the Jewish Passover ritual. Through this meditation, Piercy delves into themes of sacrifice, communal identity, and the visceral realities of human existence. The poem bridges the ancient past with contemporary reflections, highlighting the enduring relevance of the Passover story.

The poem opens with an acknowledgment of the discomfort some feel towards the lamb shank: "It grosses out many of my friends. / They don’t eat meat, let alone / place it on a ritual platter." This line establishes a contrast between modern sensibilities, particularly among vegetarians and vegans, and the traditional rituals that involve animal sacrifice. Piercy places herself within this tension, stating, "I am not so particular, or more so." This suggests a nuanced understanding and acceptance of the ritual’s symbolism.

Piercy then emphasizes the physicality of human existence: "Made of flesh and bone, liver / and sinew, salty blood and brain." This raw description underscores the corporeal reality of both the ancient Israelites and contemporary humans. By acknowledging our shared physicality, Piercy creates a connection between past and present, reminding us that the historical events commemorated during Passover involved real people with tangible bodies.

The historical context of the Exodus is brought to life with the lines: "I know they weren’t ghosts who trekked / out of baked mud huts into the desert. / Blood was spilled, red and real: / first ours, then theirs." Here, Piercy vividly recalls the hardships and bloodshed experienced by the Israelites, grounding the ritual in the harsh realities of their journey. The reference to blood "splashed on the doorposts" evokes the biblical story of the Passover night, where the Israelites marked their homes to protect their firstborn from the final plague.

The poem delves deeper into the communal aspect of Jewish identity: "We are pack and herd animals. / One Jew is not a Jew, but we are / a people together, plural, joined." This reflects the idea that Jewish identity is inherently collective, rooted in shared history and communal experiences. The phrase "We were made flesh and we bled" reinforces the idea that suffering and resilience are integral parts of this collective identity.

Piercy concludes with a powerful reflection on the symbolic and practical implications of the lamb shank: "And we fled, under the sign / of the slaughtered lamb to live / and die for each other. We are / meat that thinks and sings." The slaughtered lamb symbolizes both sacrifice and salvation, marking the Israelites' escape from slavery and their journey towards freedom. By describing humans as "meat that thinks and sings," Piercy captures the essence of the human condition—beings who are both physical and spiritual, capable of thought, emotion, and expression.

"Zeroah: Lamb Shank" by Marge Piercy is a rich and layered poem that explores the intersection of ritual, history, and identity. Through vivid imagery and reflective language, Piercy invites readers to consider the deeper meanings behind the Passover symbols and the ways in which these ancient rituals continue to resonate in contemporary life. The poem serves as a reminder of the physical and communal aspects of human existence, highlighting the enduring power of collective memory and tradition.

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