Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem begins by setting the scene in Trinity Church, where the ancestral presence of the Walgravian forebears adds a layer of historical depth and continuity, suggesting that the act of coming together to experience the Mass is part of a long tradition that connects the living with those who have passed. The various sections of the choir—tenors, horns, sopranos, and altos—each contribute to a multifaceted message about life, death, and the human condition.

The choir's message, "Do not be troubled. Death will come," serves as a reminder of the natural cycle of life, urging the congregation to accept mortality without fear. This acceptance is coupled with acts of charity, as depicted by the basses who distribute "bits of dark bread to the poor," invoking the biblical image of feeding the hungry and caring for the least fortunate among us. This gesture symbolizes the sustenance of the soul as well as the body, grounded in the humility and compassion of faith.

The clarinets and oboes engage in a dialogue about the promise to care for the orphans, a metaphor for the vulnerable and the marginalized. The skepticism expressed by the oboes—"Oh, that promise is too wonderful for us!"—reflects human doubts and the struggle to trust in divine providence or human goodness amid the suffering and injustices of the world.

Bly then shifts the imagery to a natural disaster, a tidal wave, likening it to the minor and everyday miracle of a wood thrush lifting her wings in the morning sun. This comparison juxtaposes the destructive forces of nature with the beauty and resilience of life, suggesting that even in the wake of great tragedies, there is a return to innocence and renewal.

The poem delves into the acceptance of divine will, acknowledging that "God gobbles up the Faithful," a stark and perhaps unsettling portrayal of the relationship between the divine and its devotees. Yet, this line is followed by an image of redemption and nourishment, with "Harvesters on the sea floor" feeding those "ruined by the depth of the sea." This suggests a belief in the continuation of care and grace beyond death, in the unseen realms.

The concluding lines affirm the cycle of life and death, with the falling of a tree in the night serving as a metaphor for the end of life. Yet, with the arrival of dawn, birds sing, embodying the irrepressible force of life and the natural world's inclination towards beauty, hope, and renewal. Despite the inevitability of death and destruction, life persists in its capacity for joy and celebration.

"Bach's B Minor Mass" thus becomes a meditation on the human condition, intertwining themes of mortality, hope, charity, and the beauty of life's enduring cycle. Bly uses the Mass as a backdrop for exploring how music, faith, and communal experience can provide comfort, inspire generosity, and offer a sense of continuity and connection across generations, affirming life's resilience and the persistent, transformative power of love and faith.

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