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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Wanting Sumptuous Heavens" by Robert Bly is a thought-provoking poem that reflects on human discontent and the longing for transcendence, contrasted with the natural world's acceptance and simplicity. Through vivid imagery and sharp contrasts, Bly explores the uniquely human desire for something beyond the earthly, for a "Comfortable earth and sumptuous Heaven," and juxtaposes this with the contentment found in nature. The poem opens with a serene image of harmony within the animal kingdom, where "No one grumbles among the oyster clans, / And lobsters play their bone guitars all summer." This depiction of oysters and lobsters serves as a metaphor for the natural world's inherent acceptance and the uninterrupted joy found in simply being. The "bone guitars" suggest a celebration of life that is continuous and unburdened by existential longing. Bly then introduces the human element, highlighting our unique capacity for dissatisfaction and our complex relationship with the concept of the divine. The mention of "our opposable thumbs" serves as a synecdoche for human intelligence and capability, which, while enabling remarkable achievements, also allows us to yearn for realms beyond our grasp and to grumble about our condition. This longing for "Heaven to be, and God to come, again" encapsulates the human desire for ultimate meaning and a paradise that remedies earthly imperfections. The poem's critique of human nature deepens with the observation that "there is no end to our grumbling; we want / Comfortable earth and sumptuous Heaven." This line speaks to the insatiable human appetite for ease and splendor, both in this life and the hereafter, suggesting a disconnection from the present moment and the beauty that surrounds us. In contrast, the heron, "standing on one leg in the bog / Drinks his dark rum all day, and is content," embodies the ability to find fulfillment in the simplicity of existence. The heron's contentment, despite the apparent monotony of his environment, serves as a powerful counterpoint to human restlessness. The "dark rum" could symbolize the richness of life that is available to all beings if they are present and accepting of their circumstances. "Wanting Sumptuous Heavens" is a meditation on the differences between human beings and the rest of the natural world in terms of satisfaction and desire. Robert Bly uses the natural world as a mirror to reflect on human complexities, urging a reconsideration of our continuous longing for more. By comparing the untroubled existence of animals with human discontent, Bly invites readers to ponder the possibility of finding contentment in the "rum" of our own lives, appreciating the world as it is rather than longing for an idealized beyond. The poem, in its elegance and simplicity, offers a profound commentary on the nature of desire and the pursuit of happiness.
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