Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Love of My Flesh, Living Death" by Lorna Dee Cervantes, drawing inspiration from the work of Federico García Lorca, is a poignant exploration of love, transformation, and the dichotomies of existence. The poem weaves a rich tapestry of imagery and emotion, delving into themes of beauty, danger, and the inherent contradictions within the self and in the nature of love. Cervantes captures the complexity of the human heart, reflecting on the transformative power of love and the ever-present shadow of vulnerability and fear.

The poem begins with a reflection on a past self that was not "always so plain," evoking images of natural beauty and freedom with "strewn feathers on a cross / of dune" and "an expanse of ocean / at my feet." This imagery suggests a time of innocence and unbridled existence, a stark contrast to the speaker's current state. The reference to "garlands of gulls" further enhances the sense of a life once lived in harmony with the natural world, embodying the freedom and beauty of the gulls themselves.

The mention of "Sirens and gulls" introduces the theme of untamable nature, both of the external world and within the self. The acknowledgment that "to be / a dove is to bear the falcon / at your breast" captures the inherent contradictions within love and existence—the simultaneous presence of gentleness and ferocity, peace and danger. This line reflects on the complexity of human emotions and relationships, where love encompasses both protection and vulnerability.

The speaker's fear is described as "simple, heart-faced / above a flare of etchings," suggesting a deep and intrinsic terror that is both personal and ancestral, hinted at by the "lineage / in letters." This fear is directly confronted and named when the speaker exclaims, "It’s you." This revelation—that the source of fear, love, and transformation is the beloved—underscores the intimate and profound connection between the speaker and the object of their affection.

The poem culminates in a declaration of recognition and love, with the heart singing "It’s you!" This moment of acknowledgment and acceptance captures the essence of the speaker's emotions, where love is both a source of beauty and fear. The phrases "Blush of my breath, catch / of my see—beautiful bird—It’s you" convey a sense of awe and reverence for the beloved, likening them to a "beautiful bird" that embodies the paradoxes of existence—freedom and entrapment, beauty and danger.

"Love of My Flesh, Living Death" is a testament to Cervantes' ability to explore the depths of human emotion and the complexities of love through vivid imagery and lyrical prose. Drawing inspiration from García Lorca, Cervantes crafts a poem that resonates with the beauty and pain of love, the transformative power of self-recognition, and the eternal dance of life and death. Through this exploration, the poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love and the multifaceted nature of the human heart.

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