Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"An Exercise in Love" by Diane Di Prima is a tender and evocative poem that explores the nuances of a relationship built on mutual exchange, shared experiences, and a deep connection that transcends the physical realm. Set against a backdrop of natural imagery and symbolic gifts, the poem delves into the spiritual and emotional bonds that form between two individuals, highlighting the transformative power of love and friendship. Through its lyrical language and vivid imagery, Di Prima captures the essence of an intimate relationship that is both grounding and ethereal.

The opening lines introduce the exchange of gifts between the speaker and her friend, symbolizing the mutual respect and affection that characterizes their relationship. The scarf and moonstones, and the shell and seaweeds, are not mere objects but representations of the elements—earth, water, and the moon's mystical influence. This exchange sets the tone for a relationship that is deeply connected to the natural world and its cycles.

The mention of planting eggplants and celery together further grounds their connection in the tangible, earthy act of gardening, suggesting a relationship that is nurtured over time, growing and flourishing like the plants they tend. Gardening here is not just a shared activity but a metaphor for the care and attention the two individuals invest in each other, and the growth and sustenance they derive from their bond.

The weaving of cloth by the friend for the speaker is another act of creation that symbolizes the intricate and beautiful patterns they create in each other's lives. This act of weaving can be seen as a metaphor for the way relationships intertwine individuals' lives, creating something new and unique from their combined experiences and emotions.

Di Prima then expands the scope of their relationship to include the contributions of many others, with the gifts of "silk, & green hills & heron the color of dawn." This acknowledgment suggests that their love exists within a larger context of community and nature, enriched by the beauty and bounty of the world around them. It reflects the idea that love is not just an exchange between two individuals but a web of connections that encompasses the contributions and influences of many.

The description of the friend walking "soft as a weaving on the wind" and backlighting the speaker's dreams adds an ethereal quality to their relationship. This imagery conveys a sense of gentleness, support, and the transformative power of love to illuminate the darkest corners of our minds and hearts.

The poem concludes with a profound sense of intimacy and transcendence, as the speaker awakes in the "smell of his hair" yet cannot remember his or her own name. This moment captures the essence of deep connection, where the boundaries between self and other blur, and the names and identities that define us fade away in the face of overwhelming emotion and connection. It suggests that in the realm of true love and friendship, the individual selves merge into a shared experience that is beyond words and definitions.

"An Exercise in Love" is a lyrical meditation on the nature of love and friendship, exploring the deep connections that form between individuals through shared experiences, mutual exchange, and a profound bond with the natural world. Diane Di Prima celebrates the beauty and complexity of human relationships, inviting readers to reflect on the ways in which love weaves through our lives, connecting us to each other and to the beauty of the world around us.

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