Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tess Gallagher's poem “If Poetry Were Not a Morality” is a deeply reflective and expansive meditation on the necessity and impact of art, memory, and identity. The poem intricately weaves together personal anecdotes, cultural reflections, and philosophical musings to explore the profound influence of poetry and music on the human spirit.

The poem begins with a contemplation on the value of poetry, echoing Jean Cocteau’s sentiment that “poetry were not a morality.” Gallagher immediately situates herself within this framework, suggesting that her dedication to poetry is driven by its ethical and transformative power. This declaration sets the stage for the exploration of various instances where art intersects with life, offering moments of profound clarity and emotional resonance.

Gallagher recounts her reaction to hearing Bobby McFerrin sing without words for the first time, a moment so powerful that she has to pull over and park with the motor running. This visceral response to music underscores the poem's theme of art's ability to transcend ordinary experience, creating a space for reflection and emotional release. The mention of Cecil Taylor further emphasizes the impact of art, despite the dismissive comment from the record store clerk. Taylor’s blend of classical music and improvisation embodies a spirit of exploration and commitment to a path that may be fraught with uncertainty, mirroring the poet’s own journey.

The poem shifts to a reflection on simplicity and the essential. Gallagher describes a photo of Gandhi’s last possessions, symbols of a life reduced to its most fundamental elements. This image serves as an ideal of humility and focus, contrasting with the complexity and material excess that often characterize modern life. The poet’s desire to emulate this simplicity is intertwined with memories of her mother, who scorned the indignity of cheap welfare funerals. This memory highlights a familial legacy of valuing respect and dignity, even in death.

Gallagher’s cultural heritage surfaces in her recollections of her mother’s Cherokee identity and the taunts she endured as a child. The figure of her great-grandfather, an unnamed chief with an insatiable desire for more horses, emerges as a symbol of abundance and connection to the natural world. This figure, watching his horses under the moonlight, experiences a completeness that transcends individual existence. His “wordless and perfect” state, characterized by beautiful, bare feet, represents an ideal of purity and unity with nature that the poet yearns for.

The poem delves deeper into the internal conflict and guilt that accompany the poet’s desires and ambitions. Gallagher describes herself as an “overwrought magnet,” burdened by a relentless drive and a fear of loss. This magnetic pull is contrasted with the serene, untroubled presence of her ancestor, who seems to possess an inherent wisdom and acceptance. The poet's struggle with self-forgiveness and the insatiable nature of her desires underscores the complexity of human experience, where aspirations and regrets are intertwined.

Music serves as a recurring motif, representing a source of solace and connection. The references to Bob Marley, Billie Holiday, and Édith Piaf evoke a sense of timelessness and emotional depth. These artists, with their “raw uncoffined voices,” embody the rawness and authenticity that Gallagher seeks. The imagery of turning up the music by the side of the road symbolizes a desire to be enveloped by the richness of life, transcending the mundane and the material.

In the final lines, the poet envisions a moment of belonging “beyond deserving” to the “sumptuousness of presence,” where the heart’s simplicity aligns with the “morality of a robin.” This vision encapsulates the poem’s central theme: the pursuit of a life that embraces both the profound and the simple, finding joy and fulfillment in the essence of existence. The “junkshop of a life,” with all its imperfections and transient moments, is redeemed by the capacity for joy and the recognition of abundance.

“If Poetry Were Not a Morality” is a richly layered poem that traverses the intersections of art, identity, and morality. Gallagher’s masterful use of imagery and personal narrative invites readers to reflect on their own connections to art and the ethical dimensions of their lives. Through her exploration of music, memory, and cultural heritage, Gallagher offers a poignant meditation on the enduring power of poetry to shape and sustain the human spirit.

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