Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Tess Gallagher’s poem “Linoleum” reflects on the intersection of everyday life and spiritual aspiration, juxtaposing mundane activities with the rigorous demands of holiness. Dedicated to Mark Strand, the poem contemplates the virtues and failings of ordinary existence through the lens of various religious practices and philosophies, ultimately finding meaning in simple, humble actions.

The poem begins by invoking the figure of Christ, an epitome of divine grace and goodness. Christ’s ability to make righteousness seem effortless and his attentiveness to sinners set a high standard for moral and spiritual behavior. This reflection leads the speaker to sharpen her own sense of failure in comparison to such exemplary figures. She recalls the Jains, known for their extreme non-violence and careful steps to avoid harming even the smallest of creatures, embodying a profound commitment to the sanctity of all life.

As the speaker goes through a car wash, a mundane and somewhat mechanized ritual, she contrasts her own actions with those capable of achieving holiness. The reference to yogis plucking hair by hair from an initiate’s head further emphasizes the idea of meticulous, almost painful spiritual discipline. The car wash, with its brushes and soap, becomes a metaphor for a cleansing that is superficial compared to the deep, deliberate purity sought by the Jains and yogis.

The mention of “asylums for old and diseased animals” introduces a note of hope and goodness within the ordinary, suggesting that even small acts of kindness and care have their place. However, the speaker is acutely aware of the dead bugs washed away, feeling a sense of guilt and inadequacy. This awareness underscores a recurring theme in the poem: the struggle to reconcile daily actions with a deeper moral and spiritual worth.

Gallagher then explores the speaker’s complex relationship with the Jains. While admiring their purity and atonements, she also acknowledges the practical necessity of those less bound by such stringent codes—those who, “heartless enough,” can perform essential tasks like plowing potatoes. This pragmatic view tempers the speaker’s admiration, recognizing that extreme purity might not be feasible or desirable for everyone.

The speaker’s journey of understanding continues in the County Library, where she learns about the Jains’ role as wealthy moneylenders. This discovery challenges her initial idealized perception but also encourages her with the realization that virtues can outweigh vices. She lists the virtues she admires: forbearance, indulgence, straightforwardness, purity, veracity, restraint, freedom from attachment, poverty, and chastity, noting the human struggle to embody these qualities.

The poem reaches a poignant moment as the speaker grapples with the harsh realities of the world, exemplified by a news story of child abuse. This juxtaposition of personal longing for moral clarity with the world’s evident cruelty deepens her sense of yearning for a clear path, a doctrine as simple and effective as a broom to keep the path clear.

In the final lines, Gallagher brings the reader back to the simplicity of the present moment. The speaker, overwhelmed by the loneliness of the saints and the seemingly unattainable virtues, finds solace in a humble, tangible act: sweeping the linoleum. This act symbolizes the grounding of spiritual aspirations in everyday tasks, suggesting that holiness and virtue can be sought and found in the most ordinary aspects of life.

“Linoleum” masterfully intertwines reflections on spirituality, morality, and daily life, urging readers to find meaning and worth in their actions, no matter how mundane. Through vivid imagery and contemplative narrative, Gallagher invites us to consider how we navigate our ethical and spiritual paths amidst the complexities and imperfections of the world.

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