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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Each Day Writes" by Daniel Berrigan is a deeply introspective and spiritual poem that reflects on the human condition, the fluctuating nature of existence, and the search for divine guidance and illumination. Through a personal dialogue that navigates between despair and hope, darkness and light, Berrigan explores the essence of what it means to be human and the role of faith in providing clarity and purpose. The poem opens with a declaration of an indelible truth written "In my heart’s core," a recognition of the inherent qualities and experiences that define humanity. This acknowledgment of the human condition sets the stage for a journey through the emotional and spiritual landscapes that shape our understanding of self and the world. Berrigan vividly describes the dichotomy of human experience, where "Hours and hours, no sun rises, night sits / kenneled in me," suggesting periods of darkness and despair that can engulf the spirit. This imagery of night as a kennelled force within captures the sense of being trapped or overwhelmed by one's own thoughts and emotions. In contrast, the sudden onset of "spring, spring’s / flowering" represents moments of awakening, renewal, and beauty that seize the heart, offering a glimpse of hope and transformation. The poet's amazement at the "land" and "skies" within his heart underscores the complexity and depth of the inner self, a realm of shifting weather that can either diminish one's spirit to "a stack of bones" or elevate it with "glory." This metaphorical landscape reflects the unpredictable nature of life and the internal struggles that accompany the search for meaning and fulfillment. In the final stanza, Berrigan invokes Christ, symbolizing a source of eternal wisdom and compassion, whose "human heart" understands the "dark wing beat of time." This plea for Christ's presence to illuminate the "eyeless mind" and bring "reason to my heart’s rhyme" expresses a longing for spiritual guidance and the light of understanding in navigating the complexities of the human experience. "Each Day Writes" is a contemplation of the contrasts that define our existence—darkness and light, despair and hope, mortality and transcendence. Through this poetic exploration, Daniel Berrigan invites readers to reflect on their own journey through the landscapes of the heart and the role of faith in finding clarity amidst the chaos of life. The poem serves as a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit and the potential for renewal and enlightenment in the presence of divine love. POEM TEXT: https://danielberrigan.org/poems/
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