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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"More Like the Sea" by Daniel Berrigan is a profound meditation on the essence of humanity, resilience, and the transcendent capacity of the human spirit to navigate the complexities of life. Drawing inspiration from Joseph Conrad, Berrigan begins with an assertion that defies reductionism, suggesting that a man encompasses more than the sum of his parts or the sufferings he endures; he is akin to the sea, unpredictable and vast, capable of revealing depths and mysteries "at any moment." The poem quickly moves to the imagery of crucifixion, "Nail him to sticks / he stands free and makes sense / even of agony, even of sticks and stones." This metaphor not only evokes the Christian narrative of Jesus's crucifixion and resurrection but also universalizes the experience to symbolize the indomitable spirit of every individual faced with suffering. The crucifixion becomes a paradoxical moment of liberation, a testament to the inherent freedom and dignity of the human spirit, even in the face of attempts to constrain or define it. Berrigan's reference to "No grafting him on: his fruits are free, and other" emphasizes the uniqueness and autonomy of the individual, whose genuine contributions and insights cannot be forcibly extracted or replicated. The poem celebrates the capacity for love, the pursuit of understanding, and the intensity of lived experiences as the true measures of a life's value. The poet marvels at the refusal of hands to accept anything but their "own gift," a declaration of the integrity and authenticity that guide human actions and creations. The imagery of blood flowing "red, red, against bitter hemlock, maple sweet" serves as a powerful symbol of life's essence, freely given and expressed, undeterred by the bitterness of adversity or the sweetness of success. In the closing lines, Berrigan contemplates the inscrutable nature of the heart's desires and the unpredictable outcomes of human endeavors, acknowledging the divine mystery that governs the "sea" of human existence. The prayer for the sea to find a "surf home" reflects a longing for fulfillment and completion, for a return to the source after a tumultuous journey. Yet, the acknowledgment that "safe is no word for him" captures the inherent risk and uncertainty of living fully and authentically. "More Like the Sea" is a lyrical affirmation of the strength, complexity, and beauty of the human spirit. Through evocative imagery and deep philosophical inquiry, Berrigan challenges readers to recognize the boundless potential within themselves and others, to embrace the journey of life with courage and hope, and to seek meaning in the midst of suffering and joy alike. The poem stands as a testament to the resilience of the human heart and the eternal quest for understanding and connection in an ever-changing world. POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=27749
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...SONNET TO MASTER GABRIELL HARVEY, DOCTOR OF LAWES by EDMUND SPENSER OSTRA by ELLEN FRANCES BALDWIN THE SCHOLAR OF HIS OWN PUPIL; THIRD IDYLLIUM by BION WORTH FOREST by WILFRID SCAWEN BLUNT TO A.G.A. by EMILY JANE BRONTE LYNTON VERSES: 3 by THOMAS EDWARD BROWN MYSTERY by ELIZABETH BARRETT BROWNING |
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