Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with a striking image of a sword reflected in a mirror, its descent "briefer than image a stream carries / beyond." This imagery suggests the swift and decisive nature of John's martyrdom, while also evoking the transient and fleeting qualities of life and legacy. The sword, an instrument of death, becomes a paradoxical symbol of liberation and salvation, echoing the themes of sacrifice that permeate the narrative of John the Baptist.

The vision of John in old age, "eyes cold, hair silver," portrays the saint at the end of his earthly journey, embodying wisdom, detachment, and the serene acceptance of his fate. This portrayal contrasts with the fiery zeal often associated with John's public ministry, offering a contemplative perspective on his legacy and the enduring impact of his message.

The sword's proclamation, "Look how I save you, sang the blade strongly: freedman," challenges conventional understandings of salvation and freedom. It suggests that true liberation comes not from earthly honors or the repetition of prophecies, but from the embrace of one's destiny and the relinquishment of attachments. The reference to "a stalemate heart" further emphasizes the need for genuine transformation and the shedding of complacency in the pursuit of spiritual truth.

Berrigan's description of catching "this unripe storm-shaken fruit, by hate (by love) tossed down" encapsulates the paradox at the heart of John's ministry and martyrdom. The fruit, both "unripe" and "storm-shaken," symbolizes the raw and tumultuous nature of prophetic truth, which is at once a product of divine love and the cause of human conflict. The act of holding the fruit for thanksgiving, despite its bitterness, reflects the poet's acknowledgment of the necessary hardships that accompany deep faith and commitment to truth.

The final lines, "to taste at soul's mouth its salt vigor," convey a sense of spiritual nourishment and renewal derived from the acceptance of suffering and sacrifice. The "salt vigor" of the fruit, reminiscent of the purifying and preserving qualities of salt, suggests that the lessons learned through hardship are essential to the soul's growth and vitality.

"Saint John Baptist: 2" is a meditation on the cost of discipleship and the paradoxes of spiritual fulfillment. Through the figure of John the Baptist, Berrigan invites readers to reflect on the meaning of salvation, the role of suffering in the journey of faith, and the ultimate promise of redemption that lies beyond the trials of this world. The poem is a testament to the power of conviction and the transformative potential of living in accordance with one's deepest beliefs, even in the face of adversity.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?volume=94&issue=4&page=21

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