Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem opens with a stark declaration: "never eased life with miracles." This line sets the tone for the exploration of a faith that does not provide easy answers or miraculous interventions into the hardships of life. The crucifixion, a central symbol in Christianity representing sacrifice and redemption, is depicted not as a source of supernatural relief but as a reflection of life's profound struggles: "Its man / clings there, life's last straw death's crude analogate." The crucified Christ is portrayed as the ultimate expression of human vulnerability and existential despair, a "cold man" who embodies the tension between life's suffering and the promise of salvation.

Berrigan's use of "we push the gospel at a dead heart" suggests a critique of attempts to find easy solace or simplistic interpretations of faith in the midst of profound suffering. The poem implies that true understanding and compassion require a deeper engagement with the complexities of the human condition, beyond the mere recitation of doctrinal truths.

The assertion that "Where great love is / are miracles, the saints say" introduces the idea that miracles are not necessarily external, supernatural events but are deeply intertwined with the presence of love. This perspective challenges conventional notions of miracles, suggesting that the true miraculous lies in the capacity for love and compassion in the face of suffering. The saints, who "are held in principle, to no proof," embody this understanding, living lives of deep faith without the need for empirical evidence.

Berrigan's personal reflection, "Some days I turn / to ask the healer for some hint," reveals a longing for insight or guidance from the divine, a desire to understand the purpose behind suffering and the possibility of redemption. The image of "dying eyes there flies a silver cock to taste the bitter air" evokes the sense of seeking clarity and liberation in a world marked by pain and injustice. The question of whether the air is "foul, foul and someday-fair?" leaves the poem open-ended, reflecting the ongoing struggle to reconcile faith with the realities of human suffering.

"This Crucifix" is a profound contemplation of the complexities of faith, the nature of miracles, and the human search for meaning in the midst of suffering. Through the imagery of the crucifixion, Berrigan invites readers to reflect on the deeper dimensions of love, sacrifice, and the possibility of transformation through suffering. The poem challenges simplistic understandings of faith, encouraging a more nuanced and compassionate engagement with the mysteries of existence.

POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=30736

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