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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Which Way Human?" by Daniel Berrigan is a contemplative and evocative poem that delves into the existential queries surrounding the human journey and its significance amidst the vastness of time and nature. Through the imagery of hemlocks under snow, the passage of time, and the subtle signs of life and direction in a seemingly indifferent universe, Berrigan explores the themes of aging, loss, endurance, and the search for purpose. The poem opens with the image of hemlock trees, personified as "abstract old men," their branches heavy with snow. This vivid depiction sets a tone of solemnity and reflection, as the trees become symbols of human aging, bearing the weight of time and the accumulation of experiences. The reference to the trees' "raven of hair once" suggests the vitality of youth now dimmed by the passage of time, encapsulating the universal human experience of growing older and confronting mortality. Berrigan describes the hemlocks as experiencing "sorrow and reversal in one night's course," suggesting the sudden and profound changes that can alter the course of a life. This line captures the fragility of existence and the inevitability of change, themes that resonate deeply in the human psyche. The "winter birds" that gently exhort the trees into "long suffrance" symbolize the forces that compel individuals to endure hardships and navigate the complexities of life. The imagery of moonrise and twilight, with shadows inching onward, evokes the passage of time and the subtle, often unnoticed, progression of life towards its unknown end. Eternity is presented as "eventual," a destination reached through the sparse and wavering trail of time. The images of "a star's flare, a wounded bird in snow" serve as metaphors for the moments of insight, pain, and beauty that punctuate the human journey, offering brief glimpses of clarity or purpose amidst the uncertainty of existence. The poem concludes with the haunting question, "which way is man?" This query encapsulates the core of the poem's exploration: the search for direction, meaning, and identity in a world that often seems indifferent to individual struggles and aspirations. "Vocation a ghost's cry" suggests the elusive nature of purpose, a calling that is heard faintly, if at all, like the cry of a ghost, challenging individuals to discern their path amidst the silence and vastness of the universe. "Which Way Human?" is a lyrical meditation on the human condition, inviting readers to reflect on their own experiences of aging, loss, and the search for meaning. Through its rich imagery and philosophical depth, the poem encourages a contemplation of the ways in which individuals navigate the complexities of life, seeking direction and purpose in an ever-changing world. Berrigan's work is a poignant reminder of the enduring human quest for understanding and connection in the face of life's uncertainties. POEM TEXT: https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poetrymagazine/browse?contentId=28052
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