Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Statue" by John Berryman is a deeply reflective and multifaceted poem that contemplates the passage of time, the impermanence of human desires and achievements, and the enduring presence of art and memory. Through the lens of a statue that has witnessed years of weather and the bustling life of a city, Berryman explores themes of observation, judgement, and the transient nature of human existence against the backdrop of enduring monuments.

The poem begins with the statue overlooking an "untidy Sunday throng," sparing various groups of people—shopgirls, homosexuals, the crippled, the alone—from its judgement. This opening sets a tone of detachment and tolerance, positioning the statue as a silent observer of human life and its complexities. The mention of "the fatal pallor / Under their evening colour" and "Extravagant perception of their failure" hints at the underlying sadness and imperfection that characterizes human life, which the statue, in its permanence, is spared from experiencing.

Berryman shifts focus to the speaker, who sits near the entrance to the Park, a place of desire and need where "dozens, a hundred men have lain till morning." This setting becomes a metaphor for the human search for meaning, respect, and fulfillment—a search that often ends in disappointment and a return to the status quo, "Like the statue ruined but without its eyes."

The poem then delves into the cyclical nature of life, with references to the fountains, the greenery of May, and the lovers who trust in their spring, unaware of the statue and the lessons it might impart about the fleetingness of happiness and the inevitability of change. Berryman uses the sound of water and the imagery of natural life as counterpoints to the stillness and permanence of the statue, underscoring the contrast between the ephemeral nature of human experiences and the lasting legacy of art and monuments.

The statue itself becomes a symbol of enduring pride and aristocracy, unaltered by winters and time. Berryman introduces the figure of Coriolanus, a reference to the tragic hero of Shakespeare's play, further emphasizing themes of pride, exile, and the complex relationship between an individual and their society. The mention of scholars and "blasted and superb inhabitants" suggests the statue's place in the realm of history and memory, where it serves as a testament to past greatness and tragedy.

The poem concludes with a meditation on identity and legacy, questioning which Humboldt—the statesman or the traveller—the statue commemorates. This ambiguity highlights the fading of individual achievements into the collective memory, where distinctions blur and specifics are forgotten. Despite the lovers and passersby who may briefly glance at the statue, its significance remains largely unrecognized and unappreciated, a metaphor for the way in which time erodes the personal connections to history and art.

Ultimately, "Statue" is a poignant exploration of the human condition, juxtaposing the transient desires and struggles of individuals with the lasting presence of art and memory. Berryman crafts a narrative that is both a lament for the fleeting nature of life and a celebration of the enduring power of monuments to evoke reflection, inspire awe, and bear witness to the complexities of human existence.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Short_Poems/PYx-BAAAQBAJ?q=BERRYMAN+%22A+hurdle+of+water,+and+o+these+waters+are+cold%22&gbpv=1#f=false

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