Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jorge Luis Borges' poem "Borges" is an introspective exploration of the poet's ancestral roots, specifically focusing on his Portuguese forebears. The poem reflects on the enigmatic nature of identity, heritage, and the ways in which the past subtly yet profoundly influences the present. Through this meditation, Borges acknowledges the mysterious presence of his ancestors within him, even as they remain largely unknown and unknowable.

The poem begins with Borges admitting his limited knowledge about his Portuguese ancestors: "I know little or nothing of the Borges, / My Portuguese forebears." This admission sets the tone for the poem, highlighting the sense of distance and obscurity that surrounds his familial past. The Borges of Portugal are described as a "ghostly race," suggesting that they are almost ethereal, existing more as a lingering presence than as clearly defined figures.

Despite their elusive nature, these ancestors "still ply in my body their mysterious / Disciplines, habits, and anxieties." Borges recognizes that, although he knows little about them, their influence is nevertheless alive within him, shaping his behaviors, fears, and perhaps even his artistic inclinations. The use of the word "ply" implies an ongoing, active influence, as if these ancestors are still at work within his very being.

The poem continues with Borges describing his forebears as "Shadowy, as if they had never been, / And strangers to the processes of art." This line underscores the idea that these ancestors are not part of the artistic and intellectual tradition that Borges himself is known for. Instead, they are more connected to the fundamental, enduring aspects of life—"a part / Of time, of earth, and of oblivion." This suggests that their legacy is not one of artistic achievement, but rather of something more elemental and universal, tied to the natural world and the inevitable passage of time.

Borges then expresses a sense of acceptance, perhaps even a preference, for this obscurity: "Better so." He implies that it is better that his ancestors remain enigmatic, as their true significance lies not in specific accomplishments or stories, but in their embodiment of a broader, collective identity. "When everything is said, / They are Portugal," Borges asserts, indicating that his ancestors represent not just individuals, but an entire people and nation.

He goes on to evoke the grand, historic image of the Portuguese explorers who "forced the Great Wall of the East, and fell / To the sea, and to that other sea of sand." Here, Borges is referencing Portugal's illustrious history of exploration and conquest, which took its people to the farthest reaches of the world, including China (symbolized by the Great Wall) and Africa (the "sea of sand"). His ancestors are connected to this epic narrative, part of the collective memory of a people known for their daring and adventurous spirit.

The poem concludes with a reflection on myth and legend: "They are that king lost on the mystic strand / And those at home who swear he is not dead." This likely alludes to the legend of King Sebastian of Portugal, who was believed by many to have survived his defeat in battle and to one day return. This legend speaks to the enduring hope and belief in the return of a lost hero, and Borges links his ancestors to this sense of enduring presence and mystery. They are both the lost king and those who believe in his eventual return, existing in a space between myth and reality, memory and oblivion.

"Borges" is a meditation on heritage, identity, and the ways in which the past persists within us, even when it is not fully understood. Borges acknowledges the enigmatic nature of his Portuguese ancestors, recognizing that their influence is both profound and elusive. Through his reflective and evocative language, Borges pays homage to the collective history of his forebears, embracing their mysterious presence as a vital part of his own identity. The poem captures the tension between knowing and not knowing, and the acceptance that some aspects of our heritage remain shadowy yet deeply ingrained in who we are.

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