Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

David Bromige’s "Spell" is a contemplative piece that intricately weaves themes of time, memory, and the transformative power of music. Through a vivid portrayal of a musical performance, Bromige explores the emotional and existential reflections triggered by the act of creation and reception of art. This poem is not only a reflection on personal change and continuity but also a celebration of the moments that define and shape our lives.

At the outset, "And so the band plays on" immediately places the reader in medias res, suggesting a continuation of action that has been ongoing, reflecting the perpetual motion of life itself. The rapture of the pianist, fully immersed in the act of creation, symbolizes the deep engagement and connection one can have with art. The phrase "The score talks back" personifies the music as a living, responsive entity, implying a dialogue between the creator and creation, highlighting the dynamic nature of artistic expression.

Bromige's reference to the music being "Half got by heart, half / Incoming" reflects the interplay between mastery and spontaneity in artistic performance and, by extension, in life. The music emerges from both deep internalization and the fresh, immediate inspiration of the moment, embodying the blend of the known and the new that characterizes human experience.

The imagery of light in small circles dancing on the musical scores illuminates the intimate connection between the musician and the music, with each note a vessel for emotion, "Sensuously readied." This metaphor extends to suggest that we, too, are vessels for experience, ready to be filled with the rush of feeling that art and life bring.

The transition to the external, "The sky at night at / Solstice," serves as a temporal marker, connecting the personal to the cosmic. The sky, unaltered to the speaker's eye over a decade, stands in contrast to the internal changes the speaker has undergone. This contrast between the external constancy and internal evolution is poignant, underscoring the poem’s meditation on time and transformation.

Bromige reflects on the composition—both the musical piece and the composition of one’s life—as a mirror showing how the self has altered. The imagery of "An old man’s feet / To walk on, an aging / Face the major key" personifies the aging process, using musical terminology to explore the theme of identity and change over time. The major key, often associated with brighter, more straightforward emotions, ironically underscores the complexity and depth of the speaker’s reflections on aging and personal growth.

The presence of a nearly grown daughter and a man filled with reflections on what was sacrificed for art introduces a relational dimension to the poem. These figures symbolize the passage of time, the legacies we leave behind, and the choices that shape our lives. The metaphor of "Pebbles in the pitcher / Till the brim is reached" evokes the accumulation of experiences and decisions that fill one's life to its capacity, a poignant reminder of life’s finitude and the value of each moment and choice.

"Spell" is a deeply resonant poem that uses the setting of a musical performance as a conduit for exploring broader existential themes. Bromige masterfully captures the essence of human experience—the blend of continuity and change, the dialogue between the past and present, and the profound impact of art on our understanding of ourselves and the world. Through its rich imagery, thoughtful metaphors, and reflective tone, "Spell" invites readers to contemplate the rhythms and melodies of their own lives, recognizing the beauty and complexity inherent in the passage of time and the act of living.

POEM TEXT: http://jacketmagazine.com/22/brom-poems.html

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