Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"First Book of Odes: 32" by Basil Bunting offers a poignant reflection on memory, place, and the enduring power of simple, authentic experiences over the complexities and corruptions of modern life. Through the invocation of Samangan, a city rich in history and cultural heritage, Bunting crafts a narrative that celebrates the beauty of life's fleeting moments and criticizes the societal ills that tarnish human connections and joy.

The poem opens with a call to remember Samangan, not just as a geographical location, but as a symbol of a time and experience marked by genuine happiness and connection. The detailed imagery of the "bridge and tower and rutted cobbles" and the "coppersmith's hammer" evokes a vivid sense of place, grounding the reader in the tangible aspects of the city that contribute to its character and charm. This opening scene, where the speaker and their companions "looked out from the walls to the marble mountains, ate and lay and were happy an hour and a night," captures the essence of contentment found in simple pleasures and the beauty of the natural and human-made landscape.

The heart of the poem lies in its contrast between the serene and authentic life in Samangan and the vices that plague society. The city is described as "without lies or riches," a place where even the "old women straight as girls at the well are beautiful" and both "old men and its wineshops gay." This idyllic portrayal emphasizes values such as honesty, beauty, and joy that persist despite the passage of time, suggesting a community that cherishes life's essentials over material wealth and deception.

Bunting's critique becomes more explicit as he positions Samangan against "usurers, cheats and cheapjacks," and other negative forces including "boasters, hideous children of cautious marriages," and those who scorn joy. This juxtaposition highlights the corruption and cynicism that often infiltrate human societies, eroding the purity and happiness found in places like Samangan. The poem laments the loss of innocence and simplicity, critiquing the ways in which modern values and behaviors deviate from what makes life truly meaningful.

The repeated invocation to "remember Samangan" serves as a powerful refrain throughout the poem, emphasizing the act of remembering as a form of resistance against the ills of contemporary society. The final lines, "remember they wept to remember the hour and go," encapsulate the bittersweet nature of such memories. The act of remembering brings both joy and sorrow—joy in recalling a moment of genuine happiness and sorrow in recognizing its transience and the distance from the present reality.

Through "First Book of Odes: 32," Basil Bunting crafts a lyrical ode to the places and moments that shape our deepest memories and define what is truly valuable in life. The poem serves as a reminder of the beauty that exists in simplicity and authenticity, urging readers to cherish and seek out those experiences that connect us more deeply to the world and to each other. In doing so, Bunting invites a contemplation of how we might navigate the complexities of modern life while holding onto the values and joys that make life worth living.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Complete_Poems/AWq5rlXayfgC?q=BUNTING+%22Dear+be+still!+Time%27s+start+of+us+lengthens+slowly%22&gbpv=1#f=false

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