Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Years as Catches" by Robert Duncan, the poem serves as a profound meditation on the passage of time, the human condition, and the relentless toll of historical and personal events. Duncan, through dense and layered language, examines the impact of the twentieth century on the human spirit, interweaving historical perspective with personal reflection, while drawing on the literary echo of John Milton’s words to anchor his themes.

The opening lines of the poem set a stark tone: "This century, an iron bell of joy, has scarcely rung its first harsh notes of morning." Here, Duncan characterizes the twentieth century as an "iron bell of joy"—a seemingly paradoxical image combining the cold, hard nature of iron with the concept of joy. This bell tolls with "harsh notes of morning," suggesting that the era begins not with gentle awakenings but with jarring, difficult starts, underscoring the tumultuous nature of modern history.

Duncan contrasts the contemporary sense of foreboding with a reflection on John Milton, who in his mid-twenties faced the uncertainties of his future and the burgeoning responsibilities of manhood. Milton’s existential and creative anxieties during "the hasting days of his soul's April" parallel Duncan’s own feelings of loss beyond mere youth—suggesting a loss of innocence and idealism in the face of historical and personal traumas.

The poem continues with evocative imagery describing the poet's internal struggle: "Already ere I wake I hear that makes disturbing all this dear & pleasant world about me so devised in harmonie where we would, fallen, see in gardens chaos." This passage reflects the internal conflict between the perceived harmony of the world and the underlying chaos that disrupts this harmony—an echo of the Fall from Eden, symbolizing the human condition marred by original sin and continual downfall.

The "clamor of that bell" ringing like iron upon the poet’s ears serves as a recurring motif throughout the poem, symbolizing an awakening to harsh realities. It represents a call to confront the "deep of grace" and the "pure & metal spirit" within oneself—a relentless reminder of spiritual and existential tests that shape human consciousness.

As the poem progresses, Duncan explores the idea that no amount of human conflict or misery can overshadow the fundamental spiritual awakening that this "bell" signifies: "No sound that you can make for war or human misery can meet that sound nor cover it." This statement underlines the insufficiency of worldly distractions and conflicts to address or silence the deeper call of the human spirit seeking truth and grace.

The final stanzas bring a sense of melancholic resignation as Duncan reflects on the lost paradises and the destructive cycles of human history. The imagery of Carthage burned and salted, representing irreversible destruction and loss, serves as a metaphor for the devastation wrought by human follies throughout history.

The closing lines evoke a yearning for a return to simplicity and genuine human connection, "to linger over wine about a fire, to hear with equal grace a little Mozart playd within the gloom of an Autumnal room." This vision of communal peace and artistic appreciation amid the gloom captures the poet's longing for moments of respite and beauty in a world often overwhelmed by darkness and strife.

In essence, "Years as Catches" is a rich and textured exploration of the weight of history, the personal journey through time, and the unending quest for meaning in a seemingly indifferent universe. Duncan’s invocation of Milton not only deepens the historical resonance of his themes but also bridges the spiritual and existential dilemmas that span centuries.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Selected_Poems/_SW2kPvUBlgC?q=DUNCAN+%22The+angel+syphilis+in+the+circle+of+signators+--+looses+its+hosts+--+to+swarm%22&gbpv=1&bsq=YEARS%20AS#f=false

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