Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Cities, Plains and People: 14," Lawrence Durrell explores themes of aspiration, unity, and the complex interplay between the physical world and the metaphysical. The poem weaves together images of human striving, the hidden depths of the psyche, and the tension between our spiritual aspirations and the limitations of language and understanding.

The poem opens with a universal declaration: "All cities plains and people / Reach upwards to the affirming sun." This image of reaching upwards suggests a collective aspiration towards enlightenment, fulfillment, or some higher state of being. The "affirming sun" symbolizes a source of truth, vitality, and purity—a celestial force that bestows meaning and significance on "Lives well lived, / Deeds perfectly done." This opening section emphasizes a kind of cosmic affirmation, where human endeavors, when aligned with goodness and truth, naturally ascend towards a higher state of existence.

Durrell then introduces the idea that "Accident or error conquered / By the gods of luck or grace," all contribute to "Form and face, / Tribe or caste or habit," which are "aspects of the one / Affirming race." This suggests that despite the diversity of human experiences—marked by different cultures, social structures, and individual circumstances—all are united in their fundamental essence, which is part of a greater, affirming whole. The reference to "the gods of luck or grace" acknowledges the role of fate or divine intervention in shaping human destiny, yet these forces are ultimately part of the same universal race that strives towards the light.

The poem shifts focus to the inner workings of the psyche with the lines "Ego, my dear, and id / Lie so profoundly hid / In space-time void, though feeling." Here, Durrell references Freud's concepts of the ego and id, which represent different aspects of the human mind—the conscious self and the primal, instinctual drives, respectively. These elements are described as being "profoundly hid" in the "space-time void," suggesting that they are deeply embedded in the fabric of existence, operating beneath the surface of our conscious awareness. Despite this hidden nature, they influence our feelings and actions, albeit in ways that are not always fully understood.

The poem continues with a reflection on the shared human experience: "We conventional lovers cheek to cheek / Inhaling and exhaling go." This intimate image highlights the connection between individuals, emphasizing the shared rhythms of life, such as breathing, that bind us together in our humanity. The mention of "conventional lovers" suggests a recognition of the ordinary, yet deeply meaningful, experiences that constitute human relationships.

Durrell introduces historical and mystical references with "The rose that Nostradamus / In his divining saw / Break open as the world," and "The city that Augustine / Founded in moral law." Nostradamus, the famous seer, and Augustine, the influential Christian theologian, represent different approaches to understanding the world—one through prophecy and the other through moral philosophy. The rose, a symbol of beauty, mystery, and the unfolding of the universe, and the city founded on moral principles, both serve as metaphors for the ideals and structures that guide human civilization. Durrell suggests that these visions and ideals are compelled by human "anguish" to "urge, to beckon and implore," indicating that our deepest struggles and sufferings drive us to seek meaning and order in the world.

In the final stanza, Durrell addresses a "Dear Spirit," asking, "should I reach, / By touch or speech corrupt, / The inner suffering word," acknowledging the difficulty of expressing or accessing profound truths. The "inner suffering word" represents the deep, often painful truths that lie at the heart of human experience. Durrell advises that even if one manages to "feel and know" this truth, it may be better to "Pretend you do not hear." This suggests a tension between the desire to confront and understand these deeper realities and the instinct to protect oneself from the pain that such knowledge can bring.

"Cities, Plains and People: 14" is a rich, contemplative poem that explores the convergence of the personal, the communal, and the universal. Durrell delves into the aspirations of humanity, the hidden complexities of the psyche, and the challenges of grappling with profound truths. Through a blend of philosophical reflection and evocative imagery, the poem invites readers to consider the ways in which our individual experiences and struggles are part of a greater, interconnected whole, continually striving towards understanding, connection, and the affirming light of truth.

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