Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Lawrence Durrell's "Poem" is a concise and evocative meditation on the tension between creativity, reason, and the pursuit of freedom. The poem challenges the reader to break free from the constraints of time and rational thought, urging a return to a more instinctual, untamed way of being.

The opening lines, "Find time hanging, cut it down / All the universe you own," suggest a rejection of the conventional, linear progression of time. The imagery of time "hanging" evokes a sense of passivity or stagnation, as if it is something that merely exists without purpose. The command to "cut it down" implies an active rejection of time's dominance, a call to seize control over one's own existence. By doing so, the poem asserts that the entire universe becomes something one can possess and shape, free from the constraints of time.

"Masterless and still untamed / Poet, lead the race you've shamed." Here, the poet is addressed directly, described as "masterless and still untamed." This characterization suggests that the poet is inherently free, unbound by the rules or expectations of society. However, there is also an acknowledgment of shame, possibly hinting at the poet's past conformity or failure to fully embrace their own wild nature. The imperative to "lead the race" could be seen as a call to rise above this shame, to guide others towards a more liberated, authentic existence.

The next lines shift focus to the lover: "Lover, cut the rational knot / That made your thinking rule-of-thumb." The "rational knot" represents the entanglements of logical, conventional thinking that have bound the lover, preventing them from experiencing life and love fully. The phrase "rule-of-thumb" suggests a mechanical, habitual way of approaching life, one that lacks spontaneity and depth. The poem urges the lover to sever these ties, to reject the limitations of rationality in favor of a more intuitive, passionate existence.

The poem concludes with an invitation to wander freely: "And barefoot on the plum-dark hills / Go Wander in Elysium." The image of wandering "barefoot" suggests a return to a more natural, unmediated state, unburdened by the trappings of civilization. The "plum-dark hills" evoke a sense of mystery and sensuality, a landscape rich with possibilities for those who dare to explore it. "Elysium," in classical mythology, is the final resting place of the souls of the heroic and virtuous, a paradise where they live in eternal bliss. Here, it symbolizes the ultimate destination for those who choose to break free from societal constraints and embrace their true nature.

In "Poem," Durrell encourages a radical break from the structures that govern everyday life—time, rationality, and social expectations. The poem celebrates the poet and the lover as figures who possess the potential for true freedom, if only they can overcome the shame of past conformity and the constraints of rational thought. Through its vivid imagery and concise language, the poem becomes a manifesto for creative and emotional liberation, urging readers to embrace their untamed selves and seek out the Elysium that awaits beyond the confines of conventional existence.

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