Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Prayer-Wheel" by Lawrence Durrell is a contemplative poem that explores the intersection of time, love, spirituality, and human existence. The poem weaves together imagery of natural elements, religious symbolism, and philosophical reflections to delve into the themes of life, death, and the cyclical nature of existence.

The poem opens with the affirmation of time's role in the unfolding of events: "Only to affirm in time / That sequence dwells in consequence." Here, Durrell suggests that time is the medium through which cause and effect play out, and that understanding this sequence is key to comprehending the human condition. The metaphor of the "River's quietly flowing muscle / Turning in the hollow cup" evokes the idea of life as a river, steadily flowing and shaping its path, teaching humans the art of compromise—accepting the inevitable changes and challenges of life.

Durrell contrasts the futility of conventional symbols of power—"Sword and pen win nothing here"—with the deeper, more profound movement of "loved and loving" within the "counterpoint of universes." This suggests that love and connection, rather than force or intellect, are the true forces that move between the realms of existence. The poem posits that both love and the experiences it fosters are neither superior nor inferior to each other, but exist in a balanced interplay.

The image of the "sage upon his snowy wheel" reflects a figure secure in spiritual knowledge, using prayer and meditation as tools to connect with deeper truths "underneath the human floor." This sage, through a "calculus of prayer," creates a "commune in the heart," where love, patience, and understanding thrive despite the migrations and challenges of life. The phrase "time in love's diurnal motion" reinforces the idea that love operates within the cycles of time, enduring through both the mundane and the profound.

Durrell then shifts to the theme of learning and renewal: "Teach us the already known, / Turning in the invisible saucer." This suggests that spiritual wisdom and truths are inherent within us, waiting to be rediscovered and reaffirmed. The poet calls for a "perfect recreation" where air and water, symbols of life, mix and part in harmony, reflecting the process of life itself. The lover's journey, where "faith and love in flesh alloyed" springs forth, is seen as a vital part of this recreation, building a "house of entertainment" on the "cold circumference" of existence—a place of joy and renewal even in the face of the void.

The poem also reflects on the origin of humanity and the loss of innocence, referencing "two amateurs in Eden" who broke the "lovely spell of pardon" upon encountering the apple's bruises. This alludes to the biblical story of Adam and Eve, symbolizing the fall from innocence and the entry into a more complex, compromised existence. Yet, there is a call to learn from this "pure assertion," to reconcile with our mythical beginnings and the truths they hold.

Durrell delves into the metaphysical with the assertion that "What is known is never written," suggesting that true knowledge transcends language and cannot be fully captured in words. Instead, it exists in the interplay of "He and She and It," the genders and elements that represent different aspects of the One, the unified source of all existence. The poem touches on the mystical, where "faces mix and numbers mingle," and the human compromise is taught through the merging of opposites and the blending of identities.

The closing lines take on a more somber tone, reflecting on the inevitable decline and the approach of death: "Grass is green but goes to smoke." Durrell acknowledges the ephemeral nature of life, where even the vibrant "green" of life eventually fades. The poem ends with a call to "prepare us for the sword and pistol," signaling a readiness to confront the harsh realities of life and the potential for violence and destruction that history carries with it.

In "Prayer-Wheel," Durrell weaves a complex tapestry of images and themes, blending the spiritual with the temporal, the philosophical with the personal. The poem reflects on the cyclical nature of life, the compromises inherent in human existence, and the enduring power of love and spiritual understanding. It invites readers to contemplate the deeper truths that underlie our experience of the world, urging a reconciliation with the inevitable cycles of birth, life, and death.

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