Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Man-Fate: 2. A Time to Mourn" by William Everson delves deeply into the human experience of loss, framing it within the natural and perennial wisdom of Ecclesiastes, which acknowledges the dualities inherent in life—moments of joy and sorrow, laughter and mourning. Everson's poem is a contemplative reflection on mourning not just the loss of a person but the profound and often overlooked grief that accompanies the loss of a way of life. Through this lens, the poem explores the depths of human emotion, the resilience required to face life's inexorable changes, and the search for meaning in the midst of suffering.

Everson begins by aligning his message with the ancient words of Ecclesiastes, establishing a universal context for the personal and specific explorations of grief that follow. This alignment not only situates the poem within a broader spiritual and philosophical tradition but also underscores the timeless nature of its subject matter. The loss described is twofold: the personal anguish of losing a "closest friend" and the existential pain of a "way of life" being torn away. This juxtaposition highlights the multifaceted nature of grief, acknowledging that the end of a familiar pattern of existence can be as devastating as the death of a loved one.

The poet invites the mourner to embrace their grief fully, arguing that the process of grieving is not only natural but necessary. He suggests that life's assertions—its challenges and changes—must be internalized and understood on a deep, almost primal level. The imagery of the soul feeding "on its own dark curd" portrays grief as a process of sustenance, a means by which the soul digests the pain and loss to eventually find a way to continue.

Everson then delves into the personal impact of such losses, comparing the end of a "primal way of life" to the departure of a great love. This comparison elevates the concept of loss from a personal to a universal ordeal, emphasizing the deep emotional void that such endings leave in their wake. The "festering sorrow" and "unfillable lack" speak to the enduring nature of grief, suggesting that some losses remain within us, unresolved and ever-painful.

The poem's setting, Stinson Beach, serves as both a literal and metaphorical backdrop for this meditation on loss. The beach, with its endlessly cycling tides and surf, becomes a symbol for the rhythms of life and the persistence of nature in the face of human sorrow. Everson's mention of the "long apostleship of the surf" and its "harsh indenture" on the landscape reflects the indelible mark that loss leaves on the human soul, reshaping it in ways that are both painful and transformative.

As the poem closes, the poet's personal reflection turns outward to the natural world, seeking signs of renewal and hope. The "fresh wind" and the distant sail on the horizon suggest the potential for change and the continuation of life beyond grief. Yet, the final image of the "steep surf" confronting the poet's gaze reminds the reader that life's challenges and sorrows are ever-present, demanding acknowledgment and engagement.

"Man-Fate: 2. A Time to Mourn" is a profound exploration of grief, loss, and the search for meaning in the aftermath of profound change. Everson's use of vivid imagery, philosophical and biblical references, and deeply personal reflection creates a powerful narrative that resonates with the universal experience of mourning. Through this poem, Everson offers not only a testament to the pain of loss but also a contemplative guide on how to navigate the complex journey of grief with dignity and awareness.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/The_Integral_Years/OYXUpnBhUgsC?q=%22terrible+torch%22&gbpv=1&bsq=TIME%20TO%20MOURN#f=false

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