Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In her poem "Along Edges," Rachel Hadas pays tribute to the poet and writer Mark Rudman, drawing on the Emersonian idea that "The poet is the true and only doctor." Through this dedication, Hadas explores themes of mourning, memory, and the dual nature of existence, interweaving personal reflection with a broader commentary on the poet's role as both healer and seer.

The poem begins with a direct invocation to Rudman, asking him to teach the "categories" of experience: "Scientist of mourning, doctor, teach me / your categories." This sets the stage for a discussion on how poets, like doctors, diagnose and interpret the complexities of life and death, joy and sorrow. Hadas juxtaposes the "tragic and the comic and bizarre," suggesting that these elements are not distinct but rather interwoven in the fabric of life. The mention of "the fishing boat, the bar, / the fearful father shining like a star" evokes a sense of ordinary yet profound moments that carry deeper meanings beyond their surface appearances.

Hadas acknowledges Rudman's ability to "see beyond the visual," recognizing his talent for uncovering the layers of meaning beneath everyday occurrences. The line "life out of death and nothing out of all" captures the essence of this transformative vision, where the mundane and the extraordinary coexist. The imagery of "blackness that opened with your father's fall" alludes to a personal loss that serves as a backdrop against which the present is contrasted. This "dark screen" becomes a canvas for Rudman's poetic vision, where even "paltry episodes" gain significance in his presence.

The poem continues to delve into Rudman's poetic process, noting how his "rapt abstraction" allows him to transform grief into life, pulling "life like a bright scarf from your sleeve." This metaphor highlights the magician-like quality of the poet, conjuring vibrant memories and meanings from the depths of loss and sorrow. The ordinary world, symbolized by the "dull door," opens up to reveal a richness that is often hidden from the daily eye. Hadas acknowledges the poet's role in illuminating these hidden truths, bringing them to light through his art.

Hadas also reflects on the temporal aspect of memory and existence, contrasting the fleeting present with the enduring impact of the poet's work. The line "Your golden son is dancing on a tomb / you traveled far to see but fear to climb" poignantly captures the intersection of life and death, joy and fear, in a single image. This duality is further emphasized by the recognition that "not a single soul of all / our cohorts will be here" a century from now, underscoring the transient nature of human life and the lasting legacy of the poet's vision.

The poem's conclusion is a testament to the power of the poet's craft. Hadas describes Rudman as a "magician of the seen and the unseen," whose truth of memory adheres through both "country stillnesses and city fears." The poet's ability to navigate these varied landscapes, capturing the essence of both, speaks to his mastery of the art. The final lines, "Seeing your lit window, I can tell / the war against oblivion's going well," affirm the poet's success in combating forgetfulness and preserving memory. The "spotlight of your desk lamp" becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration, suggesting that the poet's work continues to illuminate and guide even in the face of mortality.

"Along Edges" is a deeply reflective and evocative poem that honors Mark Rudman's poetic vision and his ability to transform and illuminate the human experience. Through rich imagery and thoughtful meditation, Rachel Hadas celebrates the enduring power of poetry to heal, reveal, and transcend the boundaries of time and space.

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