Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Songbook of Sebastian Arrurruz: Postures," Geoffrey Hill continues to delve into the themes of identity, imagination, and the complex interplay between art and abstinence. This poem reflects Hill's characteristic use of dense, introspective language and vivid imagery to explore the intricacies of the human psyche.

The poem opens with the speaker imagining themselves and their beloved in increasingly stylized and detailed scenarios: "I imagine, as I imagine us / Each time more stylized more lovingly / Detailed." This act of imagination suggests a longing to capture and preserve the essence of their relationship, transforming it into a work of art. The use of the word "stylized" implies a deliberate, almost artistic, exaggeration or idealization of their connection.

The speaker then shifts to a more introspective tone, stating, "that I am not myself / But someone I might have been: sexless, / Indulgent about art." This line reveals a desire to transcend their current identity and become an idealized version of themselves, one that is detached from the complexities of gender and sexuality. The phrase "sexless, / Indulgent about art" suggests a persona that is entirely devoted to the appreciation and creation of art, free from the distractions and desires of the physical body.

The speaker further elaborates on this idealized identity by referencing the "well-schooled / Postures of St Anthony or St Jerome." St. Anthony and St. Jerome are both figures associated with asceticism and spiritual contemplation. By invoking these saints, the speaker aligns themselves with a tradition of self-denial and intellectual pursuit, suggesting a desire to emulate their disciplined and serene postures.

The poem then introduces the concept of "Those peaceful hermaphrodite dreams," blending the ideas of spiritual androgyny and tranquil introspection. This imagery evokes a state of inner harmony and balance, where the excesses of memory and desire are subdued through abstinence and contemplation. The use of the word "hermaphrodite" further emphasizes the theme of transcending conventional gender boundaries to achieve a purer, more unified state of being.

The closing lines, "Through which the excess of memory / Pursues its own abstinence," suggest that the speaker's imagination and artistic creation serve as a means of controlling and refining their memories and desires. By channeling their emotional and sensual experiences into art, the speaker achieves a form of abstinence, purifying and distilling their thoughts and feelings.

Overall, "Songbook of Sebastian Arrurruz: Postures" is a contemplative and evocative exploration of identity, imagination, and the transformative power of art. Through the use of vivid imagery and introspective language, Geoffrey Hill captures the speaker's desire to transcend their earthly existence and achieve a state of artistic and spiritual purity. The poem invites readers to consider the ways in which art and imagination can shape and refine our understanding of ourselves and our relationships.

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