Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Lamantia’s poem “Death Jets” delves into themes of existential threat, political critique, and mystical transcendence. Through its dense and evocative language, the poem reflects on the dangers of modernity, particularly the ever-present threat of nuclear annihilation, and calls for a revolutionary change in consciousness. Lamantia’s surreal and fragmented imagery serves to underscore the urgency and complexity of these themes.

The poem begins with an immediate sense of terror and violation: “three of them have terrorized my apollo finger / most hideous / of human existence.” The reference to “apollo finger” suggests a link to Apollo, the Greek god of prophecy, music, and healing, symbolizing a part of the self connected to higher wisdom and creativity that has been targeted by terror. This sets the stage for a broader exploration of existential dread.

Lamantia then provides a timestamp, “3/10/84,” grounding the poem in a specific historical context. This date likely reflects a period of heightened nuclear tensions during the Cold War, reinforcing the theme of an omnipresent existential threat: “These lines respond to the omnipresent threat of species suicide, to an ‘eternal’ / moment of decision.” The poem speaks to a crucial moment in human history where the possibility of annihilation looms large, and a decisive change is necessary to avert catastrophe.

The poem calls for “a conscious revolt against the forces of death— a mutational movement / in opposition to all the moribund political powers.” This revolutionary change is framed as essential to overcoming the destructive tendencies sanctioned by political authorities. The reference to “Blue Angels,” a renowned aerobatic team of the U.S. Navy, juxtaposes the thrill of their performances with the deadly implications of militarism.

Lamantia invokes a vision of transcendence and new possibilities: “thrills vaster than the poetry of Ausias March await us if, by the / next century, Betelgeuse / always Betelgeuse / pervades the skyscapes a sudden sensuous freedom.” Ausias March was a Valencian poet known for his exploration of human emotions, and Betelgeuse, a red supergiant star, symbolizes a cosmic scale of transformation. This passage suggests that embracing a broader, more cosmic perspective could lead to a profound liberation.

The poem then shifts to questions and mystical references: “Are there any toxic beasts? Is Klamath Falls the origin? / Lemuria awaits its Tungsten mines florid with great masters.” Klamath Falls and Lemuria evoke places imbued with both environmental and mythical significance, suggesting a search for origins and wisdom in both the physical and mystical realms.

Lamantia’s vision includes a redemptive element: “Finally the gorge is redeemed / with a sight worth revealing / accent on the plutonian age.” The “plutonian age” references the underworld and the transformative power of the subconscious, suggesting a period of deep, transformative change.

The poem's language becomes increasingly symbolic and esoteric: “Even here there’s the symbolique of the birds / Infinite tonal convolutions / the immense coil of the Neter.” Birds often symbolize freedom and higher perspective, while “Neter” refers to the divine principles of ancient Egyptian religion. This suggests a connection to ancient wisdom and the cyclical nature of existence.

Lamantia critiques censorship and celebrates anarchistic ideals: “It’s prohibited to censor / A dream of birding the ancient Presidio / October when the warblers are caught in visual nets.” The ancient Presidio and the capture of warblers in visual nets symbolize the preservation of history and the importance of free thought and expression.

The poem concludes with a declaration of unity and mystical anarchy: “at the mysteries of Anarchy, they will deny them, the thinking Heads are / rethinking ‘the Idea’ in the commune of Anarchs / I have loved only the fleeting riches / luxury before you / shiva, unknown, a forest power / shakti and I are one among the Anarchs.” Shiva and Shakti are central deities in Hinduism representing the dynamic cosmic energy, and their unity signifies a balance of creation and destruction. Lamantia identifies himself with these mystical and anarchic forces, suggesting a profound connection to the divine and a rejection of conventional power structures.

“Death Jets” is a complex and multilayered work that reflects on the dangers of modernity, the potential for transformative change, and the enduring power of mystical and anarchistic ideals. Through his dense, surreal imagery and evocative language, Philip Lamantia invites readers to contemplate the precariousness of human existence and the possibilities for profound spiritual and societal transformation. The poem is both a critique of contemporary political powers and a call to embrace a deeper, more enlightened perspective that transcends the immediate threats and challenges of the modern world.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...