Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Lamantia's poem “Egypt” is a rich, evocative meditation on the ancient land, blending historical, mythological, and personal reflections to create a tapestry that honors the mystique and enduring legacy of Egypt. The poem, dedicated to R. A. Schwaller de Lubicz, an influential Egyptologist known for his esoteric interpretations of Egyptian monuments, captures the depth and complexity of Egypt’s spiritual and cultural heritage.

The poem opens with vivid imagery: “Water lustre of fire this Hapy, this Nile / cobra skin dangles / from a crevice of a wall in the Apet Temple.” The Nile, personified as Hapy, is depicted with a duality of water and fire, symbolizing life and energy. The cobra skin, a potent symbol in Egyptian iconography, suggests both danger and protection, hinting at the mystical secrets concealed within the ancient temples.

Lamantia weaves a sense of timelessness into his descriptions: “stillness soft sand rustling breeze / Reading images around papyrus-fluted colonnades / — these moments wonder the world.” The serene landscape, infused with a quiet reverence, evokes the eternal nature of Egypt’s monuments and the deep history they embody. The reference to “papyrus-fluted colonnades” connects the reader to the ancient architectural marvels that have withstood the passage of time.

The poem continues to explore the intersection of myth and reality: “the hermetic secret Plato Pythagoras Moses / finally, the Companions of Horus / come into view as the Resurrection Band.” Here, Lamantia draws connections between various figures of wisdom and the Egyptian deities, suggesting a universal quest for knowledge and enlightenment. The Companions of Horus, representing rebirth and renewal, are envisioned as a band of resurrection, blending ancient myth with a modern metaphor.

Lamantia’s use of sensory imagery further immerses the reader: “Music! perfumes! magic! / Risen, diagonally, from sun-bent water / to a green snake of trees, the Hoopoe bird / inflames gold-tinted air over the Nile.” The Hoopoe bird, a creature revered in Egyptian folklore, symbolizes a bridge between the earthly and the divine. The vibrant descriptions of music, perfumes, and magic convey the sensory richness of the Egyptian landscape.

The poet’s personal reflections are woven into the fabric of the poem: “I lay this baggage to unravel as this bird that confounds us You’re the vowel ‘O’ / of the higher ka looking to the flowers in Amenti.” Here, Lamantia addresses the mystical aspects of the self, the “ka” being the Egyptian concept of the soul or spirit. The “vowel ‘O’” symbolizes a connection to the divine, an invocation of spiritual presence.

Lamantia’s depiction of the Egyptian countryside and its people is both nostalgic and timeless: “Predawn, the fellaheen saunter to their gardens / from non-electric amber-lit red brick houses / so silent, slow, lifting wooden hoes over rustic gallabeyas / it could be the Eighteenth Pharaonic Dynasty.” This passage paints a picture of continuity, where the daily lives of modern Egyptians echo the rhythms of their ancient ancestors.

The poem’s exploration of mystical themes reaches a crescendo with references to alchemy and esoteric knowledge: “In the sepulchre of a sempiternal King / sometime between the Seventh and Eighth Hours / we view the circular intervals double twelve on the stone ceiling.” These lines evoke the profound mysteries of Egyptian tombs, where time and space are transcended in the pursuit of eternal truths.

Lamantia’s invocation of Egyptian deities and symbols continues to enrich the poem’s tapestry: “The Oudj Eye multiplies invisibly / Horus visibly wears a Falcon’s Head / become visible within crepuscular shadows at the nightfall of the world.” The Oudj Eye, a symbol of protection and royal power, and Horus, the falcon-headed god, represent the divine presence that permeates the Egyptian landscape.

The poem concludes with a reflection on the poet’s personal journey and the lasting impact of Egypt: “It’s easy to hallucinate Edgar Allan Poe / sipping Turkish coffee, mazbout, at Groppi’s on the Talat Harb / Nineteenth-century Italianate masonry curling a corner / of endless newspapers of the world.” This blending of past and present, historical and personal, underscores the timeless allure of Egypt and its ability to inspire across the ages.

“Egypt” by Philip Lamantia is a profound exploration of the mystical and cultural heritage of Egypt. Through rich, sensory imagery and intricate references to mythology, history, and personal experience, Lamantia creates a tapestry that honors the enduring legacy of this ancient land. The poem invites readers to immerse themselves in the beauty, mystery, and timelessness of Egypt, offering a glimpse into the spiritual depths that continue to captivate and inspire.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...