Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Lamantia’s poem “Resurrections” is a profound and surreal exploration of creation, destruction, and the mystical experience of existence. The poem oscillates between themes of cosmic power and personal transcendence, creating a tapestry that reflects the complexity and depth of the human condition. Through his evocative language and rich imagery, Lamantia delves into the realms of metaphysics and mysticism, offering readers a glimpse into a world where the boundaries between the self and the cosmos are blurred.

The poem begins with a powerful declaration: “It is I who create the world and put it to rest / you will never understand me / I have willed your destruction.” This opening asserts the speaker’s god-like authority over creation and destruction, emphasizing the inscrutability of such power. The repetition of “you will never understand me” underscores the theme of the unknowable, suggesting that the true nature of existence is beyond human comprehension.

Lamantia continues with a vivid and paradoxical image: “It’s the beginning of the flower / inside it’s black ore I salute abyss after abyss.” The flower, often a symbol of beauty and life, is juxtaposed with “black ore,” suggesting a core of darkness or potential destruction within creation. The “abyss after abyss” evokes a sense of infinite depth and mystery, further highlighting the theme of the unfathomable.

The recurring motif of the “exploding rose” and the “third eyes” symbolizes enlightenment and transcendence: “You are the exploding rose of my eyes I have nothing but third eyes!” The rose, a traditional symbol of beauty and spiritual unfolding, becomes a dynamic and powerful force. The “third eyes” suggest heightened perception and mystical insight, indicating that the speaker sees beyond ordinary reality.

The line “This is the end of clockwork sempiternity is the rose of time” blends temporal and eternal themes, suggesting that conventional notions of time are transcended in the realm of spiritual vision. The repetition of the opening lines reinforces the cyclical nature of creation and destruction, emphasizing the poem’s overarching themes.

Lamantia shifts to a more introspective tone with “I have never made a poem never emerged it’s all a farce / if I could unravel as this Raga into song.” Here, the speaker expresses a sense of existential doubt and the ephemeral nature of artistic creation. The reference to “Raga,” a classical Indian musical form, suggests a desire for spiritual and artistic expression that transcends ordinary experience.

The imagery of Kashmir and the Himalayas introduces a sense of sublime beauty and spiritual aspiration: “opulent view of Kashmir / thousands of images bearing light / light thru clouds the beauty of things / lit up slow unraveling of the morning.” This passage evokes a serene and transcendent landscape, symbolizing the speaker’s journey towards enlightenment.

Lamantia’s language becomes increasingly surreal and mythological: “the flight of horned heads / gods, cats, bulls, dogs, sphinxes / each head inside out a torso of fish.” These images blend various mythological and animal forms, suggesting a cosmic unity and the interconnectedness of all life.

The poem reaches a climax with the incantatory lines “Ranka uraniku / bahaba hi olama / sancu pantis droga / harumi pahunaka,” which evoke a sense of mystical chanting or invocation. These lines, though nonsensical in a literal sense, contribute to the poem’s overall atmosphere of mystical and transcendent experience.

The closing lines return to the theme of enlightenment and transformation: “I never see enough / with those who fly tortoise shell in the infinite hangup / words slow unraveling song / the gods are vomiting / I am entering earth I am walled in light I am where the song is shot into my eyes / O hypodermic light!” The speaker’s vision is ever-expanding, and the imagery of light and flight suggests a continuous journey towards greater understanding. The reference to “hypodermic light” implies an intense, almost physical experience of enlightenment, as if the light itself is injected directly into the soul.

“Resurrections” by Philip Lamantia is a powerful and evocative meditation on the nature of existence, creation, and transcendence. Through his rich and surreal imagery, Lamantia explores the depths of the human experience, suggesting that true understanding lies beyond conventional perceptions. The poem’s blend of mystical, mythological, and introspective elements creates a complex and layered work that invites readers to contemplate the mysteries of life and the possibility of spiritual awakening.

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