Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Stanley Merwin's poem “Blessing” is an evocative and mysterious exploration of separation, pursuit, and the intersection of the mundane with the ethereal. Through vivid imagery and a narrative that intertwines the lives of two individuals—a departing man and an old woman—Merwin delves into themes of protection, urgency, and the unseen forces that shape our journeys.

The poem opens with the declaration, “There is a blessing on the wide road / the egg shell road the baked highway.” This line sets a tone of protection and sanctity, suggesting that the road, despite its harsh and exposed nature, is watched over by a benevolent force. The descriptors “egg shell” and “baked” evoke fragility and harshness, underscoring the precariousness of the journey ahead.

An old woman is introduced, “walking fast following him / pace of a child following him.” The juxtaposition of her fast pace with the innocence and determination of a child creates a vivid image of urgency and dedication. Her pursuit of the man, who “left today / in a fast car,” signifies a separation, with the woman striving to catch up to him, perhaps to deliver the blessing or message she carries.

The poem then delves into the mystical connection between the woman and the man. She exists in a liminal state: “the traffic flows through her / as though she were air / or not there.” This imagery portrays her as almost ghostly, a figure of spiritual or otherworldly presence that is invisible to the ordinary world. She can only communicate with the man, and her words are meant solely for him: “she can speak only to him / she can tell him / what only he can hear.”

The poem builds tension as it emphasizes the urgency of her mission: “she can save him / once / it might be enough / she is hurrying.” This line suggests a single opportunity for salvation or intervention, heightening the stakes of her pursuit. The notion that “it might be enough” implies hope, but also uncertainty, underscoring the precariousness of the situation.

Meanwhile, the man “is making good time / his breath comes more easily.” This suggests a physical and perhaps psychological distance he is trying to create. Despite this, he remains “troubled at moments / by the feeling / that he has forgotten something.” This lingering sense of unease implies that he is subconsciously aware of the woman’s presence or the importance of what he has left behind.

The poem’s climax centers on the man's belief that he is “escaping a terrible / horseman.” This image evokes a sense of impending doom or a relentless pursuer, potentially symbolizing death, fate, or a dire consequence he is trying to outrun. The horseman represents a threat from which the man seeks to escape, adding a layer of existential dread to his journey.

“Blessing” masterfully combines elements of the ordinary and the mystical, creating a narrative that is rich with symbolic meaning and emotional depth. The poem’s imagery, from the fragile road to the ghostly woman, paints a vivid picture of a world where the physical and the spiritual are closely intertwined. The old woman’s relentless pursuit and the man’s anxious flight reflect universal themes of connection, protection, and the inescapable nature of certain destinies.

Merwin’s use of simple, yet profound language and his ability to evoke a sense of urgency and mystery make “Blessing” a compelling meditation on the unseen forces that guide and protect us. The poem invites readers to consider the hidden blessings and messages that may be present in their own lives, often carried by those who walk beside us, seen or unseen, as we travel our own egg shell roads.

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