Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

In "Chain of Memory is Resurrection," Charles Olson explores how memory and lineage connect the living to the dead, creating an ongoing cycle of life and renewal. Olson reflects on the interwoven nature of existence, where the memories of past lives fuel the present, manifesting in what he calls “resurrection.” This resurrection is not limited to a traditional sense of coming back to life but extends to a metaphysical connection between generations, individual memories, and the physical landscape.

Olson opens by anchoring his concept of resurrection in memory and personal lineage. He notes his own interest in the past, from the prehistoric "CroMagnon man" to his family's graves in a Swedish cemetery in Worcester. This emphasis on lineage and ancestry suggests that resurrection can happen within memory, as those who have passed continue to live on in the minds of their descendants. Olson’s focus on the physical details—the cemetery, gravestones, and even the geographical locations—suggests that resurrection is deeply rooted in the physical world. Memory transforms the landscape into a space that holds the past, with the physical structures (graves, trees, stones) acting as vessels of that memory.

The poem explores a broader idea of resurrection as well, describing it as "the genetic flow of each life which has given life." Here, Olson posits that resurrection occurs through the continuity of life itself, with each generation carrying forward the legacy of the previous one. He frames this as a tender, almost sacred responsibility, one that binds people together across time. The physical and emotional inheritance that shapes each person’s identity is viewed as a collective chain of being, emphasizing a deep interconnectedness between individuals and their ancestors. Olson describes this connection as having an almost spiritual significance, a continuation of life that goes beyond individual mortality.

In a philosophical turn, Olson writes, "time is the face of recognition." He implies that time is a lens through which individuals recognize and connect with both their personal history and the greater human legacy. In his view, time is less about a linear progression and more about recognizing the familiar aspects of life, death, and rebirth as they recur across generations. This cyclical perspective aligns with Olson’s broader theme of interconnectedness, where past, present, and future form a continuum. The poet also expresses a desire for the past to be “where it is,” advocating for a remembrance that respects the continuity of life rather than isolating memories in history.

Olson then delves into a personal narrative, describing scenes from his own life—memories of traveling through Massachusetts, riding along moonlit roads, and encountering other lives and places that speak to him of resurrection. His memories blend with the landscape, where places like "Lawrence, Georgetown, Rowley, Ipswich" become infused with a personal significance that resonates with a timeless quality. Olson’s vivid recollections demonstrate that resurrection is not only a process of biological continuation but also an emotional and mental experience rooted in sensory and environmental connection. The landscape, imbued with memory, becomes a medium through which life asserts itself, a symbol of continuity that binds the personal with the universal.

The final section of the poem transitions into a meditation on the nature of resurrection itself. Olson reflects on "small spring" and laments the "green growth gone to green bloom," mourning the rapid passage of time and the impermanence of life. He yearns for a more “sparse” or “spare” growth, suggesting that the intensity of seasonal change feels overwhelming, a relentless cycle that mirrors the endless chain of memory and resurrection. In this context, resurrection can be exhausting, a burden as well as a blessing, as life’s renewal often brings with it a rapid acceleration toward death and decay. Olson’s description of the "thick green" as "the appetite of nature" reinforces his sense that nature’s cycles are both beautiful and voracious, demanding a constant return to life even as individuals struggle to keep up with its pace.

Olson closes with a reflection on desire and resurrection, stating that "Desire is resurrection" and "The soul is an onslaught." Here, he equates resurrection with the driving force of desire, an innate longing that fuels the soul’s journey through life. Desire becomes the force that compels individuals to remember, to connect, and to continue despite the inevitability of death. In Olson’s view, desire is the mechanism that underpins resurrection, propelling each generation to strive, to create, and to maintain the chain of being. His final sentiment, "The soul is an onslaught," captures the intensity of this drive, portraying the soul’s journey as an active struggle, a relentless pursuit that both sustains and challenges life.

"Chain of Memory is Resurrection" presents a complex and layered meditation on how memory, lineage, and desire contribute to an ongoing process of resurrection. Olson’s reflections suggest that individuals are intrinsically linked to both their ancestors and their descendants, forming a continuous cycle of life that transcends individual mortality. The poem underscores the idea that memory and desire are essential components of human existence, providing a sense of purpose and connection that persists through generations. In Olson’s vision, resurrection is not just a return to life but a profound acknowledgment of life’s continuity, a chain that binds each individual to the entirety of human experience.

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