Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser’s "Blood is Justified: For Memory" is a touching elegy dedicated to her friend Ruth Lehman, who passed away in 1934. The poem is a profound meditation on memory, loss, and the enduring impact of a loved one's life. Rukeyser weaves together personal memories, reflections on mortality, and the significance of her friend's life and death, creating a richly layered narrative that honors Lehman's legacy.

The poem begins with a caution to handle the memories of past years carefully: "Open with care the journal of those years / firm years precipitating days to death." This sets the tone for a delicate and respectful exploration of Lehman's life. The description of Lehman as "walking in color and flame / walking through a texture of sense" conveys her vibrant and dynamic presence. Rukeyser's friend is remembered vividly, her essence preserved in the poet's memory despite the physical absence.

Rukeyser grapples with the reality of Lehman's death, expressing disbelief and a sense of continued presence: "It is hardly possible she will not come again / returned for a short while out of distances." The poet's struggle to accept her friend's death is palpable, underscored by the recurring notion that Lehman might still return, her presence lingering in the memories and places she once inhabited.

The poem's middle section recounts shared experiences and Lehman's passionate nature: "Throatfuls of life, arms crammed with brilliant days, / the colored years beat strength upon her youth." Rukeyser reminisces about specific moments, capturing the essence of their friendship and Lehman's impact on those around her. The detailed memories of Lehman's suede jacket, the nights of conversation, and their mutual friends paint a vivid picture of a life rich with relationships and experiences.

Rukeyser reflects on the gap left by Lehman's passing, acknowledging the limits of their understanding and connection: "Her mother did not know her. / Her friends were not enough, we missed essentials." Despite this, the poem celebrates Lehman's achievements and the love she gave and received. Rukeyser's tribute is both personal and universal, touching on themes of love, loss, and the quest for meaning.

In "Holy Dying," Rukeyser explores the broader implications of Lehman's death, contemplating its impact on those left behind: "Across the country, iron hands push up chimneys / black fingers stuck up from the blackened ground." This imagery juxtaposes the industrial landscape with the natural, evoking the relentless passage of time and the continuation of life despite personal loss. Lehman's pain and passion are framed as part of a larger human experience, her life and death contributing to the collective narrative.

The poem’s conclusion, "Ritual for Death," is a somber and poignant reflection on mourning and remembrance. Rukeyser instructs to "Turn down the lamps tonight / shade the walls," creating an atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The ritualistic elements of this section emphasize the need to honor Lehman's memory while accepting her absence. The poet calls for strength and solidarity in the face of loss, urging those left behind to carry forward Lehman's spirit and values.

Rukeyser’s final lines are a powerful affirmation of Lehman's enduring influence: "This was my friend who eager rash and brave / has found one answer in an early grave." The poet acknowledges the profound impact of Lehman's life and the inspiration drawn from her courage and passion. The closing imagery of flowers and the natural world serves as a symbol of renewal and continuity, suggesting that Lehman's legacy will endure through the memories and actions of those who knew her.

"Blood is Justified: For Memory" is a deeply moving elegy that captures the complexity of grief and the lasting significance of a loved one's life. Rukeyser’s eloquent language and vivid imagery create a powerful tribute to her friend, exploring themes of memory, loss, and the enduring connections that transcend death. Through this poem, Rukeyser not only honors Ruth Lehman but also offers a universal meditation on the nature of love, loss, and remembrance.

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