Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Work, for the Day Is Coming" reflects on the transformative power of poetry and the arduous journey of creation and comprehension. The poem is a meditation on the potential of a poem to influence lives, both present and future, and the intense process of birthing such meaningful art.

The opening line, "It is the poem, yes," immediately foregrounds the subject, establishing the poem itself as the central focus. This declaration is followed by an expression of hope and purpose: "that it exist that it grow in reach / that it grow into lives not yet born not yet speaking." These lines emphasize the poet's desire for her work to transcend the present moment, to resonate with and influence future generations, extending its reach beyond the immediate audience.

Rukeyser delves into the nature of the poem's impact: "That its sounds move with the grace of meaning / the liquid sharing, the abrupt clash of lives." Here, she captures the dual nature of poetry—the fluid, almost musical quality of its language that fosters connection and understanding, and the stark, sometimes jarring encounters it can provoke. This duality reflects the complexities of human experience that poetry seeks to articulate and navigate.

The poem continues with imagery of ascension and descent: "That its suggestions climb to / descend to the fire of finding / the last breath of the poem / and further." This movement signifies the exploratory nature of poetry, its ability to reach great heights of insight and understanding, and to delve into profound depths of discovery. The "fire of finding" evokes the intense, almost elemental force of revelation that poetry can bring, while "the last breath of the poem / and further" suggests a striving for transcendence, pushing the boundaries of expression and meaning.

Rukeyser then shifts focus to the personal journey of the poet: "For that I move through states of being, / the struggle to wake, the frightful morning, / the flash of ecstasy among our mutilations." These lines depict the arduous and often painful process of creation, where the poet navigates various emotional and existential states. The "struggle to wake" and "frightful morning" convey the challenges of facing each new day and its demands, while the "flash of ecstasy among our mutilations" highlights moments of profound joy and insight amidst the suffering and fragmentation of life.

The poem concludes with a powerful invitation and an acknowledgment of the guiding forces in the poet's journey: "the recognizing light shining and all night long / am invited led whipped dragged through states of being / toward the / inviting you through states of being / poem." The "recognizing light" symbolizes moments of clarity and understanding that illuminate the poet's path. The intense verbs "invited led whipped dragged" suggest the various ways in which the poet is compelled through different states of being, underscoring the relentless and multifaceted nature of this journey. The ultimate goal is to "invite" the reader to join in this exploration, to experience the transformative power of the poem.

"Work, for the Day Is Coming" by Muriel Rukeyser is a profound meditation on the enduring impact of poetry and the challenging process of its creation. Through vivid imagery and an earnest tone, Rukeyser captures the essence of poetic endeavor as a relentless pursuit of meaning and connection, aiming to resonate with future generations and to invite readers into a shared journey of discovery and transformation.

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