Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's poem "Transfiguration" takes inspiration from the biblical account of Jesus' transfiguration, where He converses with Moses and Elijah. Through a blend of narrative, reflection, and imaginative elaboration, Jarman explores themes of divinity, humanity, suffering, and the complexities of faith. The poem is divided into seven sections, each delving into different aspects of these themes.

The first section sets the scene of the transfiguration on the mountain, where Jesus converses with Moses and Elijah about "resurrection, about law, about the suffering ahead." This conversation serves as a reminder of Jesus' divine mission and the immense burden He bears. The imagery of a "gray-green thunderhead" and the voice of God affirming Jesus' identity underscore the moment's significance. The mention of Jesus' clothes flaring "like magnesium" symbolizes the divine light and purity of the transfiguration.

In the second section, the focus shifts to a contemporary scene where the speaker recounts a miraculous healing. The straightforward, almost clinical description of the medical procedure contrasts with the miraculous outcome, highlighting the intersection of faith and science. The family's mixed emotions—relief and lingering worry—reflect the complex reality of miracles and the human tendency to oscillate between belief and skepticism.

The third section returns to the conversation on the mountain, where Moses and Elijah discuss the nature of heaven and the transformative power of suffering. The description of heavenly forms as "luciform" and the emphasis on the vibrance of light convey a sense of divine perfection. The complexities of the human body and the simplicity of divine vision are juxtaposed, suggesting the tension between earthly suffering and heavenly transcendence.

The fourth section tells the story of a blind man who regains his sight after recounting memories of his parents. This narrative highlights the profound connection between memory, trauma, and healing. The sudden return of sight, "like a flashbulb," signifies the overwhelming nature of revelation and the transformative power of understanding one's past.

In the fifth section, the discussion shifts to the nature of law and judgment. The metaphor of lawgiving as a gentle, persistent rain contrasts with the harshness of judgment, illustrating the delicate balance between mercy and justice. The idea that even the best must be punished emphasizes the universality of suffering and the impartiality of divine law.

The sixth section delves into the personal experience of transformation and suffering. The notion of planting "a change inside them that they feel" and the subsequent encounter with authority encapsulates the journey of self-discovery and the acceptance of one's fate. The imagery of the "vortex on the mountaintop" and "the inside of the unspeakable" evoke the profound and often isolating nature of spiritual revelation.

In the final section, the speaker expresses a desire to believe in Jesus' resistance to His divine mission. This humanizes Jesus, portraying Him as someone who empathizes with human suffering and struggles with the enormity of His task. The desire to believe in Jesus' resistance reflects the speaker's own struggle with faith and the contradictions inherent in the concept of divine love and duty.

"Transfiguration" by Mark Jarman intricately weaves together biblical narrative, personal reflection, and imaginative interpretation to explore the multifaceted nature of faith, suffering, and divine love. Through vivid imagery and contemplative language, the poem invites readers to reflect on the complexities of spiritual transformation and the enduring human quest for understanding and meaning.

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