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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Morning in Marrakesh" by Robert Bly is a reflective and evocative poem that explores themes of potential, the unconscious, and the intersection of the exotic with the mundane. Through the setting of Marrakesh, a city known for its vibrant culture and rich history, Bly delves into the concept of morning not just as a time of day but as a moment of awakening and possibility. The poem begins with the assertion that even in a place as distinct and culturally rich as Marrakesh, there remains a need to define what morning signifies. This opening sets the tone for a meditation on the universal experience of awakening, both literal and metaphorical, and the choices that define our understanding and approach to life. Bly introduces the idea that during the night, people we have never met can whisper thoughts into our ears—thoughts potent enough to alter the course of our lives had we been able to fully grasp them sooner. This notion speaks to the power of the subconscious and the messages and insights that come to us in dreams, often unrecognized or unheeded until it is too late. The reference to these whispers and the potential for life-changing revelations underscores the poem's exploration of the unseen forces that influence our lives. The dreamer, who traverses the desert undeterred by the sun and waits for the night, symbolizes the relentless pursuit of understanding and the desire to connect with deeper truths beyond the immediacy of the physical world. This character's journey reflects the human quest for meaning and the hope that drives us to seek out new experiences and insights, even against daunting obstacles. The imagery of dawn in the patio drawing hotel cats away from their resting places under folding chairs adds a layer of everyday life to the poem. It grounds the philosophical and introspective themes in the tangible world, highlighting the interplay between the ordinary and the extraordinary. The cat drinking from the pool, with its black tail pointing toward the desert, serves as a poignant metaphor for the connection between the known and the unknown, the comfortable and the vast wilderness that lies beyond our immediate perception. "Morning in Marrakesh" is a poem that captures the essence of awakening—both to the new day and to the deeper layers of existence. Through its rich imagery and contemplative tone, Bly invites readers to consider the moments of decision that define our understanding of the world and ourselves. The poem suggests that every morning, no matter where we find ourselves, offers a new opportunity to listen to the whispers of the night and to choose the direction we will take in the light of day. POEM TEXT: https://ozofe.com/robert-bly/morning-in-marrakesh/
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE NIGHTWATCHMAN by JOSEPHINE JACOBSEN THE BREATH OF NIGHT by RANDALL JARRELL HOODED NIGHT by ROBINSON JEFFERS NIGHT WITHOUT SLEEP by ROBINSON JEFFERS WORKING OUTSIDE AT NIGHT by DENIS JOHNSON POEM TO TAKE BACK THE NIGHT by JUNE JORDAN COOL DARK ODE by DONALD JUSTICE POEM TO BE READ AT 3 A.M by DONALD JUSTICE |
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