|
|
Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
"Two Ramages for Old Masters" by Robert Bly is a poetic tribute that explores themes of connection to nature, the enduring power of love, and the influence of literary figures on personal and collective consciousness. The poem is divided into two parts, each dedicated to venerating the simplicity and profundity of human experiences as seen through the lens of historical wisdom and poetic mastery. The first ramage reflects on a scene of primal intimacy and unity with nature. A man and a woman lie under an antelope robe, symbolizing a deep connection to the natural world and to each other. This image evokes a sense of timeless existence, "Silent in the moonlight, no beginning or end," suggesting a continuity that transcends modern life's complexities and alienation. Bly questions whether contemporary individuals can attain such simplicity and unity, hinting at the profound disconnect between modern existence and the natural world. The repetition of the moonlit plains' silence underscores the enduring presence of nature as a backdrop to human life, offering a constant reminder of the world's cyclical and eternal nature. In the second ramage, Bly shifts focus to honor the influence of Walt Whitman, a towering figure in American poetry. Bly's affectionate address to Whitman, "how many hours I have loved your vowels!" speaks to the deep emotional and intellectual impact of Whitman's work on his readers and fellow poets. Describing Whitman's poetry as a "stair of sound," Bly captures the rhythmic and ascendant quality of Whitman's verse, its capacity to elevate the spirit and connect the individual to the universal. The imagery of a "barefooted dancer coming down" further evokes the sense of liberation, grounding, and intimate connection to life that Whitman's poetry embodies. Bly's invocation of Whitman as "My master, my lover, my teacher" signifies a profound reverence for the poet's role as a guide, a source of inspiration, and a companion in the journey of life. The reference to Whitman calling to death without response, and singing "like a dark rabbi / Among ocean herbs on the shore," illustrates the transcendental quality of Whitman's work, its defiance of mortality and its deep rooting in the physical world. The final blessing, "Be blessed, teacher, / By the Torah and the Bible inside the naked seed," symbolizes the sacred core of creativity and wisdom that Whitman's poetry accesses and reveals, bridging the divine and the earthly. "Two Ramages for Old Masters" is a lyrical meditation on the timeless and essential aspects of human experience — our connection to nature, the enduring power of love, and the transformative influence of great art and literature. Through evocative imagery and profound admiration, Robert Bly pays homage to the simplicity of a life lived in harmony with the natural world and to the legacy of Walt Whitman, whose work continues to inspire and illuminate the path toward understanding and transcendence.
| Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...THE CORRESPONDENCE-SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR SAYS GOODBYE TO HIS POETRY STUDENTS by GALWAY KINNELL GRATITUDE TO OLD TEACHERS by ROBERT BLY ON FLUNKING A NICE BOY OUT OF SCHOOL by JOHN CIARDI HER MONOLOGUE OF DARK CREPE WITH EDGES OF LIGHT by NORMAN DUBIE OF POLITICS, & ART by NORMAN DUBIE SEVERAL MEASURES FOR THE LITTLE LOST by NORMAN DUBIE |
| |