Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Richard Wilbur’s "A Plain Song for Comadre" is a heartfelt tribute to the quiet, steadfast acts of devotion embodied by Bruna Sandoval, a woman who has spent seventeen years maintaining the church of San Ysidro. Through its plainspoken tone, vivid imagery, and philosophical reflections, the poem elevates the mundane to the sacred, suggesting that holiness resides not in grand visions or dramatic gestures, but in the consistent and loving care for the physical and spiritual spaces of life.

The opening lines set the poem’s meditative tone, acknowledging the transient nature of insight and the shared struggles of both "doubter and downcast saint." Wilbur captures the universality of human frailty, but he contrasts it with the enduring power of "holy things." These are described as impervious to the petty disturbances of life—"a fly?s buzz, or itches, or a cough." This juxtaposition between human doubt and divine constancy establishes the central theme of the poem: the resilience and quiet persistence of true faith and goodness.

Wilbur describes these "holy things" as "harder than nails, / More warmly constant than the sun." The image of nails invokes the crucifixion, tying the durability of sacred values to the ultimate symbol of sacrifice and endurance. The sun’s constancy reinforces this idea, suggesting that divinity manifests in the daily and the dependable. This continual presence inspires the "dimly prompted vine" to "upbraid itself to a green excellence," a metaphor for the way divine influence encourages growth and renewal even in the simplest of forms.

The poem transitions to an evening scene, reflecting on the natural rhythms that mirror the cycles of labor and rest. After "the slow and forced expense / Of sweat is done," the dark arrives to fill "the straight furrow" or "the well-made bowl." These agricultural and domestic images emphasize the connection between human effort and the natural world, suggesting that labor, when done with care and purpose, aligns with the broader harmony of creation. The "clear studs and steady spheres" of the night sky serve as a reminder of the cosmic order that frames these earthly tasks.

The focus then shifts to Bruna Sandoval, the comadre (a term of endearment meaning godmother or close friend), whose unwavering dedication to the church embodies the poem’s celebration of constancy and care. For seventeen years, she has "kept the church / Of San Ysidro," engaging in the simple but vital acts of "sweeping / And scrubbing the aisles, keeping / The candlesticks and the plaster faces bright." Wilbur’s description highlights the humility and ordinariness of her work, yet it is precisely in these acts that her devotion shines. She has "seen no vision but the thing done right," a phrase that underscores her practical, unassuming approach to faith.

Bruna’s labor is portrayed as an expression of love, performed "for love and in all weathers." This steadfastness reflects her deep commitment, not to spectacle or recognition, but to the quiet fulfillment of duty. Wilbur connects her work to the rhythms of nature, as "the early sun / Shines as she flings the scrubwater out, with a crash / Of grimy rainbows." The "grimy rainbows" evoke beauty emerging from the mundane, a visual metaphor for the way Bruna’s labor transforms ordinary tasks into acts of grace. The "stained suds flash / Like angel-feathers," an image that blurs the line between the earthly and the divine, suggesting that her work is imbued with sacred significance.

Structurally, the poem’s free verse mirrors the simplicity and unpretentiousness of Bruna’s life and work. Wilbur’s language is clear and unadorned, reflecting the plainspoken quality suggested by the poem’s title. Yet, within this simplicity, the imagery is vivid and resonant, drawing attention to the beauty and depth of seemingly mundane acts. The repetition of natural and domestic imagery reinforces the connection between Bruna’s labor and the larger cycles of life and creation.

"A Plain Song for Comadre" ultimately celebrates the holiness found in quiet, consistent care. Through Bruna Sandoval’s dedication to maintaining the church of San Ysidro, Wilbur presents a model of faith that is rooted not in grand gestures or supernatural visions, but in the practical and loving stewardship of one’s surroundings. Her labor becomes a form of worship, a testament to the enduring power of devotion in the face of life’s transience. The poem invites readers to reconsider their understanding of the sacred, suggesting that true holiness lies in the ordinary acts of love and care that sustain and uplift the world around us.

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