Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Resurrection," by Kenneth Fearing, is a powerful meditation on memory and the indelible marks left by personal and collective experiences. Through a series of evocative images and scenarios, Fearing illustrates how memories of both the mundane and the extraordinary intermingle to shape our perceptions and influence our daily lives. The poem weaves together a tapestry of human emotions, behaviors, and contradictions, ultimately revealing the inescapable presence of memory in our existence.

The poem begins with an invitation to remember, drawing the reader into a reflective state by urging them to recall moments of intimacy, pain, and everyday exchanges: "You will remember the kisses, real or imagined; / you will remember the faces that were before you, and / the words exchanged." The reader is immediately encouraged to reflect on the "minute crowded with meaning, / the moment of pain, the aimless hour." These opening lines touch on the extremes of memory, ranging from significant moments to the mundane. The "kisses, real or imagined," and "faces that were before you" suggest that memory blurs the lines between reality and imagination, creating a mosaic of experiences. This imagery is followed by broader landscapes like cities, plains, mountains, and the sea, reinforcing the universal nature of the poem's themes.

Fearing then delves into specific and often contradictory images, capturing the complexities of human behavior. He presents contrasting characters like "the friendly voice of the killer" and "the voice of the priest, inhumanly sweet," highlighting the dualities of morality and deception. He juxtaposes "the triumphant smile of the duped" with "compassion that glittered in the eyes of the moneylender," exposing contradictions between appearance and intent. The "bought magistrate quivering in horror through the courtroom above prostitute and pimp" and "the face of the fool, radiant on newspaper and screen" offer glimpses into a world where corruption and ignorance are hidden beneath a veneer of respectability. Meanwhile, "the majesty of the statesman at the microphone, the sober majesty of the listening clerk" reveals the glorification of political figures regardless of their intentions.

Fearing continues to explore the pervasive influence of memory on our emotions and perceptions, blending hope, happiness, love, and triumph with darker realities like "the confident speech of the lost," "happiness clearly displayed on the staring billboards," and "laughter that rose with the steam from the carcass on the street." The contrast between appearance and reality reveals the tension inherent in commodified emotions and the conflicting responses they evoke. The "hope that crawled up the barroom tap" and "love casually revealed in the magazines and novels" capture the distorted and superficial nature of popular culture's portrayal of human emotions. At the same time, "happiness clearly displayed on the staring billboards" shows how commercial interests manipulate these emotions for profit.

The poem also touches on the triumphs and struggles of individuals, including the "rebel savior," the "breadloaf in the hand of the ghetto wife," and "the inscription on the patriot tomb." Each image represents a unique form of victory or resistance against oppression. However, these triumphs are often overshadowed by the conflicting emotions of "hatred and pity exactly matched," which rise "with the steam from the carcass on the street." This imagery reveals the pervasive and contradictory nature of human emotions, where triumph and tragedy are often intertwined.

Fearing concludes with a vision of memory that permeates every aspect of life: "These are the things that will return to you, / to mingle vividly with the days and nights, with the sound of motors and the sun's warmth, / with fatigue and desire, / as you work, and sleep, and talk, and laugh, and die." These final lines emphasize the cyclical and omnipresent nature of memory. The experiences that "mingle vividly" with everyday sensations shape how we perceive and interact with the world. Ultimately, memories influence "as you work, and sleep, and talk, and laugh, and die," underscoring their profound impact on our existence.

Structurally, "Resurrection" employs a free verse format, allowing Fearing to seamlessly blend different tones and themes. The poem's rhythm and flow mirror the natural progression of thoughts and memories, creating a stream-of-consciousness effect that draws the reader into the reflective narrative. The repetition of "you will remember" reinforces the central theme of memory and serves as a refrain that ties together the various images and scenarios.

In "Resurrection," Kenneth Fearing masterfully captures the interplay between memory and daily life, revealing how the past constantly resurfaces and shapes our present. Through a rich blend of imagery and contradictions, the poem offers a poignant reflection on the enduring power of memory and its role in the human experience. By juxtaposing hope and despair, triumph and tragedy, Fearing presents a comprehensive and thought-provoking exploration of the complexities of memory and its influence on our lives.

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