Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Lamantia's poem "Voice of Earth Mediums" is a vehement outcry against the mechanization and environmental destruction wrought by human civilization. The poem channels a sense of profound disillusionment and anger, invoking both mythological imagery and prophetic vision to call for a return to natural harmony. Lamantia's language is direct and impassioned, capturing the urgency of his message.

The poem begins with a declaration of exhaustion and frustration: "We are truly fed up / with mental machines of peace & war / nuclear monoxide brains, cancerous computers." Here, Lamantia condemns the technological advancements that, while ostensibly aimed at progress, have led to environmental degradation and dehumanization. The imagery of "nuclear monoxide brains" and "cancerous computers" suggests a world poisoned by its own creations, where the natural rhythms of life have been replaced by artificial and destructive forces.

Lamantia's critique extends to the machinery of industrial society: "We’ve had enough dynamos & derricks / thud-thud-thudding valves & pulleys / of the Devil Mankin’s invention." The rhythmic repetition of "thud-thud-thudding" mimics the relentless noise of industrial machinery, underscoring the oppressive presence of these inventions. The phrase "Devil Mankin’s invention" highlights the poet's view of industrialization as a malevolent force, disconnected from the natural world.

The poet's call to action is clear: "if they aren’t silenced / and we survive the sacrificial altars / of the automobile god and the vulvas of steel / spitting molecular madness." Lamantia's language here is visceral, portraying modern technology as a false deity demanding human sacrifice. The "vulvas of steel / spitting molecular madness" evoke a sense of unnatural, almost demonic, creation, further emphasizing the destructive impact of industrialization.

Lamantia's vision of redemption lies in a return to the Earth, from which these elements were stolen: "if the complete crowd-manacled Machine / isn’t dissolved, back into the Earth." The poet calls upon powerful mythological forces to aid in this restoration: "the Great Ocean Wave / Neter of waters / and the King of Atlantis & his snake-spirits." By invoking these ancient deities—Orcus, Dagon, and Drack—Lamantia aligns his plea with a broader cosmic order, suggesting that the natural world possesses the power to reclaim and purify itself.

The image of "calamitous tidal waves / —a thousand feet high, if need be— / to bury all the monster metal cities" is both apocalyptic and purifying. Lamantia envisions a scenario where the natural forces of the Earth rise up to cleanse the planet of its industrial blight, restoring balance and harmony. This catastrophic vision is a dramatic representation of the poet's hope for a drastic and necessary change.

Lamantia's invocation of William Blake, a poet known for his visionary and often apocalyptic imagery, serves to contextualize his own prophetic voice: "Oh, William Blake! / thou can overseer, if it please thee, / this lesson of Aquarius Clean Sweep." By referencing Blake, Lamantia situates his poem within a tradition of poetic prophecy, where the poet serves as a seer and a moral guide. The "lesson of Aquarius Clean Sweep" alludes to the astrological Age of Aquarius, often associated with transformation and enlightenment.

The poem concludes with a plea for the Earth's natural harmony to be restored: "Earth’s beautiful spirit of purifying Ocean / shall stop these weights on and plunder of / her metal blood and very thin skin / to teach us Terra’s song of taoist harmonies!" Lamantia's language here is lyrical and reverent, emphasizing the beauty and sanctity of the Earth. The "metal blood" and "very thin skin" of the Earth highlight the fragility of the planet, underscoring the urgent need for protection and renewal.

"Voice of Earth Mediums" is a powerful and impassioned call to recognize the destructive path of industrialization and to seek a return to natural harmony. Through vivid imagery and mythological references, Lamantia articulates a vision of environmental and spiritual restoration, urging humanity to listen to the "song of taoist harmonies" that the Earth has always sung. The poem is a testament to Lamantia's deep ecological consciousness and his commitment to using poetry as a means of advocacy and awakening.

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