Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Charles Olson?s "Praises" is a complex exploration of metaphysical, scientific, and philosophical thought, woven with his distinctive poetic voice. The poem traverses multiple intellectual domains, from geometry and botany to mythology and epistemology, reflecting Olson?s preoccupation with uncovering hidden patterns and truths in the world. In its fragmented yet intricate form, the poem becomes a meditation on human knowledge, its limitations, and its potential for transcendence.

The poem begins with a poignant invocation of resilience: "She who was burned more than half her body / skipped out of death." This image sets the tone for a meditation on survival and transformation, both physical and intellectual. Olson then pivots to the mathematical and metaphysical, referencing the dodecahedron and its role in ancient cosmology. By invoking Aetius and the Platonic solids, Olson aligns himself with a lineage of thinkers who sought to uncover the universe?s structural principles. The mention of Alexander and Antiochus further ties this cosmological framework to historical and mythological narratives, emphasizing humanity?s enduring quest for understanding.

Olson?s fascination with the Fibonacci sequence and the golden ratio ("phi") highlights his engagement with natural patterns and their mathematical underpinnings. The poem delves into the geometry of nature, citing examples such as sunflower seeds, fir cones, and daisy petals. These observations underscore a universal order, where beauty and functionality converge. However, Olson juxtaposes this harmonious vision with the "impossibility" of pentagonal forms in crystals, suggesting a tension between the organic and the mineral, the living and the inert. This duality mirrors Olson?s broader concerns with the interplay of creativity and limitation, vitality and stasis.

The poem transitions to a philosophical reflection on human action and its challenges. Olson?s assertion that "to act after he has taken thought... is the most difficult thing of all" encapsulates his belief in the arduous process of bridging thought and action. This idea resonates with his broader poetics, which prioritize process and becoming over static forms. The reference to Ammonius and the four epiphanies further underscores this theme. Olson presents a hierarchy of understanding, culminating in the state of "Leskenoi," where action and thought merge into a dynamic expression of being.

In its third section, the poem turns to secrecy and its loss in modernity. Olson laments the erosion of "the secret of secrecy," linking it to the dispersion of knowledge and the degradation of craft. The story of Hippasus, punished for revealing the construction of the dodecahedron, serves as a cautionary tale about the responsibilities that come with knowledge. Olson?s insistence on "containment" reflects his belief in the importance of preserving the integrity and potency of intellectual discoveries.

The poem concludes with a nod to the interplay of art, reason, and natural law. Olson?s quotation from Leonardo da Vinci—"Every natural action obeys by the straightest possible process"—underscores his reverence for the inherent logic and elegance of nature. Yet, Olson does not merely celebrate this order; he challenges the reader to engage with it actively, to uncover its secrets through disciplined inquiry and creative action.

Structurally, "Praises" exemplifies Olson?s projective verse, where form follows the breath and thought of the poet. The poem?s fragmented lines and dense allusions demand active engagement from the reader, mirroring the intellectual rigor it celebrates. Its shifting focus—from historical figures to natural phenomena, from abstract principles to personal reflections—creates a tapestry of ideas that resists linear interpretation. This multiplicity reflects Olson?s belief in the interconnectedness of all things, a central tenet of his poetics.

Ultimately, "Praises" is both a celebration of human potential and a critique of its misuses. Olson acknowledges the grandeur of human achievement, from mathematical discoveries to artistic creations, while warning against hubris and the neglect of foundational principles. The poem invites readers to embrace the "wheel" of existence, to navigate its challenges with humility and determination. In doing so, Olson reaffirms the transformative power of thought, action, and poetic vision, urging us to find meaning in the intricate patterns of the world.

Copyright (c) 2025 PoetryExplorer

Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!

Other Poems of Interest...