Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser's poem "Voices of Waking," written for the eightieth birthday of Frances G. Wickes, is a celebration of life, wisdom, and the profound journey of awakening. Through rich, symbolic imagery and a tone of reverence, Rukeyser honors Wickes' contributions and the broader human experience of growth and enlightenment.

The poem opens with a universal truth: "Whenever you wake, you will find journeying— / Even in deep night, dreams surrounding your dreams—." This suggests that awakening, both literal and metaphorical, is an ongoing process filled with exploration and discovery. The imagery of "dreams surrounding your dreams" implies layers of consciousness and the complexity of the human psyche.

Rukeyser continues by describing the song of waking as something deeply rooted in silence: "The song of waking begun, prepared in silence, / Planted in silence as her life is planted / Among the constellations and the days." This evokes the idea that significant growth and preparation often occur quietly and internally, much like Wickes' life, which is metaphorically planted among the stars and days, signifying her timeless impact.

The poem then shifts to the moment of waking and the sounds it brings: "Whenever you wake, you will hear entering / The song of meanings, a melody of green." The "song of meanings" represents the deep understanding and insight that come with awakening, while "a melody of green" symbolizes renewal and vitality. Rukeyser envisions Wickes as "a legendary woman / Dancing among her mercies, in essence emerging / Female to leap into the dragon-throning sea." This powerful image portrays Wickes as a figure of strength and compassion, leaping courageously into life's challenges and mysteries.

The voices of awakening are described as nurturing and transformative: "Voices of nourishing, lifting the newborn up, / Away,—they lift away, newborn to all, / To the nourisher, to self born, to new life." These lines emphasize the idea of rebirth and continuous renewal, where the nurturing voices guide individuals towards self-discovery and new beginnings.

Rukeyser reflects on the collective journey of humanity: "Voices of waking that journey in our lives / As renaissance and rain of images." This metaphor highlights the cyclical nature of awakening, likening it to a renaissance—a rebirth of culture and knowledge—and the nourishing rain that brings forth new growth.

The poem reaches a celebratory peak: "All of the people of the play are here, / In a storm of light; birthday; at any moment. / Full in their powers, and the voice of waking / Sings for beginnings; she sings, wherever waking is." This passage suggests a gathering of influences and memories, all converging in a moment of radiant celebration. The "storm of light" symbolizes enlightenment and the powerful presence of those who have shaped Wickes' life.

Rukeyser acknowledges the ongoing journey of life and time: "Nevertheless the moon goes voyages. / Nevertheless, the journeying is time: / Makes birthdays, makes this birthday a resonance." The repetition of "nevertheless" underscores the inevitability of time's passage and the continuous nature of life's journey. Birthdays become milestones that resonate with meaning and reflect the deeper currents of existence.

The poem concludes with a tribute to Wickes' enduring influence: "And the remote boundaries of imagining / Acknowledge the voices, her daily human voice, / Blessing this birthday moment her monument. / Deep in the waking, her life builds in light / The vision of the body of the soul." These lines celebrate Wickes' ability to inspire and enlighten others, her voice becoming a lasting monument that blesses and enriches each moment. The final image of "the vision of the body of the soul" encapsulates the holistic and profound impact of her life's work.

In "Voices of Waking," Muriel Rukeyser honors Frances G. Wickes with a poem that celebrates the continuous journey of awakening and enlightenment. Through vivid, symbolic language and a tone of deep respect, Rukeyser captures the essence of a life well-lived and the enduring legacy of wisdom and compassion. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own journeys of awakening and the profound connections that shape our lives.

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