When I first fell in love with poetry, I had no idea what I was reading. The poem—a compact little thing of two stanzas by Gerard Manley Hopkins—had a series of words that all seemed to make sense individually, but simply confused when they were combined. It was apparent from the beginning, however, that the poet’s goal was not just to convey some kind of message or meaning or principle or point in this odd arrangement of words. The poem was many things, but it was clearly not an instruction manual, a sermon, a thesis, a set of rules, or a series of propositions. Something else was happening here—something the music I heard in the lines only hinted at. Here is this poem that hooked me:
Outstanding analysis with helped me to appreciate so much more! I love the density of poetry-- a poetry says in so few words what it takes the essayist paragraphs to unpack.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever read. Not only the poem, but also the lovely literary tour of the poet’s thoughts and words provided by the professor. Thanks for this.
Thanks for introducing this poem. I appreciate so much the idea that a poem is not reducible to a list of propositions. The form itself carries meaning, creates an environment that can be revisited and rediscovered.
Thank you for this in depth analysis to add to my appreciation of this beautiful poem!
What bubbled up for me as I read this was the choice of the objects. I saw in these metaphors for relationship with the divine.
The string a ready to be plucked unraveling of a path. The stones of a roundy well standing on the edge of the depths of holy mystery. The bell unable to contain its desire to sing out in praise.
We so often get the imagery of God in nature but I love the reminder that the holy presence surrounds us everywhere.
Amen! What you have laid out here is exactly why this poem is one of my all-time favourites. It is a beautiful disclosure, a poem bigger on the inside than the outside.
This analysis inspired me to check out the Poetry for All podcast - thanks Abram! The line "What I do is me: for that I came" is reminiscent of the incarnation. Enjoyed the pivot from inanimate to the human experience - the just man justices!
Outstanding analysis with helped me to appreciate so much more! I love the density of poetry-- a poetry says in so few words what it takes the essayist paragraphs to unpack.
Thank you. Yes, that power of brevity and density. I love it too.
This is one of the most beautiful pieces I have ever read. Not only the poem, but also the lovely literary tour of the poet’s thoughts and words provided by the professor. Thanks for this.
Thank you
What resources do you recommend for learning more about writing in various poetry forms?
Great question. I find this anthology useful. But there are many others: https://a.co/d/fXQPw8E
Thank you!!
Wow. Just beautiful.
Thanks for introducing this poem. I appreciate so much the idea that a poem is not reducible to a list of propositions. The form itself carries meaning, creates an environment that can be revisited and rediscovered.
This article was so insightful. Thank you very much for such a thorough analysis. I can't wait to read more.
Thank you for this in depth analysis to add to my appreciation of this beautiful poem!
What bubbled up for me as I read this was the choice of the objects. I saw in these metaphors for relationship with the divine.
The string a ready to be plucked unraveling of a path. The stones of a roundy well standing on the edge of the depths of holy mystery. The bell unable to contain its desire to sing out in praise.
We so often get the imagery of God in nature but I love the reminder that the holy presence surrounds us everywhere.
Amen! What you have laid out here is exactly why this poem is one of my all-time favourites. It is a beautiful disclosure, a poem bigger on the inside than the outside.
This analysis inspired me to check out the Poetry for All podcast - thanks Abram! The line "What I do is me: for that I came" is reminiscent of the incarnation. Enjoyed the pivot from inanimate to the human experience - the just man justices!