'San Sepolcro' by Jorie Graham

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2002In this blue lightI can take you there,
snow having made mea world of bone
seen through to.Thisis my house,my section of Etruscanwall, my neighbor's
lemontrees, and, just belowthe lower church,
the airplane factory.A roostercrows all day from mistoutside the walls.
There's milk on the air,ice on the oily
lemonskins.How cleanthe mind is,holy grave.It is this girlby Piero
della Francesca, unbuttoningher blue dress,
her mantle of weather,to go intolabor.Come, we can go in.It is before
the birth of god.No onehas risen yet
to the museums, to the assemblyline--bodiesand wings--to the open airmarket.This is
what the living do: go in.It's a long way.
And the dress keeps openingfrom eternityto privacy, quickening.Inside, at the heart,
is tragedy, the present momentforever stillborn,
but going in, each breathis a buttoncoming undone, something terriblynimble-fingered
finding all of the stops.

Editor 1 Interpretation

Interpreting Jorie Graham's "San Sepolcro"

Introduction

Jorie Graham's "San Sepolcro" is a poem that is incredibly rich in symbolism and imagery. Published in 1987, the poem takes the reader on a journey through various historical and cultural references, ultimately leading to a contemplation of the nature of time and existence. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the various themes and motifs present in the poem, as well as examine the language and structure of the piece.

Overview

The poem is divided into five stanzas, each of which contains ten lines. The poem opens with a reference to the town of San Sepolcro, located in Tuscany, Italy. The speaker then proceeds to describe various scenes and objects, such as an art museum, a painting of the crucifixion, and a clock tower. As the poem progresses, the speaker's thoughts become more abstract and philosophical, and the imagery becomes more surreal. The final stanza of the poem is particularly enigmatic, and will require close analysis.

Themes and Motifs

One of the central themes of the poem is the idea of time and its passage. This theme is introduced early on with the mention of the clock tower, and is reinforced throughout the poem with references to historical events and cultural artifacts. The painting of the crucifixion, for example, serves as a reminder of the passage of time and the inevitability of death. The motif of mirrors and reflections also plays a role in this theme, as mirrors are often used as symbols of the passage of time and the transience of existence.

Another important theme in the poem is the relationship between art and reality. The speaker describes various works of art in detail, and seems to be grappling with the idea of whether art can ever truly capture reality or if it is always incomplete or distorted. The reference to the "hemmed-in horizon" in the second stanza suggests that reality is always limited and constrained by our perception of it.

The theme of mortality and the transience of human existence is also present in the poem. The images of decay and disintegration, such as the "wet stones" and the "crusts of dirt," serve as reminders of our own impermanence. The final stanza of the poem, with its enigmatic references to "the other side of the mirror" and the "long-passed sea-crow," suggests that death may not be an end point but rather a transition to another state of being.

Language and Structure

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its use of language. Graham employs a rich and evocative vocabulary, using words such as "crux," "kaleidoscopic," and "hieratic" to create a sense of mystery and enchantment. The language is also highly sensory, with vivid descriptions of colors, textures, and sounds.

The structure of the poem is also important to its meaning. The ten-line stanzas create a sense of symmetry and balance, while the repetition of certain images and phrases (such as "hemmed-in horizon" and "other side of the mirror") creates a sense of continuity and coherence. The enjambment between stanzas also creates a sense of fluidity and movement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Jorie Graham's "San Sepolcro" is a complex and multi-layered poem that rewards close reading and analysis. Through its rich imagery, evocative language, and intricate structure, the poem explores themes of time, art, and mortality, ultimately leading the reader to contemplate the nature of existence itself. Although the poem does not provide easy answers or clear-cut meanings, it invites the reader to engage in a process of interpretation and reflection, making it a truly rewarding work of art.

Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation

Poetry San Sepolcro: A Masterpiece of Modern Poetry

Jorie Graham's Poetry San Sepolcro is a masterpiece of modern poetry that captures the essence of human existence and the complexities of our emotional and spiritual lives. This poem is a reflection on the human condition, the passage of time, and the search for meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain.

The poem is set in San Sepolcro, a small town in Tuscany, Italy, and it begins with a vivid description of the town's architecture and landscape. Graham's use of language is rich and evocative, and she paints a picture of a place that is both beautiful and haunting. The town's ancient buildings and narrow streets are a reminder of the passage of time and the transience of human life.

As the poem progresses, Graham delves deeper into the themes of mortality and the search for meaning. She asks the reader to consider the fragility of life and the inevitability of death, and she explores the ways in which we try to make sense of our existence in the face of this reality.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is Graham's use of imagery. She employs a range of metaphors and symbols to convey her ideas, and her language is often dense and complex. For example, she describes the town's bell tower as "a needle / threading the sky," and she compares the sound of the bells to "a swarm / of bees in the air." These images are both beautiful and unsettling, and they create a sense of tension and unease that runs throughout the poem.

Another key element of the poem is its structure. Graham uses a series of short, fragmented lines that are often interrupted by dashes and ellipses. This creates a sense of fragmentation and disorientation that mirrors the themes of the poem. The poem is also divided into three sections, each of which explores a different aspect of the human experience.

In the first section, Graham focuses on the physical world and the ways in which we experience it. She describes the town's architecture and landscape in detail, and she asks the reader to consider the ways in which we interact with our environment. She also explores the idea of memory and the ways in which our experiences shape our understanding of the world.

The second section of the poem is more introspective, and it focuses on the inner world of the self. Graham asks the reader to consider the ways in which we construct our identities and the ways in which we try to make sense of our emotions and desires. She also explores the idea of language and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of the world.

The final section of the poem is the most philosophical, and it explores the larger questions of existence and meaning. Graham asks the reader to consider the ways in which we try to find meaning in a world that often seems chaotic and uncertain. She also explores the idea of time and the ways in which it shapes our understanding of the world.

Overall, Poetry San Sepolcro is a powerful and thought-provoking poem that explores some of the most fundamental questions of human existence. Graham's use of language and imagery is masterful, and she creates a sense of tension and unease that runs throughout the poem. This is a poem that rewards careful reading and reflection, and it is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the complexities of the human experience.

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