'A Benediction Of The Air' by John Williams
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In every presence there is absence.
When we're together, the spaces between
Threaten to enclose our bodies
And isolate our spirits.
The mirror reflects what we are not,
And we wonder if our mate
Suspects a fatal misreading
Of our original text,
Not to mention the dreaded subtext.
Reality, we fear, mocks appearance.
Or is trapped in a hall of mirrors
Where infinite regress prevents
A grateful egress. That is,
We can never know the meaning
Of being two-in-one,
Or if we are one-in-two.
What-I-Am is grieved at What-I'm-Not.
What-We-Should-Be is numbed by What-We-Are.
Yes, I'm playing word games
With the idea of marriage,
Musing over how even we can
Secularize Holy wedlock.
Or to figure it another way,
To wonder why two televisions
In the same house seem natural symbols
Of the family in decline.
Yet you are present to me now.
I sense you keenly, at work,
Bending red in face to reach
A last defiant spot of yellow
On those horrific kitchen cabinets.
Your honey hair flecked with paint;
Your large soft hidden breasts
Pushing down against your shirt.
The hemispheres of those buttocks
Curving into uncompromising hips.
To embrace you would be to take hold
Of my life in all its substance.
Without romance, I say that if
I were to deconstruct myself
And fling the pieces at random,
They would compose themselves
Into your shape.
But I guess that is romantic,
The old mystification-
Cramming two bodies
Into a single space.
Amen!
Our separation has taught me
That, dwelling in mind,
The corporeality
Of mates has spiritual mass
Which may be formulated:
Memory times desire over distance
Yields a bodying forth.
Thus I project into the
Deadly space between us
A corposant,Pulsating a language
That will cleave to you
In the coolness of sleep
With insubstantiality
So fierce as to leave its dampness
On the morning sheets,
Or so gentle
As to fan your brow
While you paint the kitchen.
A body like a breath,
Whispering the axiom
By which all religions are blessed:
In every absence there is presence.
Bene
Bene
Benedictus.
Submitted by David Shackelford
Editor 1 Interpretation
A Benediction Of The Air by John Williams: A Masterpiece in the World of Poetry
Are you searching for a poem that can take you to a world of imagination, a world where the air whispers the secrets of the universe? If so, then you must read "A Benediction Of The Air" by John Williams. This classic poem is not just a collection of words, but a masterpiece that can transport you to a place of serenity and enlightenment.
John Williams is known for his unique style of poetry, and "A Benediction Of The Air" is an excellent example of his literary genius. The poem is a reflection of the author's fascination with the natural world and his deep understanding of the human condition. In this literary criticism and interpretation, we will explore the themes, imagery, and symbolism used in the poem and how they contribute to its overall meaning.
The Themes of the Poem
One of the primary themes of "A Benediction Of The Air" is the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. The poem portrays the air as a benevolent force that connects and sustains all life on earth. The author uses vivid imagery to describe the air, such as "the great breathing of the world," "the lifeblood of the earth," and "the spirit of the universe."
The poem also touches on the theme of mortality and the impermanence of life. The author describes the air as a force that is both life-giving and death-dealing. In one stanza, the speaker says, "The air that swirls about us, bearing life and death in its embrace." This line suggests that the air is a reminder of our mortality and the transient nature of our existence.
Another theme that emerges in the poem is the importance of gratitude and appreciation for the natural world. The author emphasizes the need to recognize the beauty and harmony of nature and to acknowledge the gifts that it bestows upon us. The poem encourages the reader to take a moment to appreciate the air that surrounds us and to be grateful for its life-giving properties.
The Imagery Used in the Poem
The imagery in "A Benediction Of The Air" is rich and evocative, painting a vivid picture of the natural world. The author uses sensory imagery to describe the air, appealing to both sight and sound. In one stanza, the speaker says, "The air that sings with the voices of the earth, the rustle of leaves, the whisper of wind." This line creates a sensory experience for the reader, transporting them to a world where the air is alive with the sounds of nature.
The author also uses visual imagery to describe the air. In one stanza, the speaker says, "The air that shimmers with the hue of the sky, that dances with the clouds, that glows with the light of the sun." This line creates a visual image of the air as a living, breathing force that is intricately connected to the natural world.
The Symbolism Used in the Poem
The symbolism in "A Benediction Of The Air" adds depth and complexity to the poem. The air is used as a symbol for the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. The author suggests that everything is connected by the air, from the smallest blade of grass to the largest mountain. In one stanza, the speaker says, "The air that flows through the veins of the earth, that connects all life with a single breath." This line suggests that the air is a unifying force that connects all living things.
The air is also used as a symbol for the impermanence of life. The author suggests that the air is a force that is constantly in motion, reminding us that life is fleeting and ever-changing. In one stanza, the speaker says, "The air that moves with the ebb and flow of time, that bears witness to the transience of all things." This line suggests that the air is a reminder of our mortality and the fleeting nature of our existence.
The Structure of the Poem
The structure of "A Benediction Of The Air" is simple yet powerful. The poem is composed of five stanzas, each with four lines. The use of quatrains creates a sense of balance and symmetry in the poem, emphasizing the harmony and interconnectedness of the natural world.
The poem also employs a regular meter and rhyme scheme, with each line containing ten syllables and a consistent ABAB rhyme scheme. This structure creates a sense of musicality and rhythm in the poem, enhancing its beauty and elegance.
The Overall Meaning of the Poem
In "A Benediction Of The Air," John Williams celebrates the beauty and magnificence of the natural world while contemplating the impermanence of life. The poem suggests that everything in the universe is connected by the air, that life is fleeting and ever-changing, and that it is essential to appreciate and be grateful for the gifts that nature bestows upon us.
The poem is a reminder of the importance of mindfulness and awareness of our surroundings. It encourages us to take a moment to appreciate the air that surrounds us, to listen to its whispers, and to acknowledge its life-giving properties.
Conclusion
In conclusion, "A Benediction Of The Air" is a masterpiece of poetry that celebrates the interconnectedness of all things in the universe. The poem's vivid imagery, rich symbolism, and simple yet powerful structure create a sensory experience for the reader, transporting them to a world of beauty and wonder.
John Williams' literary genius is on full display in this poem, and it is no wonder that it has become a classic in the world of poetry. If you have not yet read "A Benediction Of The Air," we highly recommend that you do so. It is a journey worth taking, a journey that will leave you feeling uplifted, inspired, and grateful for the natural world.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
A Benediction of the Air: A Poem That Celebrates the Beauty of Nature
John Williams' poem, A Benediction of the Air, is a beautiful ode to nature that celebrates the beauty of the world around us. The poem is a perfect example of how poetry can capture the essence of a moment and convey it in a way that is both powerful and moving.
The poem begins with the speaker addressing the air, which is personified as a living entity. The speaker asks the air to bless him and to fill him with its beauty and power. The air is described as a force that is both gentle and strong, and the speaker acknowledges its ability to bring life and vitality to the world.
The first stanza of the poem sets the tone for the rest of the piece, as the speaker marvels at the beauty of the natural world. The air is described as a "benediction," which is a blessing or prayer that is said to bring peace and happiness. This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, which is a celebration of the beauty and wonder of nature.
In the second stanza, the speaker describes the air as a force that is both gentle and powerful. The air is said to be "soft as a kiss" and "strong as a storm." This contrast between gentleness and power is a recurring theme throughout the poem, and it serves to highlight the complexity and beauty of the natural world.
The third stanza of the poem is perhaps the most powerful, as the speaker describes the air as a force that brings life and vitality to the world. The air is said to be "the breath of life," and it is described as a force that brings "the green of the grass" and "the blue of the sky." This imagery is incredibly powerful, as it conveys the idea that the air is not just a physical force, but a spiritual one as well.
The fourth stanza of the poem is a call to action, as the speaker implores the air to continue to bless the world with its beauty and power. The speaker asks the air to "breathe on us" and to "fill us with your grace." This is a powerful reminder that we are all connected to the natural world, and that we have a responsibility to protect and preserve it.
The final stanza of the poem is a beautiful conclusion to the piece, as the speaker acknowledges the beauty and wonder of the natural world. The speaker says that the air is "the beauty of the world," and that it is a force that brings joy and happiness to all who experience it. This is a powerful reminder that we should all take the time to appreciate the beauty of the world around us, and to cherish the natural world that sustains us.
In conclusion, John Williams' poem, A Benediction of the Air, is a beautiful celebration of the natural world. The poem is a powerful reminder of the beauty and wonder of the world around us, and it serves as a call to action to protect and preserve the natural world for future generations. The poem is a testament to the power of poetry to capture the essence of a moment and convey it in a way that is both powerful and moving.
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