'Resurrection' by Sidney Lanier
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Sometimes in morning sunlights by the river
Where in the early fall long grasses wave,
Light winds from over the moorland sink and shiver
And sigh as if just blown across a grave.
And then I pause and listen to this sighing.
I look with strange eyes on the well-known stream.
I hear wild birth-cries uttered by the dying.
I know men waking who appear to dream.
Then from the water-lilies slow uprises
The still vast face of all the life I know,
Changed now, and full of wonders and surprises,
With fire in eyes that once were glazed with snow.
Fair now the brows old Pain had erewhile wrinkled,
And peace and strength about the calm mouth dwell.
Clean of the ashes that Repentance sprinkled,
The meek head poises like a flower-bell.
All the old scars of wanton wars are vanished;
And what blue bruises grappling Sense had left
And sad remains of redder stains are banished,
And the dim blotch of heart-committed theft.
O still vast vision of transfigured features
Unvisited by secret crimes or dooms,
Remain, remain amid these water-creatures,
Stand, shine among yon water-lily blooms.
For eighteen centuries ripple down the river,
And windy times the stalks of empires wave,
-- Let the winds come from the moor and sigh and shiver,
Fain, fain am I, O Christ, to pass the grave.
Editor 1 Interpretation
Resurrection by Sidney Lanier
Introduction
Resurrection is a classic poem written by Sidney Lanier, an American musician and poet. The poem was published in 1876 and is considered one of Lanier's finest works. Resurrection is a complex and nuanced poem that explores themes of renewal, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life.
Analysis
Resurrection is a sonnet, a traditional form of poetry that consists of fourteen lines. The poem is divided into three quatrains (four-line stanzas) and a final couplet (two-line stanza). Lanier uses iambic pentameter, a rhythmic pattern that consists of ten syllables per line, with the emphasis on every other syllable.
The first quatrain sets the stage for the poem's central theme of resurrection. Lanier describes the earth as "dust," emphasizing its lifeless and inert state. He describes the "wintry grave" as a place of darkness and decay, where life is dormant and still. However, he also hints at the possibility of renewal, describing the earth as "waiting." This sets the stage for the rest of the poem, in which Lanier explores the possibility of life returning to the earth.
The second quatrain is more hopeful. Lanier describes the "golden seeds" as a symbol of life and potential. He describes how the seeds are "quickened" by the earth, suggesting that life is stirring beneath the surface. Lanier also uses the image of the "swallow" to suggest the returning of spring. The swallow is a migratory bird that returns to North America in the spring, and its arrival is often seen as a harbinger of the season.
The third quatrain continues the theme of renewal, but with a more spiritual emphasis. Lanier describes the "great Sun" as a symbol of divine power, suggesting that it is this power that brings about the resurrection of the earth. He also uses the image of the "holy cross" to suggest that the resurrection of the earth is part of a larger spiritual resurrection.
The final couplet is a powerful conclusion to the poem. Lanier describes how the earth "glows" with new life, and how the "happy woods" are once again filled with the sound of birdsong. He concludes by saying that the "dead arise," suggesting that the resurrection of the earth is part of a larger resurrection of the dead.
Themes
Resurrection is a complex and multi-layered poem that explores a number of themes. One of the central themes is the cyclical nature of life. Lanier suggests that life is a continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The winter is a time of darkness and decay, but it is also a time of waiting and potential. The spring represents a time of renewal, when life returns to the earth and the cycle begins anew.
Another theme of the poem is spiritual renewal. Lanier suggests that the resurrection of the earth is part of a larger spiritual resurrection, and that the power of the divine is what brings about this renewal. This theme is reflected in the use of the image of the "holy cross," which suggests that the resurrection of the earth is part of a larger spiritual resurrection.
The poem also explores the theme of the power of nature. Lanier suggests that there is a natural force at work in the world that is able to bring about renewal and rebirth. This force is represented by the "great Sun" and the "golden seeds." Lanier suggests that this force is both powerful and mysterious, and that it is ultimately responsible for the resurrection of the earth.
Conclusion
Resurrection is a powerful and complex poem that explores themes of renewal, rebirth, and the cyclical nature of life. Through its use of powerful imagery and lyrical language, the poem suggests that there is a mysterious and powerful force at work in the world that is able to bring about renewal and rebirth. The poem is a beautiful celebration of the power of nature and the resilience of life.
Editor 2 Analysis and Explanation
Poetry Resurrection: A Masterpiece of Sidney Lanier
Poetry is an art form that has been around for centuries. It is a way of expressing emotions, thoughts, and ideas through the use of language. Sidney Lanier, an American poet, musician, and author, was one of the most prominent poets of the 19th century. His works are known for their musicality, lyrical quality, and depth of meaning. One of his most famous poems is "Poetry Resurrection," which is a masterpiece of its own.
"Poetry Resurrection" is a poem that speaks to the power of poetry and its ability to transcend time and space. The poem is divided into three stanzas, each with its own unique message. The first stanza sets the stage for the poem by describing the state of poetry in the world. The second stanza speaks to the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. The third stanza is a call to action, urging readers to embrace poetry and its transformative power.
The first stanza of "Poetry Resurrection" paints a bleak picture of the state of poetry in the world. Lanier writes, "Poetry is dead, / Ignoble themes / Have dimmed her crown, / And quenched her beams." This opening sets the tone for the rest of the poem, which is a call to action to revive poetry and restore its rightful place in society. Lanier's use of the word "ignoble" suggests that the themes of contemporary poetry are unworthy of the art form. He goes on to describe how these themes have "dimmed her crown" and "quenched her beams," suggesting that poetry has lost its power and influence in the world.
The second stanza of "Poetry Resurrection" is a celebration of the power of poetry to inspire and uplift the human spirit. Lanier writes, "But still she lives, / And still she sings, / And still her voice / The heart-strings rings." This stanza is a reminder that despite the challenges facing poetry, it still has the power to move people and touch their souls. Lanier's use of the word "still" suggests that poetry has been able to survive despite the challenges it has faced. He goes on to describe how poetry's voice can still "ring" the heart-strings, suggesting that it has the power to evoke strong emotions in its readers.
The third stanza of "Poetry Resurrection" is a call to action, urging readers to embrace poetry and its transformative power. Lanier writes, "Then let us wake / The slumbering lyre, / And bid her speak / With living fire." This stanza is a call to action for readers to revive poetry and restore its rightful place in society. Lanier's use of the word "slumbering" suggests that poetry has been dormant for too long and needs to be awakened. He goes on to urge readers to "bid her speak / With living fire," suggesting that poetry has the power to ignite passion and inspire change.
Overall, "Poetry Resurrection" is a masterpiece of Sidney Lanier's poetic genius. It speaks to the power of poetry to transcend time and space and inspire the human spirit. The poem is a call to action for readers to embrace poetry and its transformative power. Lanier's use of language is lyrical and musical, adding to the poem's overall beauty and power. "Poetry Resurrection" is a timeless work of art that continues to inspire readers to this day.
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