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General Introduction
"Entries Under ‘Religion'" by Lionel Abrahams is a contemplative poem that explores the nature of spirituality, ritual, and the cosmos. Through a series of vivid and thought-provoking images, the poet delves into the essence of human existence and the interconnectedness of all things.
The Poem
Entries Under ‘Religion' by Lionel Abrahams
(ON A FORM)
i
Emptiness
to the power of space-time
spirals in continuum round
and in upon the particular
atoms of my memorious
electric mood.
ii
In the modest church
of the nasturtium bed
the choir of leaves
on the mere stalks'
green intelligence
acknowleges the sun.
iii
Running alongside the bicycle
the young mother
teaching her child
the brave trick of balance
projects his ride
into his own space-time -
enacting such prayer
as steers the stars.
iv
The one ritual is the cosmic
mix of motions,
wheel or thrust,
wave or darting particle,
pulsar's rhythm,
season, tide and breath,
brainwave, beat and metre.
The one sacrilege is
frozen purity.
v
For no charming metaphor
of godhead would I exact
after drenched centuries
one drop of blood.
Yet those maddening
silly tales and pictures
have to all intents
expressed the argument
of the perceived design.
vi
...27...69....46....
53....97....14 years...
wobbles of the globe in orbit...
season-throbs that beat out
folding skin to photo'd faces...
time-tallies analysed to tiny
pulses' million-fold
drum-drumming of our
half-breathed legendry
of recollected names.....
Mortality's injury is healed
by just that brokenness.
Complete and permanent
each history would fill
its own eternity,
enclosed, sealed, separate.
The snapped permitted piece
participates in the
continuum, the self
unended in the whole of
numberless otherness.
vii
The blind burst of origin
multiplying chaos
black and flash
pre-thundering lifeless force
helal stillness all annulled
spells:
Let There Be:
the sweet-pinched pot
the song that wrings
the ear with pleasuring
the tale the teller
writes to the machine
shivering with
the Shaper's joy.
Title
The title, "Entries Under ‘Religion,'" suggests that the poem will explore various aspects of religion or spiritual experience. However, the poem goes beyond traditional notions of religion, embracing a broader understanding of spirituality that encompasses the natural world and human experience.
Themes
1. Emptiness and Space-Time: The poem contemplates the vastness of space-time and the emptiness within it. This theme is illustrated in the first stanza: "Emptiness / to the power of space-time / spirals in continuum round / and in upon the particular / atoms of my memorious / electric mood." Here, the poet reflects on the cosmic emptiness that surrounds us, emphasizing the infinitesimal nature of individual existence within the grand scheme of the universe.
2. Nature and Worship: Abrahams explores the idea of finding spiritual connection in nature. The second stanza describes a "modest church / of the nasturtium bed," suggesting that the natural world can serve as a place of worship. The leaves on the stalks acknowledge the sun, highlighting the beauty and reverence found in nature's intelligence.
3. Ritual and Cosmic Order: The poem reflects on the concept of ritual and its connection to the cosmic order. Stanza four describes ritual as the "cosmic mix of motions," emphasizing the interconnectedness of various natural and human-made rhythms, from celestial bodies to human activities.
4. Metaphor and Myth: Abrahams discusses the role of metaphor and myth in human understanding of the divine. In stanza five, he acknowledges the power of metaphorical representations of the divine, even though he personally does not require them. He acknowledges that these metaphors have served to express complex ideas about the nature of the divine over centuries.
5. Time and Continuum: The poem meditates on the nature of time and human existence within the continuum of history. Stanza six reflects on the passage of time and the continuity of human experience, suggesting that individual histories are part of a larger, interconnected whole.
Literary Devices
1. Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, painting vivid pictures of the natural world and cosmic phenomena. For example, "the choir of leaves / on the mere stalks' / green intelligence / acknowledges the sun" creates a vivid image of leaves moving in the wind.
2. Metaphor: Abrahams uses metaphor to convey abstract ideas. For example, "Emptiness / to the power of space-time" metaphorically describes the vastness of space-time.
3. Alliteration: The poem uses alliteration to create rhythm and emphasis. For example, "brainwave, beat and metre" creates a musical quality in the text.
4. Personification: The poem personifies nature, describing leaves as part of a choir and suggesting that the sun is acknowledged by the leaves.
5. Symbolism: The poem uses symbols such as the church of the nasturtium bed to represent the idea of finding spirituality in nature.
6. Repetition: The repetition of phrases like "cosmic mix of motions" and "time-tallies" creates a sense of rhythm and reinforces key ideas.
Language and Mood
The language of the poem is contemplative and philosophical, inviting readers to ponder the mysteries of existence. The mood is introspective and awe-inspiring, as the poet marvels at the beauty and complexity of the universe.
Context
The poem was likely written in the context of a broader exploration of spirituality and human existence. Abrahams may have been influenced by various philosophical and religious traditions, as well as scientific ideas about the cosmos.
Conclusion
"Entries Under ‘Religion'" is a profound and thought-provoking poem that invites readers to contemplate the nature of spirituality, ritual, and the cosmos. Through vivid imagery and rich language, Lionel Abrahams explores themes of emptiness, nature, ritual, metaphor, and time, inviting readers to reflect on their place in the universe and the interconnectedness of all things.
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