Lower Wisdom by Lionel Abrahams: Poem and Analysis

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General Introduction

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Lionel Abrahams' poem 'Lower Wisdom' reflects on the relationship between the body and the soul, highlighting the body's constant efforts to communicate its experiences and wisdom to the soul, which is often preoccupied with higher aspirations and transcendence."

The Poem

Lower Wisdom by Lionel Abrahams

Body, a-tumble in torrent of time,

attempts every minute to report

its last-found secret to the soul.

Imperturbable,

intent on transcendence,

Soul seldom, however,

attends sufficiently

to learn.

Title

The title "Lower Wisdom" suggests a contrast between the physical body, associated with lower or earthly concerns, and the soul, often considered to possess higher wisdom or spiritual insight.

Themes

1. Body and Soul Relationship: The poem explores the dynamic between the body and soul, suggesting a disconnect where the body tries to communicate its experiences and insights to the soul, which is focused on transcendence. This theme is evident in the lines "Body, a-tumble in torrent of time, / attempts every minute to report / its last-found secret to the soul."

2. Transcendence: The soul is portrayed as being "intent on transcendence," indicating a desire to move beyond earthly concerns. This theme suggests a longing for spiritual growth and enlightenment.

3. Communication and Understanding: There is a theme of inadequate communication and understanding between the body and soul. The soul is described as seldom attending "sufficiently to learn," implying a lack of receptiveness or attention to the body's messages.

4. Temporal Nature of Life: The phrase "torrent of time" suggests the fleeting nature of life and the urgency with which the body tries to convey its wisdom before time runs out. This theme underscores the transitory nature of human existence.

5. Seeking Wisdom: Both the body and soul are depicted as seeking wisdom, albeit in different ways. The body seeks to share its "last-found secret," while the soul seeks transcendence and higher knowledge.

Literary Devices

1. Personification: The body and soul are personified, with the body "attempting" and the soul being "intent," giving them human-like qualities and motives.

2. Metaphor: The body is metaphorically described as "a-tumble in torrent of time," suggesting its chaotic and fleeting nature.

3. Alliteration: The repeated "t" sound in "torrent of time" creates a sense of urgency and movement, emphasizing the fleeting nature of time.

4. Symbolism: The body and soul can be seen as symbolic representations of the physical and spiritual aspects of human existence, respectively.

5. Irony: There is irony in the fact that the body, which is associated with earthly matters, is the one trying to impart wisdom to the soul, which is often associated with higher knowledge.

6. Imagery: The imagery of the body "a-tumble in torrent of time" vividly conveys the image of the body struggling to communicate amidst the passage of time.

Language and Mood

The language in the poem is contemplative and reflective, conveying a sense of introspection and philosophical inquiry. The mood is somewhat melancholic, as it reflects on the limitations of human understanding and communication.

Context

Written by Lionel Abrahams, a South African poet known for his introspective and philosophical poetry, "Lower Wisdom" likely reflects on themes of existentialism, the human condition, and the search for meaning in life. It may also be influenced by Abrahams' Jewish background, which often infused his work with themes of spirituality and morality.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "Lower Wisdom" by Lionel Abrahams is a thought-provoking poem that explores the relationship between the body and soul, highlighting themes of communication, transcendence, and the temporal nature of life. Through its use of literary devices and reflective language, the poem invites readers to contemplate the complexities of human existence and the pursuit of wisdom.