The New Religion by Chris Abani: The Poem and Analysis

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General Introduction

In "The New Religion" by Chris Abani, the speaker contemplates the nature of the body and its relationship to the mind and spirituality. The poem delves into the dichotomy between the physical and the spiritual, highlighting the complexities of human existence and the struggle to reconcile these aspects of self.

The New Religion

The body is a nation I have never known.

The pure joy of air: the moment between leaping

from a cliff into the wall of blue below. Like that.

Or to feel the rub of tired lungs against skin-

covered bone, like a hand against the rough of bark.

Like that. “The body is a savage,” I said.

For years I said that: the body is a savage.

As if this safety of the mind were virtue

not cowardice. For years I have snubbed

the dark rub of it, said, “I am better, Lord,

I am better,” but sometimes, in an unguarded

moment of sun, I remember the cowdung-scent

of my childhood skin thick with dirt and sweat

and the screaming grass.

But this distance I keep is not divine,

for what was Christ if not God’s desire

to smell his own armpit? And when I

see him, I know he will smile,

fingers glued to his nose, and say, “Next time

I will send you down as a dog

to taste this pure hunger.”

 Title

The title "The New Religion" suggests a departure from traditional religious beliefs, hinting at a more personal or unconventional approach to spirituality. It implies a shift towards a deeper, more intimate connection with the body and its sensations.

 Themes

1. Body and Spirituality: The poem explores the physical body as a vessel for spiritual experience, suggesting a reevaluation of the body's importance in spiritual matters.

2. Identity and Self-Perception: There is a theme of self-reflection and introspection, as the speaker grapples with conflicting ideas about the body and its significance.

3. Nature and Human Experience: References to nature, such as leaping from a cliff and the smell of cow dung, evoke a connection between human experience and the natural world.

4. Transformation and Evolution: The poem hints at the idea of transformation and personal growth, as the speaker reflects on past perceptions and experiences.

5. Humility and Acceptance: There is a theme of humility and acceptance of one's physical and spiritual nature, as opposed to denial or rejection.

 Literary Devices

1. Metaphor: The body is metaphorically compared to a nation and a savage, emphasizing its complexity and wild nature.

2. Simile: The joy of air is likened to the moment between leaping from a cliff, creating a vivid image of freedom and exhilaration.

3. Personification: The body is personified as having its own desires and characteristics, separate from the mind.

4. Allusion: The reference to Christ and God's desire to smell his own armpit alludes to the humanity of Christ and the idea of divine humility.

5. Imagery: The poem is rich in imagery, evoking sensory experiences such as the smell of cow dung and the feeling of tired lungs against skin-covered bone.

6. Symbolism: The body and its sensations can be seen as symbols for deeper spiritual truths and human experience.

 Language and Mood

The language in the poem is reflective and contemplative, with a mix of poetic imagery and philosophical pondering. The mood is introspective, inviting readers to consider their own relationship with their bodies and spirituality. There is a sense of longing and nostalgia for a more primal, connected existence.

 Context

Chris Abani, known for his exploration of identity, humanity, and social issues, often incorporates themes of spirituality and the human experience in his work. "The New Religion" can be seen in the context of his broader body of work, which delves into the complexities of human existence and the search for meaning.

 Conclusion

"The New Religion" by Chris Abani is a thought-provoking poem that challenges traditional notions of spirituality and the body. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, the poem invites readers to reconsider their relationship with their bodies and the natural world, suggesting that true spirituality may be found in embracing the physical and the spiritual as interconnected aspects of self.