Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

The poem "Vertumnus" by Joseph Brodsky is an intricate journey through themes of metamorphosis, time, and human-divine interaction. Its title refers to the Roman deity of seasons, change, and plant growth, aptly aligning with its preoccupations with transformation and transition. In memory of Gianni Buttafavy, the poem is an ode to friendship, memory, and the complexities of human emotions.

One of the first things to notice about "Vertumnus" is its structure, which is highly segmented, employing Roman numerals to separate various vignettes or scenes. Each segment contributes to an overall sense of a tapestry of life experiences, much like the seasons that Vertumnus himself would oversee. The structure resonates with the theme of change, metamorphosis, and the cyclical nature of life and time, somewhat echoing the seasons that Vertumnus governs.

The language Brodsky employs is dense and richly layered. Metaphors and similes abound, invoking vivid imagery that oscillates between the concrete and the abstract. For instance, when talking about the character Vertumnus, Brodsky paints a picture of his transformations, using evocative phrases like "hat, shirt, trousers, Blazer, coat / dark green, shoes from Balansiagi," to indicate his change in attire as he and the narrator converse. This can be seen as a metaphor for the constant changes in our lives, sometimes subtle and sometimes drastic.

One of the core themes is the blurring boundary between the mortal and the divine. Vertumnus is a god but appears to the narrator as a peer, sharing conversations about history, life, and even mundane topics like "lack of vegetables." This close association between the mortal and the divine can be read as a critique or observation of the closeness yet inaccessibility of divine understanding in our lives. We are close to transcendent knowledge, yet it's just beyond our grasp, much like Vertumnus who is there but not quite 'there.'

The poem is also permeated with historical and cultural references, thereby connecting it to the broader human experience. Words and phrases like "Pomona," "Balansiagi," "Opera," and "Caravaggio Bernini" create a rich tapestry that situates the poem not just in a solitary emotional landscape but in a broader cultural and historical framework. This provides an additional layer of richness and complexity that requires attention and multiple readings to fully appreciate.

Additionally, the poem deals heavily with the notion of time, especially the future, seen as a creeping, ominous force. It is presented almost like another character in the poem, one that brings change, often unwanted, into the lives of humans and gods alike. For instance, the lines "The future is always / comes, when someone dies / especially people. Especially - if God" suggest an understanding of the future as an inescapable, life-altering entity.

"Vertumnus" is deeply philosophical, pondering the nature of existence, identity, and change. It also delves into the emotional and intellectual challenges of mortal life, often juxtaposing these with the existence of gods. Overall, the poem offers a rich, multifaceted look at a range of human experiences, employing its complex structure and dense, allusion-laden language to engage readers in a thought-provoking dialogue with the text.

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