Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Jerusalem the Golden" is a poem by Charles Reznikoff, an American poet associated with the Objectivist movement. The poem was published in his collection "Jerusalem the Golden: A Poem in Two Parts" in 1959.

Explanation:

"Jerusalem the Golden" is a long, narrative poem that draws on themes of religion, history, and culture. The poem takes the form of a journey through the city of Jerusalem, with Reznikoff's vivid and evocative language creating a sense of the beauty, complexity, and significance of the place.

The poem is characterized by its use of concrete imagery and vivid description, with Reznikoff's attention to detail and careful observation creating a sense of the depth and richness of the world he describes. The poem is also notable for its exploration of themes of memory and identity, with Reznikoff using the city of Jerusalem as a lens through which to explore questions of faith, history, and culture.

"Jerusalem the Golden" is two parts. Part 1 is a journey through the city of Jerusalem, with the narrator exploring the streets, sights, and sounds of the city. The poem begins with an epigraph from the Bible, which sets the tone for the journey: "If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget her cunning."

The narrator describes the walls of the city, the gates, and the Temple Mount. He walks through the markets and the narrow streets, watching as the people of the city go about their daily lives. He sees the Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley, and he walks through the Garden of Gethsemane, where he reflects on the passion of Christ.

As the poem progresses, the narrator becomes more and more immersed in the history and culture of the city. He visits the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where he reflects on the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ. He walks through the Old City, passing the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Throughout the poem, Reznikoff's vivid and evocative language creates a sense of the beauty, complexity, and significance of the city. The poem is also characterized by its exploration of themes of memory, identity, and faith, with the narrator using the city of Jerusalem as a lens through which to explore these themes.

Part 2 of the poem, which is much shorter than Part 1, is a reflection on the significance of the city of Jerusalem. The poem ends with the words "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, how often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!" This quote, which is taken from the Bible, speaks to the idea of Jerusalem as a city of refuge and safety, a place of spiritual significance and divine protection.

Poetic Elements:

• Form: "Jerusalem the Golden" is a long, narrative poem, with no consistent rhyme scheme or meter.
• Concrete imagery: Reznikoff's use of concrete imagery and vivid description creates a sense of the richness and complexity of the world he describes.
• Detail: Reznikoff's attention to detail and careful observation creates a sense of the depth and richness of the world he describes.
• Theme: Reznikoff uses the city of Jerusalem as a lens through which to explore themes of memory, identity, faith, and culture.

Conclusion:

"Jerusalem the Golden" is a rich and complex poem that explores the themes of religion, history, and culture through the lens of the city of Jerusalem. The poem is notable for its use of concrete imagery and vivid description, with Reznikoff's attention to detail and careful observation creating a sense of the depth and richness of the world he describes. The poem is a powerful meditation on the themes of memory, identity, and faith, and is a testament to Reznikoff's skill as a poet.

Poem Snippet:

"Jerusalem the golden,
With milk and honey blest,
Beneath thy contemplation
Sink heart and voice oppressed.
I know not, oh, I know not
What joys await us there,
What radiancy of glory,
What bliss beyond compare."

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