Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"If I Forget Thee, Jerusalem" by Yehuda Amichai is a deeply emotional poem that intricately weaves themes of memory, identity, and the profound connection to Jerusalem. The poem draws its title from Psalm 137 of the Bible, where the psalmist declares, "If I forget you, Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill."

Amichai's poem begins with a conditional statement that sets the tone for the entire piece: "If I forget thee, Jerusalem, Then let my right be forgotten." This opening line establishes a personal, almost physical connection with the city, suggesting that forgetting Jerusalem would be akin to losing a part of one's self.

The poet plays with the notion of forgetting and remembering, creating a sense of imbalance or asymmetry within the self. The contrast between the right and left sides of the body symbolizes a dichotomy within the speaker's identity and memories. Forgetting Jerusalem would result in a dissonance where one part of the self remembers while the other part forgets, reflecting the internal conflict and the struggle to maintain a connection with the city.

Jerusalem is not just a physical location but a symbol of love, faith, and identity. The speaker's declaration to remember Jerusalem and forget the forest is significant. The forest here could represent the wild, untamed aspects of life or the world outside Jerusalem. The decision to remember the city and forget the forest indicates a choice to prioritize cultural and historical roots over the wilderness of the unknown.

The poem's structure and repetition underscore the struggle between remembering and forgetting. The use of conditional statements and the fluctuation between remembering and forgetting create a rhythm that mirrors the ebb and flow of memory and the constant battle to hold onto one's heritage.

The closing lines of the poem elevate the act of remembering Jerusalem to a sacred duty. The speaker's voice may change to "the most terrible of voices," suggesting the pain and burden of this remembrance. The alternative is silence, which could symbolize the complete loss of identity and connection with the past.

Amichai's poem is a poignant reflection on the power of memory and the deep-rooted connection to one's homeland. It captures the complex emotions tied to Jerusalem, a city that holds immense historical, religious, and cultural significance for many. The poem speaks to the universal human experience of grappling with memory, identity, and the places we call home.