Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Mark Jarman's poem "Then Saw the Problem" contemplates the intricate and often mysterious processes of natural evolution and transformation, using the metaphor of a flower in a field to delve into themes of beauty, time, and the human desire for understanding and progress.

The poem opens with a rhetorical question that sets the tone for its exploration: "How do you turn into a flower of the field, / the lily clothed to make Solomon rue his glory?" This line references the biblical passage from the Sermon on the Mount, where Jesus speaks of the lilies of the field being more splendidly dressed than Solomon in all his glory. Jarman uses this reference to highlight the inherent beauty and simplicity of natural creations, which often surpass human achievements and aspirations.

The next question, "What leap takes off from here towards evolution, / pointing the way to the pearly everlasting?" shifts the focus to the concept of evolution and the idea of progress over time. The "leap" suggests a sudden, perhaps divine or mysterious, transformation that guides the way towards a state of eternal beauty or perfection, metaphorically represented by the "pearly everlasting," a plant known for its long-lasting flowers.

Jarman acknowledges the long and complex process of natural evolution with the lines, "Eons made the flower and flowers have their agendas, / whatever the population of the field—" Here, he emphasizes that the creation of a flower is the result of countless ages of natural development, driven by its own inherent purposes and patterns, independent of human intervention or understanding.

The poem concludes with a striking metaphor: "more than a lifetime to construct that airport." This line contrasts the slow, organic process of evolution with the rapid, purposeful construction of human-made structures like airports. It suggests that the intricate, patient work of nature in creating something as simple yet profound as a flower takes far longer and involves far more complexity than even the most ambitious human projects.

In "Then Saw the Problem," Mark Jarman masterfully uses the metaphor of a flower to explore the themes of natural beauty, the passage of time, and the human desire to understand and replicate the processes of nature. Through reflective and evocative language, the poem invites readers to consider the profound intricacies of evolution and the often humbling realization that some of the most beautiful and complex creations arise from processes far beyond our immediate grasp and control.

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