Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Marge Piercy's poem "Nishmat" is an eloquent meditation on the daily renewal of life and the deep interconnectedness of all living beings. The title, "Nishmat," is derived from the Hebrew word for "breath" or "spirit," and this sense of vital breath and spirit infuses the poem throughout. Piercy weaves together vivid natural imagery, reflections on the human condition, and a sense of spiritual awakening to celebrate the gift of life and the responsibilities it entails.

The poem opens with the transition from night to day: "When the night slides under with the last dimming star / and the red sky lightens between the trees." This imagery captures the serene and magical moment of dawn, a time of renewal and possibility. The heron's "tipping heavy wings in the river" and the crows' "harsh joy" as they stir reflect the awakening of the natural world. The deer sniffing "the freshening air" and the shortening shadows as the sun rises further emphasize this theme of awakening and new beginnings.

Piercy uses these natural scenes to suggest a purity and freshness that accompanies each new day: "then we rise into the day still clean as new snow." The cat's morning routine and the leviathan's breach are portrayed as acts of gratitude and salutation to the new day. The hawk's cry, likened to a prayer, adds a sense of reverence and sharp clarity to the morning ritual.

The poem's contemplation extends to the sky, which presents itself in various forms: "thin as a speckled eggshell," "piles up its boulders of storm," and "hangs a furry grey belly into the street." This dynamic and ever-changing sky symbolizes the constant flux of life and the new opportunities and challenges each day brings. Piercy marvels at this daily transformation: "Every day we find a new sky and a new earth / with which we are trusted like a perfect toy."

Piercy moves from the external world to the internal, reflecting on the human body and spirit. The "salty river of our blood" connects us to the sea and to our "kindred under the waves," emphasizing our deep connection to all forms of life. The breath within us, capable of forming words that "steal time" and "pierce like bullets," represents the power of communication and expression. Despite the potential for misuse, this breath also enables us to sing and express joy and sorrow.

The body is described as a "momentary kibbutz of elements," a temporary gathering of materials that have existed in various forms throughout nature. This imagery highlights the transience of human life and the continuity of existence through different forms. The daily morning becomes a time to "wake up, rejoice and praise life" in all aspects of our being.

Piercy emphasizes the importance of fire as both a literal and metaphorical source of light and warmth: "We are given fire to see against the dark, / to think, to read, to study how we are to live." Fire represents knowledge, passion, and the drive to overcome despair and complacency. It symbolizes the inner light that guides us and the outward light that illuminates the world.

The poem culminates in a call to action, urging us to burn with "compassionate love and justice" and to recognize our unity with the world: "to turn outward and see the world that is all / of one flesh with us." Piercy's imagery of the bee in the apple blossom and the trout leaping serves as a reminder of the beauty and vitality that exist beneath the surface of everyday life.

The poem closes with a plea for fullness and peace: "Fill us as the tide rustles into the reeds in the marsh. / Fill us as the rushing water overflows its pitcher. / Fill us as light fills a room with its dancing." This invocation calls for a sense of completeness and harmony, urging the cessation of trivial conflicts and ego-driven desires. The final lines invoke silence as a means to perceive divine presence and rise to offer praise: "Let silence still us so you may show us your shining / and we can out of that stillness rise and praise."

"Nishmat" by Marge Piercy is a beautifully crafted poem that celebrates the sacredness of daily life and the profound connections between all living things. Through rich imagery and thoughtful reflection, Piercy invites readers to recognize the blessings of each new day and to engage with the world with gratitude, compassion, and a sense of shared existence.

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