Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Two Dicta of William Blake" by Robert Duncan is a deeply philosophical and contemplative poem that meditates on the nature of reality, authorship, and the eternal. Drawing from the visionary ideas of William Blake, Duncan explores the concepts that "Mental things alone are real" and "The Authors are in eternity," weaving these themes into a complex narrative that examines the interconnectedness of creation, perception, and existence.

Variations I

Duncan begins by contemplating the notion that "The Authors are in eternity," suggesting that creators (or authors) achieve a form of immortality through their works and thoughts, which continue to influence and exist beyond their physical lives. The poem discusses the act of seeing and being as a shared, almost sacred interaction between individuals—"Our eyes reflect / prospects of the whole radiance between you and me"—highlighting the profound connections forged through mutual understanding and shared reality.

The speaker reflects on freedom and identity, recognizing a moment of potential liberation that is both compelling and elusive. The imagery of a spark struck from black rock symbolizes an awakening or realization, a fleeting chance at freedom that is tied to the act of reaching out and reconnecting with another person: "I had only to reach up, / restore our hands touching, / speak the words direct the authors struck." This portrays the idea that personal liberation and understanding are closely linked to our interactions and how deeply we connect with others.

Variations II

This section delves into the personal struggle with action and inaction, questioning why one is compelled to move or remain still, reflecting on the forces—both external and internal—that govern our decisions. "Compulsion" is mentioned as a force that diminishes individual agency, reducing men "less than Man, moved as we are." The plea to the "bright star" to move the speaker's hand introduces a celestial or divine desire for guidance or intervention, highlighting human dependency on higher powers or fate in moments of indecision or paralysis.

Variations III-VII

Duncan continues to explore themes of creation, perception, and the metaphysical connections between beings. The acknowledgment of the self as an "author of the authors" introduces a recursive element of creation, where the self is both created by and creator of reality. This complex interplay challenges the boundaries between author, creation, and audience.

The poet reflects on the nature of reality as perceived and created by the mind: "Mental things alone are real." This philosophical assertion ties back to Blake's idea that our perceptions and mental constructs form the basis of our experienced reality. Duncan emphasizes the role of the sensory and cognitive processes in shaping our world, urging a more profound acknowledgment and realization of the unseen or overlooked aspects of existence.

The final variations contemplate the role of poetry and the poet in navigating and expressing these complex themes. The reference to Charles Olson—a significant figure in American poetry known for his belief in the projective capabilities of verse—serves to ground Duncan's meditations in the practicalities and impacts of poetic practice. The imagery of "stellar bees" and sensory chains emphasizes the vibrant, active nature of poetic creation and reception, which stirs, connects, and awakens communal and individual consciousness.

Overall, "Two Dicta of William Blake" is a rich tapestry of philosophical inquiry, personal reflection, and poetic exploration. Duncan's work challenges readers to consider the depths of human experience, the realities shaped by our perceptions, and the eternal impact of our creative expressions. The poem itself becomes a space where the eternal and the ephemeral meet, where the boundaries of author and creation blur, and where the profound truths of existence are both questioned and celebrated.

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