Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Israeli Navy" by Marvin Bell is a poem that blends allegory, humor, and poignant observation to reflect on the complexities of identity, tradition, and the pursuit of purpose. Through the metaphorical journey of the Israeli Navy, Bell explores themes related to cultural and religious adherence, the limitations imposed by such commitments, and the eventual acceptance of one's place in the world.

The poem begins with an image of the Israeli Navy setting sail "to the end of the world," equipped not just with practical supplies like grain but also with "books black with God’s verse," signifying the deep intertwining of their voyage with religious and cultural heritage. The decision to turn back rather than sail on the Sabbath highlights the priority given to religious observance over exploration or conquest, suggesting a profound commitment to faith that defines and limits the scope of their journey.

The consensus that "Six days, was enough for anyone" humorously refers to the Biblical creation story, in which God created the world in six days and rested on the seventh, the Sabbath. This rationale humorously bounds the world's exploration to a manageable scope, ensuring adherence to religious practices even in the metaphorical pursuit of the world's limits.

Bell's assertion that the world "was three days wide in each direction, allowing three days back" presents a whimsical calculation that ties exploration directly to the observance of the Sabbath, further emphasizing the intertwining of cultural identity and religious practice. The depiction of Saturdays for "keeping close" and Sundays for spirited sailing "trying to go off the deep end" captures the rhythm of observance and rest, action and reflection, that characterizes much of religious and communal life.

The sailors' chant of "Yo-ho-ho" juxtaposed with the moaning of their women onshore introduces a note of longing and perhaps the sacrifices made by those who wait. This contrast between the sailors' adventurous spirit and the women's yearning underscores the personal costs of adherence to tradition and the communal endeavor.

As the poem concludes with the navy's transformation "into families on the only land they knew," Bell suggests a settling into and acceptance of one's identity, limitations, and the inevitable return to and embrace of home and community. The reference to the boats being "slow, and all show" might reflect a critical view of the outward display of identity and strength that belies a deeper, more complex relationship with one's heritage and homeland.

"The Israeli Navy" is a nuanced meditation on the intersection of faith, identity, and the human desire for exploration and understanding. Marvin Bell uses the allegory of a naval expedition to probe the boundaries of cultural and religious commitment, ultimately suggesting that the journey of self and community understanding is as much about the journeys not taken as those embarked upon. Through this poetic exploration, Bell invites readers to reflect on their own navigations through the traditions, beliefs, and commitments that define them.

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