Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"Instructions to Be Left Behind" by Marvin Bell is a touching and introspective poem that navigates the themes of legacy, memory, and the enduring power of love and attention. Through a direct address to the reader, presumably a loved one, Bell articulates the significance of written words as a means of preserving one's essence and the intimate connections that define our lives. The poem serves as a contemplative reflection on how the act of writing and remembering can transcend the boundaries of time and physical presence.

The poem opens with the speaker describing a letter to be found in a cigar box, setting a tone of posthumous communication and the intent to leave behind something meaningful. This gesture signifies the desire to maintain a connection beyond death, emphasizing the importance of writing as a medium for capturing and conveying the nuances of human experience and emotion.

Bell explores the idea that the value of the message lies not in the eloquence of its phrasing but in the depth of the relationship between the speaker and the recipient. The assertion "no one was ever more loved than I was" speaks to the profound impact of being deeply cared for and the way such care can elevate ordinary aspects of life into something significant and transformative.

The speaker credits the recipient's "deep attention" with the ability to imbue everything—art, science, business, and sport—with a higher purpose and meaning. This recognition of the recipient's capacity for intense focus and appreciation serves as an acknowledgment of the role that individuals play in assigning value and significance to the world around them.

Bell's decision not to attach a photograph, instead relying on the reader's mental imagery, underscores the poem's meditation on the power of memory and imagination. The speaker trusts that the recipient holds a multifaceted and vivid image of them, an image that is more dynamic and encompassing than any photograph could convey.

As the poem progresses, Bell delves into the essence of writing as a transcendent act, a way of bridging the gap between the physical and the metaphysical. The description of words as "transliterations" from the heart, throat, and mind emphasizes the process of translating internal experiences into a form that others can understand and connect with.

The imagery of "green instructions" evokes a sense of growth, renewal, and guidance, suggesting that the lessons and memories shared through writing can serve as a roadmap for living. This metaphor extends the poem's exploration of how written words can offer direction and inspiration, nurturing the reader's soul much like sunlight and rain nurture the earth.

"Instructions to Be Left Behind" culminates in a profound expression of unity and identity between the speaker and the recipient. The speaker envisions themselves as being brought into existence through the recipient's desire and memory, achieving a form of immortality through the act of being remembered and loved. In this way, Bell articulates a beautiful and hopeful vision of how love and attention can render us eternal in the hearts and minds of those we leave behind.

Through "Instructions to Be Left Behind," Marvin Bell offers a poignant reflection on the enduring bonds of love, the transformative power of attention, and the timeless nature of written words. The poem invites readers to contemplate the ways in which we continue to live on through the memories we create and the love we share, crafting a legacy that transcends the physical confines of existence.

POEM TEXT: https://poetrying.wordpress.com/tag/marvin-bell/

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