Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

THE PRACTICE OF MAGICAL EVOCATION, by DIANE DI PRIMA Recitation Poet Analysis Poet's Biography

"The Practice of Magical Evocation" is a poem by Diane di Prima that was first published in her collection "Pieces of a Song: Selected Poems" in 1990. The poem is a meditation on the practice of magic and its relationship to the creative process.

Explanation:

The poem begins with an invocation to the Muse, calling upon her to inspire the speaker's creative work. The poem then goes on to explore the ways in which the practice of magic can be used to harness creative energy and access the unconscious mind. The poem also reflects on the importance of intuition and the ways in which it can be used to guide creative work. Throughout the poem, the speaker emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to the natural world and the ways in which it can inspire creativity.

Poetic Elements:

Form: The poem is written in free verse, with no set rhyme scheme or meter. The poem is structured as a series of meditations on the practice of magic and its relationship to the creative process.
Imagery: The poem contains vivid visual imagery that evokes the natural world and the creative process. The poem also contains metaphorical and symbolic imagery that emphasizes the importance of intuition and the unconscious mind.
Repetition: The use of repetition throughout the poem emphasizes the importance of maintaining a connection to the natural world and the ways in which it can inspire creativity.
Theme: The poem explores the themes of creativity, intuition, and the relationship between the practice of magic and the creative process.

Conclusion:

"The Practice of Magical Evocation" is a thoughtful and introspective poem that reflects on the practice of magic and its relationship to the creative process. The poem's use of vivid imagery, repetition, and meditation creates a sense of introspection and contemplation, while its underlying themes of creativity and intuition underscore the importance of accessing the unconscious mind and maintaining a connection to the natural world.

Poem Snippet:

"Muse, I call on you

with words that flower on my lips

and send green shoots

to wrap around my thighs

as I dance in a field

beneath a full moon

and the sky blooms

with the colors of the dawn."