Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

"The Copulating Gods" by Carolyn Kizer delves into the interplay of divine sexuality and human perception, exploring themes of mythology, reverence, and the transformative power of intimacy. Through vivid imagery and reflective tone, Kizer crafts a narrative that juxtaposes the mythical grandeur of the gods with the ordinary act of human lovemaking, revealing layers of meaning and influence.

The poem opens with a tender, intimate scene, as the speaker gently brushes back the curls from the brow of their lover, lingering over the vein that is likened to "Aegean columns in the dawn." This imagery evokes a sense of classical beauty and timelessness, immediately placing the reader within a context that is both deeply personal and mythically grand. The use of "Aegean columns" not only signifies strength and structure but also subtly references the ancient Greek world, a civilization rich in mythology and reverence for the gods.

Kizer's speaker then shifts to a contemplative mood, pondering the self-consciousness of the gods as they engage in lovemaking. The phrase "how self-consciously / The Gods must fornicate" suggests a level of awareness and spectacle that transcends the mere physical act, infusing it with a sense of performance and divine significance. This awareness of being observed, of "unseen witness," blurs the lines between the divine and the mortal, making the gods' actions a point of fixation and spiritual contemplation for humans.

The poem further explores this idea by discussing the various forms the gods take—swan-suits, bull-skins, masquerades in coin and shrubbery—as they engage with mortals. These forms are not just disguises but are integral to the myths that have shaped human understanding of the divine. The reference to "We were their religion before they were born" underscores the preexistence and omnipresence of these divine figures in human consciousness. Their actions, especially their intimate ones, have been elevated to the status of religious rituals, confusing "them into spiritual lust."

The poem's depiction of the headboard of the bed as an altar and the shared nectar as a sacrament reinforces the sacredness attributed to the gods' carnality. These ordinary objects and actions are transfigured into elements of worship, highlighting how the divine can elevate the mundane into something holy. The "wet drapery of our sheets," which moulds the "noble thighs," becomes a symbol of a new aesthetic, where physicality and spirituality merge, and the act of love is seen as a revelation of divine genius.

In its entirety, "The Copulating Gods" reflects on the profound impact of divine myths on human sexuality and spirituality. Kizer's use of classical references and intimate imagery creates a rich tapestry that invites readers to consider the enduring power of these myths in shaping human perceptions of love and reverence. Through the poem, Kizer suggests that the gods, in their divine fornications, have not only influenced human desire but have also provided a framework for understanding the sacredness of intimate connection, making every act of love a potential act of worship.

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