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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

PASSAGES: 2. AT THE LOOM, by             Poet Analysis     Poet's Biography

In "At the Loom" by Robert Duncan, the weaving of fabric serves as an intricate metaphor for the creation of art and the intertwining of life's various elements. This poem layers complex images and references to explore themes of creation, perception, and the existential interplay between light and shadow in human endeavor.

Duncan begins with a vivid image of a cat's purr blending into the mechanical sounds of a loom, which is described through onomatopoeic words like "hwirr" and "thkk." This auditory imagery sets the tone for the poem, suggesting a harmony between nature (the cat) and human craft (the loom). The reference to "Kirke's loom on Pound's Cantos" immediately brings into the poem a literary context, linking it to Ezra Pound's epic poem which itself is a fabric of historical and cultural references woven together.

The narrator describes his mind as a "shuttle" weaving through the "set strings of the music," creating a "weft of dream" during daylight. Here, Duncan uses the loom as a metaphor for the creative process—both literary and textile—where thoughts (threads) are intricately woven into a larger tapestry of consciousness and artistic expression. The "increment of associations" and "luminous soft threads" suggest the emergence of ideas and images that are both delicate and enlightening.

As the poem progresses, Duncan delves deeper into the metaphysical aspects of creation. "The secret! / the secret!" he exclaims, suggesting that the essence of creation is both hidden and revealed in the act itself—"It's hid / in its showing forth." This paradox highlights the mystical nature of artistic and intellectual pursuits, where the true meaning is both concealed and disclosed through creation.

The imagery of the white cat, which "kneads his paws / and sheathes his eyes in ecstasy," evokes a sense of contentment and bliss found in the absorption of light ("the light bounding from his fur as from a shield"). This animal, serene and self-contained, contrasts with the dynamic activity of the loom, providing a serene counterpoint to the human endeavor of making art.

Duncan also explores the theme of tradition and continuity in craft and culture. The stanza beginning with "What does the Worm work in His cocoon?" reflects on transformation and the inherent necessity within traditional crafts to adapt yet preserve their essence through time. The reference to "the old ways when craft came into our elements" and the statement that "the art shall never be free of that forge, that loom, that lyre" acknowledges the enduring impact of historical craftsmanship on contemporary art.

The poem closes with a reflection on the nature of existence and the inevitability of conflict and resolution. Duncan's allusion to classical themes, such as Achilles and Hektor, serves to underscore the timeless nature of human struggles and the ways in which art (like the reflections on a shield) both represents and transforms reality.

Overall, "At the Loom" is a rich tapestry of metaphor that connects the act of weaving with broader themes of creation, perception, and the cyclical nature of life and art. Duncan's use of complex imagery and classical references weaves a poem that is as thought-provoking as it is visually vivid, challenging the reader to consider the deep interconnections between our crafts, our culture, and our identity.

POEM TEXT: https://www.google.com/books/edition/Bending_the_Bow/mblZDAFheqgC?q=robert+duncan+structure+of+rime&gbpv=1&bsq=AT%20THE%20LOOM#f=false


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