Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Lamantia’s poem “Passionate Ornithology Is Another Kind of Yoga” intertwines the natural world with spiritual and mystical themes, creating a vivid tapestry that celebrates the beauty and mystery of birds. Through his characteristic use of surreal and rich imagery, Lamantia draws parallels between the behavior of birds and human spirituality, suggesting that observing and engaging with nature can be a form of enlightenment and transcendence.

The poem begins with an energetic depiction of birds: “Thirty feisty finches at the window finchdom / Four or five double-tufted crowns / Midsummer Spring-born / most daring of the lot clumsy but quick / at our plastic feeder tray.” The detailed observation of finches, with their distinct personalities and behaviors, sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the connection between humans and birds.

Lamantia’s introduction of a human figure, Beata, adds a layer of human engagement with the natural world: “Beata framed nude at a door / points her Jupiter finger: Rarely seen / a White-crowned sparrow gets blown away / by these non-Kropotkin red yellow / silver orange birds.” Beata’s gesture and the mention of Jupiter, the king of gods in Roman mythology, elevate the scene to a mythical level, while the mention of Kropotkin, a Russian anarchist, adds a layer of political subtext, perhaps critiquing social hierarchies even among birds.

The poem shifts to a more abstract reflection on perception and spirituality: “Glass shadows a suprasensual object / become a secret shuttle / down an escalator going simultaneously up / ‘the one and only god’ found / from that dawn and night on the Nile / space / where all ends in a beginning / Amenti / mutating roseate to indigo tint / behind the darkening horizon.” Here, Lamantia references Amenti, the ancient Egyptian underworld, and the Eye of Horus, symbolizing protection and royal power. This evokes a sense of timelessness and continuity, linking the present moment with ancient spiritual traditions.

As the poem progresses, Lamantia delves into the auditory experience of nature: “my hidden eye of Horus sights / ‘one old jazz record repeated myriad nights & days / on a plane gathering Bird and Mozart distant Vivaldi, wild music of contrasting flowers.” This fusion of music and nature suggests that the sounds of birds are akin to a divine symphony, blending classical and modern influences to create a harmonious whole.

The poet’s deep appreciation for birds and their symbolic significance is evident: “Ah visible angels of superior affectivity with the most perfect language of sight / The chosen Red-plumed seeder ritually feeding the Silver-lined and a chorus of them form / an unpremeditated pentacle of erotic song.” Birds are portrayed as messengers and symbols of beauty and spiritual insight, their songs and behaviors forming a sacred, erotic symphony.

Lamantia reflects on the transformative potential of this connection: “So few of us if the seed be / become scythe, its own end as wheaten being / germinates a songbird’s form / We, too, were once avian / bridge—window—to another life / So they do know us / though now in terror.” This passage suggests a shared history and destiny between humans and birds, a primordial connection that can lead to spiritual awakening.

The poem concludes with a meditation on communication and understanding: “A few listen with attention— instant Ornithos, rare / flashing cordial of communicating grace— who see what I imagine they become / Their gestures speak with deep silence, flying hearts, before they take off / and primordial gnosis takes flight.” The idea of “instant Ornithos” and “communicating grace” emphasizes the importance of attentive observation and the silent, profound communication between humans and birds.

“Passionate Ornithology Is Another Kind of Yoga” by Philip Lamantia is a celebration of the interconnectedness of life, using the vivid and dynamic imagery of birds to explore themes of spirituality, transformation, and communication. Through his detailed observations and symbolic references, Lamantia invites readers to see the natural world as a source of mystical insight and enlightenment, suggesting that true understanding comes from a deep, attentive engagement with the beauty and mystery of life.

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