Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Philip Lamantia's "Seraphim City" is a deeply reflective poem that intertwines personal experience, religious devotion, and the mystical legacy of Saint Francis of Assisi. The poem begins with a vivid setting in San Francisco, drawing a connection between the city's namesake, Saint Francis, and the contemporary world. The grand choral Mass memorializing Saint Francis and Saint Clare sets the tone for a contemplative journey, blending historical reverence with modern disillusionment.

The opening lines establish a sacred atmosphere with the "grand choral Mass" and the "Shrine of radiant marvels," highlighting the spiritual significance of Saint Francis and Saint Clare. The poet recalls a Franciscan's words, "First there was Christ / then Saint Francis / and since then / a lot of Franciscans!" This humorous yet profound statement underscores the enduring influence of Saint Francis, whose joyful spirit is encapsulated in the original Rule: "not to appear outwardly sad... but let them show they are joyful in the Lord." This joy permeates the poem, as Lamantia's heart "sails out over the gifts / of self with the whole Church open wide as the universe."

The poem's language is rich with religious imagery and metaphysical concepts, reflecting the deep spiritual connection between the poet and the divine. The lines "we inside the Saviour’s body / he in us we in him / for all power is in the seed of the Father" convey a profound sense of unity and spiritual fulfillment. This unity is further emphasized by the "spiritual womb of the Virgin Mother Mariam," where prayer transcends the limitations of words and becomes an "unspoken song" that "ripples spatially / over durational air."

Lamantia's exploration of the mystical aspects of faith continues with the idea of the "lightening of matter, lifting spiritual weight clear as mystery is." The transformative power of divine love is evident in the line "when fire caresses the given self," suggesting a purification and elevation of the soul. The poem's meditative tone is disrupted by a return to the material world, where "no one loves except inspired by love / carnal, this side of the mystery."

The poet juxtaposes the sacred and the profane, the eternal and the temporal, reflecting on the transient nature of human existence. The line "From atoms you come, into atoms you go" highlights the physical reality of life and death, while "Resurrection invisibly visible" points to the enduring spiritual truth. The poem's critique of modern society is sharp and poignant, with "hightech street illusion rules the day" and "Super-cool simulacra were standing around / almost robotic" capturing the alienation and superficiality of contemporary life.

The climactic moment of the poem occurs as the poet observes "three tiny boats" appearing "suddenly / through the turquoise sunlight / of a timeless afternoon." This vision contrasts sharply with the "postmodern unlovables" who "ooze daylight nightmare," representing the loss of innocence and purity in the modern world. The poet's struggle to reconcile this vision with his faith is evident in the lines "Love them? Not I alone, unless through, by / and with her, Creator love might."

Lamantia's invocation of Saint Francis, who "was divinely moved to kiss a thirteenth-century leper," serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative power of divine love. The poet aspires to this level of compassion, hoping for a "miracle" that would enable him to "hold those twenty-first century heads / of living death." The poem concludes on a reflective note, marking "Saint Francis of Assisi Day / October 4, 2000," grounding the mystical and historical in a specific moment in time.

"Seraphim City" is a complex and layered poem that explores the intersection of faith, history, and modernity. Lamantia's use of rich imagery and contemplative language invites readers to reflect on the enduring legacy of Saint Francis and the challenges of living a spiritually fulfilling life in a contemporary world that often seems disconnected from its sacred roots. The poem is a testament to the power of faith and the enduring relevance of the mystical tradition in navigating the complexities of modern existence.

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