Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Denise Levertov's "Mass for the Day of St. Thomas Didymus: 6. Agnus Dei" is a reflective and probing meditation on the symbolism of the "Lamb of God" within the Christian tradition. The poem juxtaposes the innocence and vulnerability of lambs with the weighty theological significance attributed to them, inviting readers to contemplate the deeper meaning behind this religious metaphor.

The poem begins by establishing the nature of lambs: "Given that lambs / are infant sheep, that sheep are afraid and foolish, and lack the means of self-protection, having neither rage nor claws, venom nor cunning." Here, Levertov underscores the inherent helplessness and simplicity of lambs. They are portrayed as creatures devoid of defensive mechanisms, embodying innocence and vulnerability. This sets the stage for the exploration of the "Lamb of God" metaphor.

Levertov then asks the central question: "what then / is this 'Lamb of God'?" This inquiry challenges readers to look beyond the surface of the familiar phrase and consider its profound implications. The poem describes the lamb in endearing terms: "This pretty creature, vigorous to nuzzle at milky dugs, woolbearer, bleater, / leaper in air for delight of being, who finds in astonishment four legs to land on, the grass all it knows of the world?" The imagery here is vivid and affectionate, painting the lamb as a symbol of purity, joy, and innocence.

The next lines evoke a sense of gentle interaction with the lamb: "With whom we would like to play, / whom we'd lead with ribbons, but may not bring into our houses because / it would soil the floor with its droppings?" This reflects the human desire to engage with the lamb's innocence while also acknowledging the practical limitations and the inherent messiness of life. The contrast between the desire to play and the need to keep the lamb at a distance due to its natural behavior mirrors the tension between idealization and reality.

The poem then takes a turn towards the darker, more mysterious aspect of the metaphor: "What terror lies concealed in strangest words, O lamb of God that taketh away." This line suggests that beneath the gentle and innocent exterior of the lamb, there is a profound and potentially unsettling significance. The "Lamb of God" is traditionally understood as a reference to Jesus Christ, who is seen as a sacrificial lamb taking away the sins of the world. The mention of "terror" hints at the immense sacrifice and the gravity of the redemption narrative.

In "Mass for the Day of St. Thomas Didymus: 6. Agnus Dei," Denise Levertov masterfully balances the literal and symbolic meanings of the lamb, weaving together themes of innocence, vulnerability, and sacrificial love. The poem invites readers to delve deeper into the familiar religious imagery, uncovering the layers of meaning and the emotional resonance behind the metaphor of the "Lamb of God." Through her thoughtful and evocative language, Levertov encourages a reflection on the complexities of faith, redemption, and the interplay between purity and sacrifice.

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