Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

William Stanley Merwin’s poem “Ballade of Sayings” employs the traditional structure of the ballade form to weave a tapestry of observations and reflections on the human condition, seasons, and socio-political realities. The poem’s refrain, “the air is clear as though we should live forever,” underscores a recurring sense of timelessness and enduring clarity amidst the transient and often harsh realities of life. Merwin’s use of this refrain imbues the poem with a contemplative tone, inviting readers to ponder the juxtaposition of ephemeral existence against the illusion of permanence.

The poem opens with the spring season, where the natural world and human experience intermingle: “In spring if there are dogs they will bark / the sieves of the poor grow coarser even in the dark.” This line sets the stage for a series of observations that blend natural phenomena with human conditions. The imagery of barking dogs and coarse sieves symbolizes both the vitality of life and the hardships faced by the impoverished. The phrase “we wake upward each flower opens knowing” suggests a natural awakening and renewal, yet it is tempered by the harsh realities of poverty. The idea that “the law has no face” speaks to the impersonal and often indifferent nature of justice, while “nowhere are the martyrs more beautiful” implies a recognition of the nobility in suffering. The refrain follows, emphasizing the paradoxical clarity of the air, suggesting an illusion of eternal life.

In summer, the poem continues to explore the juxtaposition of joy and suffering: “in summer if there are fleas there will be rejoicing / you kill the front of him I'll kill the back.” This line conveys a sense of shared struggle and communal effort, even in dealing with minor irritants like fleas. The playful tone of “every sieve knows a dance” contrasts with the serious undertone of societal roles, where “each soldier is given a little bleached flag” and “ours are the only parents.” These lines hint at the ritualistic and sometimes absurd nature of societal structures and hierarchies. The assertion that “the poor do not exist they are just the poor” highlights the marginalization and invisibility of the impoverished, while “the poor dream that their flowers are smaller” reflects the diminished hopes and aspirations of those living in poverty. The refrain once again reinforces the illusory sense of clarity and permanence.

Autumn brings a shift in tone, with an emphasis on observation and transformation: “in autumn if there are trees eyes will open / one moment of freedom partakes of it all.” This line captures the fleeting nature of freedom and enlightenment, as well as the interconnectedness of all experiences. The idea that “those who will imitate will betray” suggests the dangers of inauthenticity, while “the dogs are happy leading the archers” points to the complicity of seemingly innocent actors in systems of power. The reversal of roles in “the hunter is hunted the dealer is dealt the listener is heard” emphasizes the cyclical and reciprocal nature of actions and consequences. The refrain continues to provide a sense of enduring clarity amidst these changes.

Winter brings a stark and somber tone: “in winter if there are feet bells will ring / snow falls in the bread of some and in the mouths of others.” This line highlights the disparities and inequities of life, where even basic necessities like bread are unequally distributed. The observation that “nobody listens to apologies / when prisoners clasp their hands a door locks” speaks to the finality and unforgiving nature of certain actions and conditions. The imagery of “the cold lie in white tents hoarding sunrise” evokes a sense of desolation and the hoarding of hope and warmth. The acknowledgment that “the poor we have with us always” underscores the persistence of poverty, while the final refrain reinforces the illusory sense of clarity and eternal life.

The poem concludes with an address to a Prince, drawing on the traditional ballade form’s envoi: “Prince it is said that night is one of the sieves / there is no end to how fine we shall be.” This line suggests a hopeful possibility of refinement and improvement, even in the face of night, a metaphor for challenges and hardships. The assertion that “at the names of the poor the eye of the needle echoes” highlights the biblical reference to the difficulty of the wealthy entering heaven, emphasizing the enduring significance of poverty and moral considerations. The final repetition of the refrain, “the air is clear as though we should live forever,” leaves readers with a sense of unresolved tension between the clarity and beauty of the world and the harsh realities of human existence.

“Ballade of Sayings” masterfully blends traditional form with contemporary reflections, creating a rich tapestry of imagery and thought that invites deep contemplation of the human condition and the perennial issues of justice, poverty, and the search for meaning. Through his eloquent language and evocative imagery, Merwin captures the complexity and beauty of life, urging readers to consider the transient nature of existence against the backdrop of an illusory, enduring clarity.

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