Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Howard Nemerov's "Phoenix Comes of Flame and Dust" delves into the mythological symbolism of the Phoenix, a bird that cyclically regenerates from its ashes. Through vivid and evocative language, Nemerov explores themes of rebirth, immortality, and the intertwined nature of destruction and creation. The poem also touches on the profound and often paradoxical aspects of mythological narratives, blending elements of sacred and profane.

The poem begins with the assertion, "The Phoenix comes of flame and dust," immediately grounding the reader in the fundamental elements of fire and ash that define the Phoenix's cycle of death and rebirth. This introduction sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the bird's mythological significance.

The line "He bundles up his sire in myrrh" introduces a ritualistic aspect to the Phoenix's rebirth. Myrrh, a substance used in ancient burial practices, symbolizes both death and preservation. By bundling his sire (father) in myrrh, the Phoenix participates in a cycle of renewal, suggesting that each rebirth involves an element of honoring the past, even as it is consumed by the present flames.

"A solar and unholy lust / Makes a cradle of his bier" juxtaposes the sacred and the profane. The Phoenix, associated with the sun (solar), embodies a lust that is both life-giving and destructive. The "cradle of his bier" implies that the Phoenix's resting place (bier) for death also serves as the birthplace (cradle) for his next incarnation. This duality underscores the complex nature of creation, where death and birth are inseparably linked.

"In the City of the Sun / He dies and rises all divine" situates the Phoenix within a mythological and cosmological context. The "City of the Sun" alludes to Heliopolis in ancient Egyptian mythology, a center of solar worship. The Phoenix's death and subsequent divine resurrection within this sacred city highlight its role as a symbol of eternal life and celestial power.

"There is never more than one / Genuine" emphasizes the uniqueness and singularity of the Phoenix. Unlike other creatures, the Phoenix is one-of-a-kind, embodying the idea of a singular, genuine essence that transcends ordinary existence.

The poem’s conclusion, "By incest, murder, suicide / Survives the sacred purple bird / Himself his father, son and bride / And his own Word," delves into the paradoxical and often dark elements of the Phoenix myth. These acts—incest, murder, and suicide—represent extreme forms of creation and destruction. The Phoenix, being "himself his father, son and bride," embodies a self-contained cycle of life, death, and rebirth. This self-referential nature suggests a completeness and self-sufficiency that is both sacred and unsettling. The Phoenix's existence is bound by his own "Word," indicating a divine or ultimate truth inherent in his being.

Nemerov's poem, through its rich and layered imagery, invites readers to reflect on the complex interplay of life and death, creation and destruction, and the sacred and profane. The Phoenix, as portrayed in this poem, becomes a powerful symbol of resilience and continuity, embodying the eternal cycle of renewal. By intertwining mythological references with profound philosophical insights, "Phoenix Comes of Flame and Dust" offers a contemplative meditation on the nature of existence and the enduring power of myth.

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