This poem is about James Merrill’s own approaching death as
much as it is about Christmas, but it has an acceptance that makes it not
depressing, but just a beautiful poem.
I looked at a lot of pictures and this was the one I wanted, even with all the sadness in the poem.
Viggo Johansen Happy Christmas
I one saw James Merrill described as the Mozart of American poets, which is a satisfying desription.
It is, I have found over the years, hard to find great
photographs of Christmas trees indoors. Outside they can look magnificent,
beautiful, inviting. Indoors they just don’t look that great – though everyone
knows a good-looking indoor tree is a wonder to behold. So I don’t know why
that would be.
This Christmas tree picture is from an NYPL folder containing designs for a Balanchine/Jerome Robbins Nutcracker.
It is a lovely poem, Moira, if also very sad. There's definitely a certain peace in that acceptance you mention. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteA fascinating poem; thank you for sharing it. I know more about the 16th century poets than 20th century ones and have never heard of James Merrill, although now that I have read about him, I realize I knew two of his cousins or possibly nephews, which is funny. One started a very good secondary school I nearly attended. At least some of that Merrill Lynch money was used well.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely. Chrissie
ReplyDelete