Riding Westward

Last year I took a class on the history of British literature. We ended up in a lot of interesting texts and poems during the course, but my favorite place that we landed was the metaphysical poetry of John Donne. Metaphysical poetry is interesting in that it's a sort of manifestation of the Renaissance spirit. It can be appreciated on the surface level for it's beauty and skill, but also included in the lines are references to a wide variety of sources. John Donne, for example, liked to call upon not only religious images, but also scientific and philosophical themes.

John Donne had a rough life. He was born a Roman Catholic in a time in England where that was illegal. He married the woman he loved in secret, and was thrown in jail for it. When he was released, he dealt with the deaths of several of his twelve children and eventually his dear wife, all while struggling financially.

On top of everything, he was 'encouraged' by the king to abandon his religion and become an Anglican priest, which, of course, he did. All through this, he wrote. Early on, he wrote some pretty bawdy stuff. But later, when the trouble hit, his poetry shows a deep commitment to his faith, to his God, whatever trappings the world may have put on Him.

"Hence is't, that I am carryed towards the West/
This day when my Soules forme bends toward the East." 

My favorite poem by John Donne is called Good Friday, 1613, Riding Westward. Due to the metaphysical nature of the poem, I can't say that I understand everything  Donne is trying to say to me. But I understand the feeling. He talks about how, on Good Friday, a day when all Christian hearts move eastward to the cross, he's facing the wrong direction. He goes on to wonder how anyone could bear to face eastward to see the Lord's suffering, finishing with a supplication to God for strength to be able to look on His face.

The Renaissance and Reformation was a time of "riding westward". It was a time of forging ahead into a new day all the while concerned that something important was being left behind. Donne speaks to that beautifully with a particular poignancy, having been Catholic and pressed forward by the movement of the time.

In the end though, the main reason I like John Donne so much has nothing to do with his profound eloquence or his remarkable ability to layer several meanings in a single line. Set aside the unique perspective and poetic brilliance and you see a man. A very human, very real man, trying his best in a world that hasn't done much for him.

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