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comment closely on ways in which the poem in praise of creation celebrates creation ?

### **Comment on the Ways in Which Elizabeth Jennings Celebrates Creation in « In Praise of Creation »**

Dipping into the rich, evocative world of Elizabeth Jennings’ poetry, we find « In Praise of Creation, » a poem that sings the praises of the natural world without explicitly invoking a divine creator. It’s a piece that treads a fine line between reverence and secular appreciation. This article delves deep into how Jennings meticulously celebrates creation through vivid imagery, subtle symbolism, and a unique perspective on the order found in nature.

#### **The Title: A Manifestation of Reverence**

The very title of the poem, « In Praise of Creation, » sets the tone from the outset. It signals the poet’s intent to extol the virtues and wonders of creation without needing to name a higher power. It’s a poem of praise, yes, but one that subtly shifts the focus onto the creation itself rather than the creator. This move is significant and allows the poem to resonate with a broader audience.

#### **Imagery: Natural Testimony**

Jennings fills the stanzas with vivid imagery that speaks for itself. Consider these lines:

> « That one bird, one star,
> The one flash of the tiger’s eye
> Purely assert what they are,
> Without ceremony testify. »

Each of these images is a testament to something larger, more profound than mere existence. The bird, the star, the tiger—all assert their place in the world, not through grand gestures but through their inherent being. They are, in Jennings’ words, « without ceremony. » This simplicity, this unadorned showing of nature’s beauty, is what Jennings celebrates most.

The imagery extends to include the acts of nature:

> « How the birds mate at one time only,
> How the sky is, for a certain time, full
> Of birds, the moon sometimes cut thinly. »

These scenes detail the natural cycles and rhythms that occur. Jennings does not force an interpretation on these occurrences but lets the reader draw their own conclusions. The interweaving of natural patterns and acts reveals a sense of order and rule that transcends human understanding.

#### **Order and Harmony**

Throughout the poem, Jennings underscores the intrinsic order and harmony present in creation:

> « Testify to order, to rule- »

This repetition captures the recurring theme of creation’s inherent structure and balance. Jennings finds beauty in these patterns, even if they are not explained or attributed to a divine cause. She appreciates the « purely assert[ion] » of life in its simplest forms.

#### **Symbolism and Metaphor**

Nature, in Jennings’ poem, is not just observed but also experienced through rich symbolism. The tiger, for example, is more than just an animal; it is a symbol of nature’s power and unpredictability. Jennings’ portrayal of the tiger’s eye as « purely assert[ing], » echoes a powerful, self-determined force that doesn’t need validation from outside influences.

Similarly, the bird is portrayed with a specific ritual—the mating act, which suggests not only reproduction but also the life cycle that sustains creation. Jennings uses these small, specific instances to build a broader argument for the sophistication that can be found in nature.

#### **The Absence of Divine Attribution**

One striking aspect of « In Praise of Creation » is Jennings’ omission of any reference to a deity. This absence is itself a form of celebration. Jennings’ celebration of creation is not contingent on religious belief. Instead, it is grounded in observation, respect for natural patterns, and a deep appreciation for the intricacies of the world around us.

By choosing not to explicitly attribute the order and beauty of creation to a deity, Jennings invites a secular approach. This is a significant artistic move, reflecting her belief in the power of nature to inspire and uplift without the necessity of theological explanation. It’s a radical stance that suggests creation’s worth can be recognized irrespective of one’s spiritual beliefs.

#### **Conclusion: A Secular Hymn to Nature**

« In Praise of Creation » is a secular hymn to the beauty and order found in nature. Jennings uses a combination of imagery, symbolism, and subtle metaphors to celebrate the small, everyday wonders around us. The absence of explicit religious language does not diminish the poem’s power. Instead, it broadens its reach, inviting all readers to appreciate nature in its unwavering simplicity.

Nature, in Jennings’ view, testifies to a higher order not by seeking external validation but through its own existence. This simple, profound appreciation for the natural world is what makes « In Praise of Creation » a masterpiece of secular poetry, a celebration of nature that speaks to the heart and mind of any who seeks to understand the beauty in the everyday.

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This analysis not only provides an in-depth look at how Jennings celebrates creation but also explores the richer implications of her choices, showcasing the poem without the shackles of theological inquiry.