Brian Yapko, a lawyer and poet residing in Santa Fe, New Mexico, masterfully weaves themes of love, loss, and remembrance into his poetic works. This analysis delves into two of his poems, “The Secret Garden” and “A Hawthorn Leaf,” exploring their intricate imagery, emotional depth, and the unique ways they grapple with grief and the enduring power of memory.
The Secret Garden: A Sanctuary of Memory
“The Secret Garden” opens with a stark depiction of a desolate landscape: “Beyond these ivied walls grows naught but heather / Gorse and broom, the moors engulfed by blows / Of bitter, wuthering wind and gloomy weather.” This bleak setting immediately establishes a sense of isolation and sorrow, reflecting the speaker’s inner emotional state.
However, within this barren landscape lies a hidden oasis, a secret garden bursting with life and color. The vibrant imagery of “sunlight bright as marigold,” “lilies bloom like pearls and amethysts,” and “fragrant ruby roses” creates a stark contrast to the desolate moors, symbolizing the resilience of hope and memory in the face of loss. This garden becomes a sanctuary, a place where the speaker can commune with the spirits of loved ones and find solace in their remembered presence.
The poem’s central theme of remembrance is further emphasized through the lines, “‘Tis here I see the face of every soul / I’ve ever loved. Remembrance does not fade. / They are alive! They’re happy, well and whole!” This powerful declaration reveals the garden’s true purpose: it is not merely a physical space, but a spiritual one, where memories are kept alive and cherished. The garden becomes a testament to the enduring power of love, transcending even death itself.
The invitation at the poem’s close, “And if you ask… I’ll share its joys with you,” extends a hand of empathy and connection to the reader, suggesting that grief, while deeply personal, can also be a shared experience, offering a glimmer of hope and healing.
A Hawthorn Leaf: A Symbol of Enduring Faith
“A Hawthorn Leaf,” a rondeau, takes a different approach to exploring themes of loss and remembrance. This poem centers around a single, poignant image: a hawthorn leaf pressed within a Bible. This seemingly simple object becomes imbued with profound meaning, representing the enduring power of faith and the solace it provides in times of grief.
The leaf, discovered within the pages of a Psalm speaking of “mercy and relief,” serves as a tangible reminder of the deceased and the love shared between the grieving widow and her departed husband. The Bible, a wedding gift “Engraved with an embossed motif,” further underscores the significance of their bond and the lasting impact of their relationship.
The rondeau’s structure, with its repeating lines and rhymes, reinforces the cyclical nature of grief and the enduring presence of memory. The repeated phrase “A hawthorn leaf” acts as a refrain, emphasizing the symbolic weight of this small, delicate object. It becomes a touchstone, a physical embodiment of the widow’s grief and her unwavering faith.
While “The Secret Garden” offers a vibrant and expansive space for remembrance, “A Hawthorn Leaf” focuses on a single, intimate detail. Both poems, however, effectively convey the complex emotions associated with loss and the enduring power of love and memory to provide solace and hope in the face of grief. They demonstrate Yapko’s skill in using evocative imagery and carefully chosen words to create poems that resonate deeply with readers.