Ernesto Cardenal — Give Ear to My Words (Psalm 5)

Poetry Unbound

Published: Mon Jan 13 2025

When dictatorial leaders use talk of peace as a smokescreen to conceal their plans for war and destruction, what are the people to do? Believe in a vision of peace and freedom that is muscular, sturdy, and protective — and pray that it holds, as Ernesto Cardenal does in his poem “Give Ear to My Words (Psalm 5),” translated by Jonathan Cohen.

Summary

Poetry Unbound: Episode Summary – "Ernesto Cardenal — Give Ear to My Words (Psalm 5)"

Introduction to the Poem

In this episode of Poetry Unbound, host Pádraig Ó Tuama delves into Ernesto Cardenal's powerful poem, "Give Ear to My Words," a modern rendition of Psalm 5 from the Hebrew Bible. Released on January 13, 2025, the episode presents an immersive exploration of the poem's themes, its historical context, and its enduring relevance.

Reading and Analysis of "Give Ear to My Words"

Pádraig Ó Tuama begins by reading Cardenal's poem, highlighting its impassioned plea for justice and protection against corruption and oppression. The poem juxtaposes divine supplication with a condemnation of political and social injustices:

“Give ear to my words, O Lord. Hear my groans. Listen to my protest.” (00:00)

Throughout the reading, Ó Tuama emphasizes the poem's vivid imagery and forceful language, which bring to life the struggle between righteousness and tyranny. He notes how Cardenal uses metaphors like "machine guns" and "armored tanks" to illustrate the pervasive reach of evil manifested through language and action.

Thematic Exploration: Language, Power, and Justice

Ó Tuama delves deeper into the poem's exploration of language as a tool of power and resistance. He observes:

“There is no honesty in their speeches, nor in their press releases.” (00:05)

This critique underscores the manipulation inherent in political rhetoric and propaganda. The poem serves as both a protest and a rallying cry, urging listeners to discern truth from deceit and to seek divine intervention against such forces.

The host further analyzes the poem's structure, paralleling it with traditional psalms. He remarks on the dynamic between pleading for respite and denouncing injustices:

“He’s been speaking about the righteous... Your love surrounds them like armored tanks.” (00:14)

This duality captures the tension between vulnerability and strength, echoing the complexities of faith and activism.

Background on Ernesto Cardenal

Ernesto Cardenal, born in 1925 in Nicaragua, was a multifaceted figure—poet, priest, and politician. Ó Tuama provides a concise biography, highlighting Cardenal's evolution from studying architecture to embracing literature and theology. His involvement in the Sandinista revolution and subsequent role as Minister for Culture positioned him at the intersection of art and politics.

Cardenal's literary contributions, particularly The Gospel of San Jacinto, reflect his commitment to liberation theology, blending spiritual introspection with social activism. Ó Tuama notes:

“He was being critiqued by the US government and the Vatican for his political involvement.” (00:12)

This tension between faith and politics is evident in "Give Ear to My Words," where spiritual yearning meets political resistance.

The Role of Prayer and Communion in Poetry

A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to exploring the concept of prayer as depicted in Cardenal's poem. Ó Tuama muses on the nature of prayer, its etymology, and its manifestation in poetry:

“To pray is to ask, which means then that to pray is to need something or want something.” (00:18)

He reflects on how prayers, much like poems, are expressions of the deepest yearnings and aspirations. The act of writing becomes a dialogue with the divine and the self, fostering a communion that transcends temporal constraints.

Ó Tuama contemplates whether prayer, and by extension poetry, inherently directs oneself towards a higher power or remains an introspective endeavor. He suggests that poetry serves as a vessel for such spiritual dialogues, offering solace and connection:

“The page was letting him know you're in communion with people across millennia.” (00:20)

Conclusion and Insights

In wrapping up the analysis, Ó Tuama underscores the enduring power of Cardenal's work to inspire and challenge. He appreciates the poem's ability to marry ancient forms with contemporary issues, creating a timeless plea for justice and integrity.

“This is muscular. This is saying evil plans need to be foiled, need to be stopped.” (00:15)

The episode concludes with a reflection on the poet's legacy and the continued relevance of his message in today's sociopolitical landscape. Ó Tuama invites listeners to engage with the poem not just as a literary piece but as a call to action and introspection.

Notable Quotes

Pádraig Ó Tuama (00:05):
“There is no honesty in their speeches, nor in their press releases.”
Pádraig Ó Tuama (00:14):
“Your love surrounds them like armored tanks.”
Pádraig Ó Tuama (00:18):
“To pray is to ask, which means then that to pray is to need something or want something.”
Pádraig Ó Tuama (00:20):
“The page was letting him know you're in communion with people across millennia.”

Final Thoughts

This episode of Poetry Unbound offers a profound exploration of Ernesto Cardenal's "Give Ear to My Words," bridging the realms of poetry, prayer, and political activism. Through thoughtful analysis and contextual background, Pádraig Ó Tuama invites listeners to engage deeply with the poem's themes of justice, language, and spiritual resilience.