Poem Analysis - A Letter Of Recommendation

Introduction: A Jerusalem Reverie

Yehuda Amichai's "A Letter of Recommendation" is a poignant exploration of vulnerability, faith, and familial love, all set against the backdrop of Jerusalem. The poem weaves together images of intimacy, religious observance, and a yearning for acceptance. The tone is initially sensual and reflective, shifting to a tender and almost pleading vulnerability, and finally settling into a quiet, hopeful reverence. This poem is deceptively simple, revealing layers of meaning upon closer reading.

Historical and Authorial Context: A Modern Israeli Voice

While specific historical events aren't explicitly addressed, it's worth noting that Yehuda Amichai was a prominent Israeli poet whose work often grappled with themes of war, peace, and the complex relationship between the personal and the national identity in Israel. Amichai, born in Germany and later immigrating to Palestine, brought a unique perspective shaped by both European and Israeli experiences. This background informs his ability to intertwine the sacred and the mundane, the personal and the universal, within his poetry.

The Fragility of Being: Love and Vulnerability

One of the central themes of the poem is the speaker's vulnerability and his yearning for love and acceptance. This is powerfully conveyed through the image of sleeping "naked in Jerusalem," a position of both exposure and trust. The "deep valley" beneath his bed suggests a precariousness, a constant awareness of potential danger or failure. However, the bed "stands on the brink without rolling down," indicating a sense of resilience, perhaps bolstered by faith or the memory of his father's love. The desperate plea, "Oh touch me, touch me, good woman!" is not merely a sexual desire, but a deep-seated need for validation and reassurance. The "scar" that's actually his father's letter of recommendation reinforces the idea that his worth is defined, at least in part, by his father's approval.

Faith and Human Connection: The Ten Commandments and Gentle Awakenings

The poem intertwines religious observance with human connection, revealing a complex relationship with faith. The speaker carries the "Ten Commandments on [his] lips," suggesting a conscious effort to adhere to religious principles, yet it's "like an old tune someone hums to himself," implying a sense of routine or even disconnection. This contrasts sharply with the personal, loving memory of his father gently waking him for prayers. The memory is not of stern religious duty, but of love and care, highlighting the importance of compassion and kindness within faith. It suggests that true faith is not just about adherence to rules, but about the love and empathy one extends to others. The speaker wishes the same gentle awakening for his father "on the Day of the Resurrection" as a reward for his kindness.

Family as a Guiding Force: A Letter of Enduring Love

The theme of familial love, particularly the father-son relationship, is central to the poem. The "letter of recommendation" is a powerful symbol of a father's unwavering belief in his son's inherent goodness, despite any perceived flaws. This letter, "folded up tight," represents a hidden potential, a core of love and goodness that may not always be visible to the outside world. The memory of the father waking him gently, "not by tearing away the blanket," reinforces the idea of a loving and supportive upbringing. This image contrasts with potentially harsher or more authoritarian approaches, suggesting that love and understanding are more effective than force. The father's gentle touch becomes a metaphor for the kind of love and acceptance the speaker craves and ultimately strives to embody.

Conclusion: Finding Grace in Vulnerability

In conclusion, "A Letter of Recommendation" is a deeply personal and moving poem that explores the complexities of faith, love, and familial relationships. Amichai masterfully uses imagery and symbolism to convey the speaker's vulnerability, his longing for acceptance, and the enduring power of a father's love. The poem ultimately suggests that true connection and faith are rooted in compassion and understanding, and that even in moments of vulnerability, there is hope for grace and redemption. The poem's significance lies in its ability to connect with the reader on a deeply human level, reminding us of our shared need for love, acceptance, and the enduring power of family.