A Review Of
This Eternal Hubbub, by Joe M. Ruggier, Third Revised Edition,
Published by Multicultural Books, Canada, 2004
As Michael Burch has pointed out on occasion of the third revised edition of This Eternal Hubbub and its author:
Times have changed a lot since Teresa de Jesus and
Ines de la Cruz, but good religious poetry may be undistinguishable
from good poetry. Yet whenever I attempt to read contemporary
“religious poetry”, by overcoming my strong bias against pious or
devotional poetry, I always keep the Spanish Catholic great poets in
mind, both the orthodox and the heterodox, even the “heretical” ones
(but let’s remember that John of the Cross himself was suspiciously
regarded by his censors). Yet the Spanish masters may not be
particularly highlighted as influences for Ruggier’s art, as I think
his writing belongs perhaps more with those religious trends and
traditions in the English language and closer also to Italian masters.
Ruggier appeals to a wide range of readers, nevertheless, not only
Catholics, including heretic Catholics, because of his
references,
allusions, parodies and reinterpretations of so many cultural icons
that make you hold your breath (see The Dark Side of the Deity,
with his 4 canonical parts). Ruggier’s erudition seems very vast, and
his sense of humour or excellent satirical skills provide some
memorable and enjoyable reading. Often leaping into unknown
territories, as when he parodies the biblical Genesis to great effect
(in Part 4 of The Dark Side of the Deity):
In a sense, these collections of poems,
recreating parables and the beautiful Semantics of the Bible, are an
Insult, inasmuch as they introduce themselves as blasphemous and
sacrilegious, turning our author into a heterodox who enjoys dwelling
in heresy. Perhaps because there is no Art without Insult, the
counterpart of which may be Prayer.
The poet does so always within the framework of the great Catholic
–therefore, Universal- library. Ruggier follows the literary
arrangements and patterns (with their different divisions, dedications,
reassurances) of ancient or merely old-fashioned religious poetry
books, in every detail, to render the musings, deprecations, despairing
thoughts and revelations even more plausible, more touching and moving,
inasmuch as these arrangements and skills may prove a feasible link or
path to Deity, whatever their names or faiths. Thus in the “Prayers Composed in Uninspired, Prosaic Moments”-for instance- we read the classical introductions:
“Divine Mother, remember also how badly...”
“Most Sacred Heart of Jesus, grant us Thy Peace...”
Because fervour is inspiring both author and readers. These words
travel back to times when Religion inspired and permeated every aspect
of human life – including language –not only literary but common daily
speech, so full of religious metaphors and references (in Spanish, for
instance) that separating your thoughts from Religion-orientated use of
language used to be quite a hard task.
In relation to this, Ruggier’s poetry remind us of contemporary award
winner Ana Rossetti, who has played along similar lines in her poetry
book “Devocionario” , though entirely related to profane love and human sex. Also, of that most excessive of heretics, Charles Baudelaire, whose Ode to Satan threw him down the path of ecclesiastical damnation. And of course, of William Blake and the “Illuminati”.
Thus, the success of This Eternal Hubbub
may also be grounded in the poet’s cunning understanding for the need
for a reinterpretation of sacred meanings: boldness is intended to
cause uproar or at least to encourage discussion on these matters,
being therefore praise worthy. Where are Catholics, and poets, and in
particular Catholic or Christian poets to stand nowadays, in the times
of The Satanic Verses
and deep fervour clashing with rational Western mentalities? Ruggier’s
work provides a sound reply, as he takes as along his journey through
antiquity to contemporary chaotic scenarios.
by Amparo Arrospide, (Co Editor PLT) 2006.
Recommended Further Reading:
- By Michael Burch, our Resident Poet: His Book Review published at The Hyper Texts
- By Joe Ruggier.
Out of Blue Nothing (Multicultural Books, 1985)
Intelligible Mystery (Arrowhead, 1985)
The Voice of the Millions (Pierpont, 1988)
In the Suburbs of Europe (Multicultural Books, 1991)
In the Suburbs of Europe: Perspectives on Maltese Language & Literature (Multicultural Books, 1993)
This Eternal Hubbub (Multicultural Books, 1995)
Regrets Hopes Regards & Prayers (Multicultural Books, 1996)
Lady Vancouver (Multicultural Books, 1997)
A Richer Blessing (Multicultural Books, 1999)
The Poetry of George Borg: Translated from the Maltes by Joe M. Ruggier
and George Borg (Multicultural Books, 2000)
Pope Caesar's Wake (Multicultural Books)