unsayable saying that none can unsay
Ps. 148:6
As we come closer to the end of the Book of Psalms, we revisit the question that is constantly echoed through its pages -- what is the worth and power of words in a world that has become so loud and violent? How can poetry begin to bring some sense of awe when reality is suffering from human cruelty? Can we prioritize the purpose of the poetic when there’s so much pain?
Psalm 148 is an orchestra of praises in a world where all is working together, seamlessly, silently, on, and on. The clouds and trees, the light and every creature - all part of one endless song. At the heart of this symphony is the original word - the command to get it all going. It is the echo of the first words ever uttered in the book and in the cosmic story: Let There be Light.
The poet goes on listing all the ways the world continues to sing praises, all the source and result of this divine call:
יְֽ֭הַלְלוּ אֶת־שֵׁ֣ם יְהֹוָ֑ה כִּ֤י ה֖וּא צִוָּ֣ה וְנִבְרָֽאוּ׃
“Let them all praise the name of GOD—
who commanded that they be created”
Ps. 148:6
In the magnificent book, The Spell of the Sensuous, by David Abram, the importance of the links between human language and the survival of nature is further explored:
“...along with the other animals, the stones, the trees, and the clouds, we ourselves are characters within a huge story that is visibly unfolding all around us, participants within the vast imagination, or Dreaming, of the world…
As technological civilization diminishes the biotic diversity of the earth, language itself is diminished. As there are fewer and fewer songbirds in the air, due to the destruction of their forests and wetlands, human speech loses more and more of its evocative power. For when we no longer hear the voices of warbler and wren, our own speaking can no longer be nourished by their cadences. As the splashing speech of the rivers is silenced by more and more dams, as we drive more and more of the land’s wild voices into the oblivion of extinction, our own languages become increasingly impoverished and weightless, progressively emptied of their earthly resonance.”
Abrams’ words rupture through the lofty language of today’s psalm with a warning. Will we continue to be part of this cosmic chorus if we persist in destroying the planet? Is there space for spelling out our praises in a growing alienation from the sacred essence of life itself?
In his translation of this chapter, Norman Fischer pinpoints the tension between the original word that got the world going and the silence we face today as we recognise the grandeur and also realize the loss:
“The stars and their unimaginable brightness
The heavens in their silent dome
And the waters beyond those heavens
All wordlessly praise your unnameable name
For by your timeless speech
All is carted - why should it be?
And all is established endlessly
Your unsayable saying that none can unsay
All life of earth is your praise
And the life of the seas and all of unknowable depths
Fire and hail, snow and cloud
Tornado and hurricane - all is your speaking
Mountains and hills, fruit trees and cedars
Wildcats, cattle, buzzard, birds
Kings and their subjects, princes, judges,
Young men, young women, old men, boys -
All are your name’s praising”
The silence is the highest praise. The sound of crickets in the night. Human humility comes down to the one word that echoes through this psalm and all the others -- Halleu -- praise with your words, sing regardless of language.
Somehow we are invited to pay attention to the subtleties of every bit of life and know that we are part of the problem and part of the solution, both the howling and the healing, poet and poem, silent scream and hopeful song.
THIS SUNDAY: PSLAM FOR PEACE!
Our Zoom study sessions are back by popular demand - after a few months off for summer travels and High Holy Days Season.
On Sunday 11/3/24 5pm ET, join me for a hour of contemplative talk & study about the Psalms and their meaning to our lives - right now.
Imagine this as restorative rest-stop with poetic reprieve from anxieties and election fever.
We will mark the completion of all 150 chapters of the Psalms with this co-created online learning session - featuring selections from YOUR favorite psalms.
Bring your own favorite word of line from the psalms, poetic fragment, or just show up to join the conversation.
Together, on the spot, we’ll discover a mosaic of modern and ancient intentions and inspirations - to help us lift up peace, justice and joy at this difficult time, lifting up each other's hopes for better days for all.
Sign up HERE to Pslam for Peace
These live Zoom study sessions, with gratitude for thoughtful support, welcome paid subscribers of Below the Bible Belt.
You too can become a Paid Subscriber.
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So let’s PSLAM FOR PEACE.
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