It is true art to conceal art.

Dear Readers,

One of my favorite poets is Irish poet, Seamus Heaney, who won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1995. Heaney was a master at “Ars est celare Artem,” which translates to “it is true art to conceal art.” It means that true art conceals the means by which it is achieved. The Latin word ars means art, skill, or craft. However, in medieval times, ars referred to a craft activity that required a high level of technical skills, such as tapestry weaving, embroidery, or goldsmith’s work.

The idea that art should conceal art is also reflected in the idea that a dancer or musician should perform with ability appearing to be natural. Disguising technique and giving the impression of ease can enhance beauty.

Seamus Heaney wrote a number of poems in memory of his mother, including the following sonnet. A sonnet is a traditional fixed poetry form, that has 14 lines. Each line traditionally has 10 syllables and the poem has a fixed pattern of rhymes, though there are variations on the form. They are usually about love or an issue and usually take a turn, called a “volta” about 8 lines in, and then resolves the issue by the end.

Here's Seamus Heaney’s sonnet.

from Clearances

in memoriam M.K.H., 1911-1984

                                        3

When all the others were away at Mass

I was all hers as we peeled potatoes.

They broke the silence, let fall one by one

Like solder weeping off the soldering iron:

Cold comforts set between us, things to share

Gleaming in a bucket of clean water.

And again let fall. Little pleasant splashes

From each other's work would bring us to our senses.

So while the parish priest at her bedside

Went hammer and tongs at the prayers for the dying

And some were responding and some crying

I remembered her head bent towards my head,

Her breath in mine, our fluent dipping knives—

Never closer the whole rest of our lives.

What is wonderful about Heaney’s sonnet besides its deep emotion and beauty is that it feels natural. I’ve heard recordings of him reading the poem. Hearing him read, you wouldn’t know it’s written as a sonnet. His art conceals the art.

Click the photo below to hear a recording of Seamus Heaney reading this poem on YouTube.

Till next week!

David