January

by Mary Swander

Photo courtesy of the University Museums, Iowa State University

My office window at Iowa State University looked out at the Agronomy Courtyard and this magnificent sculpture by Beverly Pepper. The sculpture, of course, is based on the Roman god Janus, the keeper of doors and portals. The sculpture imitates the form of two adzes, or ancient spade-like tools. For twenty years, I watched this piece transform through the seasons, radiating myth and metaphor, and symbolizing our dependence on agriculture. Each year in January, the end became the beginning, a time of both outward movement and inward reflection.

Janus Agri Altar

(after a sculpture by Beverly Pepper)

Look forward, back, forward, back.

Look out. Look up and down again,

my face, my face, a blade, a plow.

I watch to keep the furrow straight.

I rip the sod, drain the slough.

I plant the seed, the pod, the chaff and grain.

For these are prime:

first hour of the day, the month, the year,

first rain of spring, frost of fall.

Root hair, root cap, peduncle and peg,

ground turned under, altar of flower and grass.

Big stem, blue stem, violet, sweet william,

I dig the worm. I split the skin.

I see the sea, the dirt, the floor,

swing open the gates, the heavy doors.

For in the beginning is the end,

and the end is smooth, real, polished steel.

For in the beginning is the end

when all returns to dust, to rust,

to one more happy meal.

To one more cell, one more leaf and stalk,

I call look up, look out, look forward, back,

to celebrate our sumptuous plate,

to mourn our prairie lost to corn.

Both this sculpture and my poem were commissioned by the University Museums at Iowa State University. The photo and poem are reprinted with their permission.

Beverly Pepper (American b. 1924) was born in New York City and began her education at the Pratt Institute and the Art Students League of New York. Beginning in 1986, Beverly Pepper became Artist-in-Resident for the American Academy in Rome. Her recognizable sculptures and land art installations can be seen around the world.

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