Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Muriel Rukeyser’s "Effort at Speech Between Two People" is a deeply introspective poem that explores the complexities of human connection, personal vulnerability, and the struggle for authentic communication. The poem’s free verse form allows Rukeyser to navigate the fragmented and often tumultuous emotions that accompany attempts at true dialogue between individuals.

The poem opens with a direct and intimate plea: "Speak to me. Take my hand. What are you now?" This line sets the tone for the entire piece, emphasizing the yearning for connection and understanding. The repetition of this plea throughout the poem underscores the persistent struggle and hope for mutual recognition and closeness.

Rukeyser then shifts to a series of vivid, personal memories, starting with an early childhood experience: "When I was three, a little child read a story about a rabbit / who died, in the story, and I crawled under a chair." This memory, though simple, is charged with emotional weight. The child's response to the story—hiding under a chair—illustrates an early encounter with fear and loss. The subsequent detail, "it was my birthday, and a candle / burnt a sore spot on my finger, and I was told to be happy," highlights the tension between external expectations and internal reality.

The speaker's declaration, "Oh, grow to know me. I am not happy. I will be open," reveals a desire for genuine self-disclosure and acceptance. This line is a pivotal moment in the poem, as it articulates the speaker’s intention to share her true self, despite the discomfort it may bring. This vulnerability is a central theme, as the speaker continually oscillates between moments of openness and introspection.

The poem’s imagery often contrasts moments of beauty and tranquility with underlying sadness and longing. For instance, the speaker recalls thinking of "white sails against a sky like music, / like glad horns blowing, and birds tilting, and an arm about me." This idyllic scene is juxtaposed with the memory of a loved one who "wanted to live, sailing," suggesting a lost connection or unfulfilled relationship.

As the poem progresses, the speaker revisits different stages of her life, each marked by a significant emotional experience. At nine, she describes herself as "fruitily sentimental" and recalls the poignant memory of her widowed aunt playing Chopin, which brought her to tears. This memory signifies the speaker's early sensitivity to beauty and sorrow.

The speaker's teenage years are characterized by a darker contemplation: "When I was fourteen, I had dreams of suicide." The imagery of standing "at a steep window, at sunset, hoping toward death" conveys a profound sense of despair. Yet, the beauty of the sunset prevents her from acting on these thoughts, illustrating the powerful and often redemptive role of beauty in her life.

Throughout the poem, the refrain "Speak to me. Take my hand. What are you now?" serves as a constant reminder of the speaker's desire for connection and understanding. This plea becomes more urgent as the poem progresses, reflecting the speaker's growing sense of isolation and need for intimacy.

The speaker also reflects on a past romantic relationship, expressing doubt and longing: "I think he never loved me: / he loved the bright beaches, the little lips of foam / that ride small waves, he loved the veer of gulls." These lines suggest a disconnect between the speaker and her lover, as he seemed more enamored with the natural world than with her. This realization contributes to her ongoing sense of loneliness.

The poem concludes with a powerful image of standing in a crowded street, "live with people, / and no one spoke a word." This scene epitomizes the speaker's isolation amidst the hustle and bustle of life. The final plea, "Take my hand. Speak to me," encapsulates the essence of the poem—a profound longing for meaningful connection and the hope that such connection is possible, even amidst silence and separation.

"Effort at Speech Between Two People" is a poignant exploration of the challenges and complexities of human communication. Rukeyser’s use of personal memories, vivid imagery, and the repeated plea for connection create a deeply emotional and resonant piece that speaks to the universal desire for understanding and intimacy. The poem’s introspective nature and candidness invite readers to reflect on their own experiences of connection and isolation, making it a timeless and relatable work.

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