Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jorge Luis Borges' poem "Someone" offers a contemplative and introspective exploration of human existence, touching upon themes of time, memory, happiness, and the inevitable mystery of death. Through the depiction of an ordinary man, Borges delves into the complexities of life, capturing the fleeting moments of unexpected joy that arise amidst the routine and burdens of everyday life.

The poem begins by introducing "a man worn down by time," a figure who has grown accustomed to the passage of days and the gradual erosion of life’s possibilities. This man, who "does not even expect death," represents a person who has reached a state of resignation or perhaps even indifference toward the end of life. The notion that "the proofs of death are statistics" suggests a disconnection from the personal and visceral understanding of mortality; instead, death is reduced to an abstract concept, something that happens to others but is not intimately felt.

Borges then describes how this man has learned to "express thanks for the days’ modest alms," such as "sleep, routine, the taste of water." These small, mundane pleasures are presented as the simple gifts of life, the "modest alms" that sustain him. The man finds solace in these everyday experiences, as well as in intellectual pursuits like discovering "an unsuspected etymology" or appreciating "a Latin or Saxon verse." These intellectual delights serve as a form of nourishment for the mind, providing moments of satisfaction amidst the ordinariness of life.

The memory of a woman who left him thirty years ago is also a significant part of the man’s internal landscape. The fact that he can now "call to mind without bitterness" this memory suggests that he has reached a point of reconciliation with his past. The passage of time has allowed him to process his emotions, transforming what may have once been a source of pain into a neutral or even fond recollection. This ability to remember without bitterness indicates a maturity and acceptance of life’s impermanence.

Borges then touches on the man’s awareness that "the present is both future and oblivion." This line encapsulates the paradoxical nature of time, where each moment holds within it the seeds of the future while simultaneously slipping into the past, destined to be forgotten. The man’s life has been marked by betrayal—both being betrayed and betraying others—yet he carries on, shaped by these experiences but not defined by them.

The poem takes a turn as Borges describes how this man, while "crossing the street," suddenly feels "a mysterious happiness." This unexpected joy does not stem from "the side of hope" but rather from "an ancient innocence," a deep-seated purity that lies at the core of his being. This innocence may be linked to "his own root" or perhaps to "some diffused god," suggesting a connection to something fundamental and timeless within himself or within the universe.

Borges warns that the man knows "better than to look at it closely," for there are "reasons more terrible than tigers" that could destroy this fleeting happiness. The metaphor of the tiger evokes a sense of danger and violence, implying that overanalyzing or questioning this moment of joy could lead to its demise. Instead, the man "accepts humbly this felicity, this glimmer," recognizing it as a rare and precious gift that must be embraced without overthinking.

The poem concludes with a reflection on death: "Perhaps in death when the dust is dust, we will be forever this undecipherable root." Borges suggests that in death, the essence of what we are—our "undecipherable root"—may continue to exist in some form, whether as a "serene or horrible" version of our solitary heaven or hell. This ambiguity reflects Borges' philosophical musings on the nature of the soul and the afterlife, leaving the reader with a sense of mystery and unresolved questions.

In "Someone," Borges captures the quiet dignity of an ordinary life, highlighting the moments of grace and contentment that can emerge even in the face of routine, loss, and the inexorable march of time. The poem offers a nuanced exploration of human existence, acknowledging both its hardships and its unexpected joys, while leaving open the possibility of something deeper and more enigmatic beyond death.

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