Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Edward Field’s poem "To Love" delves into the complex emotions of love, care, and burden, using the metaphor of a plant to explore the narrator's feelings toward a loved one. Through a vivid dream narrative and introspective reflection, Field captures the intricacies of a relationship marked by both deep affection and overwhelming responsibility.

The poem begins with the narrator expressing his constant worry about the loved one while on tour: “Away from home on a tour in the West / I worried about you constantly, my dearest.” This immediate admission establishes a tone of anxiety and devotion. The dream that follows serves as a stark metaphor for the narrator’s inner conflict: “you were a large plant I was chopping down with a shovel.”

In the dream, the narrator begins by “slash[ing] off your feet / and then batter[ing] your head in,” a violent and disturbing image that stands in contrast to the affection expressed earlier. The narrator acknowledges the brutality of the dream, especially toward “that head / that has already been attacked / by scalpel, drill, and saw.” This imagery suggests the loved one has endured significant hardships, possibly illness or injury, which makes the narrator’s dream even more shocking.

Despite waking “in a sweat,” the narrator realizes the dream reflects a deeper emotional truth: “your needs had pursued me across a continent, / and this was the only way of getting free.” The dream represents an unconscious desire to escape the overwhelming burden of caring for the loved one, whom the narrator describes as “an exotic, delicate plant” that requires constant attention. The metaphor emphasizes the fragility and dependence of the loved one, as well as the narrator’s relentless effort to keep them alive “in an arctic clime.”

However, the dream also reveals a subconscious resentment, as the plant is “a vigorous weed, bigger than me.” The metaphor of a weed implies that the loved one’s needs have grown invasive and consuming, overshadowing the narrator. The act of chopping down the plant is symbolic of the narrator’s attempt to reclaim autonomy and alleviate the burden of care, even if only temporarily.

The narrator’s internal struggle is evident in the affectionate language used to describe the loved one: “my leafy, my green one, / whom I water daily and put in the sun.” This nurturing imagery contrasts sharply with the violent dream, highlighting the narrator’s conflicting emotions. Despite the dream’s harshness, the narrator recognizes its necessity: “after chopping you down and shoveling you away / I could leave you in God’s hands.” This act of symbolic renunciation allows the narrator to temporarily relinquish responsibility and find freedom, “loving you not the less for being free.”

The poem concludes with the narrator feeling “almost lighthearted” as he continues his journey. This ending suggests a sense of relief and liberation, albeit tinged with guilt and lingering affection. The narrator’s ability to momentarily step away from the burden of care without diminishing his love reflects the complexities of human relationships and the difficulty of balancing personal needs with those of a loved one.

Structurally, "To Love" is written in free verse, allowing Field to capture the fluidity of thought and emotion in the narrator’s reflections. The poem’s conversational tone creates an intimate atmosphere, inviting readers to share in the narrator’s emotional journey.

In summary, “To Love” is a poignant exploration of the interplay between love and burden in a caregiving relationship. Edward Field masterfully uses the metaphor of a plant and a vivid dream narrative to convey the narrator’s conflicting emotions of devotion, resentment, and relief. The poem serves as a reminder of the complexities of love and the importance of recognizing one's own needs amid the demands of caregiving.

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