Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained

Jack Gilbert's poem "And She Waiting" poignantly captures the complexity of love, the burden of past experiences, and the loss of innocence that comes with maturity and perspective. Through a direct and introspective narrative, Gilbert explores the tension between the familiarity of past loves and the desire to engage authentically with a present lover.

The poem opens with a confession of fear: "Always I have been afraid of this moment: of the return to love with perspective." This line sets the stage for the speaker's internal conflict, highlighting the anxiety that accompanies rekindling love with the wisdom and baggage of past relationships. The "return to love with perspective" implies a shift from naive, untainted affection to a more cautious, reflective engagement shaped by experience.

Gilbert continues to juxtapose the current lover with past ones: "I see these breasts with the others. / I touch this mouth and the others. / I command this heart as the others." These lines reveal the speaker's struggle to distinguish the present lover from those who came before. The repeated references to "the others" underscore a sense of déjà vu and emotional entanglement, where each gesture and connection is layered with memories of previous loves. This blending of past and present highlights the challenge of experiencing new love without the shadow of previous relationships.

The line "I know exactly what to say" suggests a familiarity with the language and rituals of love, indicating that the speaker's actions are informed by a well-worn script. This knowledge, however, is tinged with a sense of disillusionment, as it implies a loss of spontaneity and genuine emotion. The repetition and predictability of these interactions have eroded the speaker's sense of innocence and wonder.

The poem reaches its emotional climax with the declaration: "Innocence has gone out of me." This stark admission captures the essence of the speaker's transformation. The innocence associated with first love—the raw, unfiltered emotion and unguarded vulnerability—has been replaced by a guarded and experienced perspective. The repetition of "The song. / The song, suddenly, has gone out of me." reinforces the profound impact of this loss. The metaphor of the song symbolizes the joy, passion, and emotional purity that once accompanied love, now diminished or absent.

"And She Waiting" is a deeply introspective exploration of the impact of past experiences on present relationships. Through evocative language and a candid tone, Jack Gilbert delves into the complexities of love and the inevitable changes that come with time and perspective. The poem invites readers to reflect on their own experiences of love, the ways in which past relationships shape present ones, and the challenge of maintaining authenticity and emotional purity in the face of accumulated wisdom and memories.

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