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Classic and Contemporary Poetry: Explained | |||
Muriel Rukeyser's poem "What I See" is an intense and introspective exploration of desire, longing, and the complexities of intimate relationships. The poem delves into the physical and emotional states of the speaker, capturing the torment and passion experienced while dreaming of a distant lover. The poem opens with a vivid depiction of the speaker's physical state: "Lie there, in sweat and dream, I do, and 'there' / Is here, my bed, on which I dream." This line establishes the setting and the speaker's condition, emphasizing the physicality of their longing. The bed, a place of rest and dreams, becomes the focal point for the speaker's intense emotional experience. The speaker's yearning is palpable as they imagine their lover: "You, lying there, on yours, locked, pouring love, / While I tormented here see in my reins / You, perfectly at climax." The use of the word "locked" suggests a sense of being trapped or intensely focused, both in the physical act and in the emotional connection. The imagery of the lover "pouring love" while the speaker is "tormented" highlights the disparity between the speaker's longing and the lover's fulfillment. The line "And the lion strikes" introduces a sudden and powerful image, symbolizing the intensity and ferocity of the speaker's desire. The lion could represent an uncontrollable force within the speaker, adding to the sense of inner turmoil and passion. The speaker's desire extends beyond their lover, as they confess, "I want you with whatever obsessions come— / I wanted your obsession to be mine." This admission reveals the depth of the speaker's longing to be intertwined with their lover's deepest desires and thoughts. The yearning to share obsessions underscores a desire for complete intimacy and understanding. However, the speaker acknowledges the possibility of an "unknown half-suggested strange / Other figure locked in your climax." This introduces an element of jealousy or insecurity, as the speaker imagines their lover being connected to someone else during their moment of climax. Despite this, the speaker's desire remains unwavering: "I here, I want you and the other, want your obsession, want / Whatever is locked into you now while I sweat and dream." The poem's conclusion emphasizes the speaker's intense longing and willingness to embrace all aspects of their lover, including their hidden desires and obsessions. The repeated use of "want" highlights the speaker's insatiable desire and their willingness to accept and merge with whatever is part of their lover's experience. In summary, "What I See" by Muriel Rukeyser is a powerful exploration of desire and longing, capturing the intense emotional and physical states of the speaker. Through vivid imagery and introspective language, the poem delves into the complexities of intimate relationships, revealing the speaker's deep yearning for complete connection and understanding with their lover. The poem's raw and honest portrayal of desire makes it a compelling and evocative piece.
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