Poem Analysis - Spanish

Initial Impression and Tone

Carl Sandburg's poem Spanish presents a vivid and intense scene, characterized by a sense of urgency and passion. The tone is both commanding and evocative, shifting from a request to a more forceful demand. The poem's brevity and direct language create a stark and powerful atmosphere, drawing the reader into a moment of heightened emotion.

Themes of Desire and Intensity

The poem explores themes of desire and intensity, conveyed through the speaker's urgent plea to the subject. The use of the imperative "Fasten" at the beginning of the first and second lines emphasizes the speaker's demand, creating a sense of immediacy and intensity. The phrase "spear of a storm" further intensifies this mood, suggesting a powerful and potentially destructive force. The speaker's desire is not merely romantic but almost violent in its intensity, as if the speaker is seeking a connection that is both profound and tumultuous.

Nature and Sensory Imagery

The poem employs vivid sensory imagery, particularly through the use of nature. The "peach trees" and "peach blossoms" create a lush and sensual backdrop, contrasting with the stormy intensity of the speaker's emotions. The "haze of pink" under the peach blossoms adds a soft, almost ethereal quality to the scene, suggesting a moment of delicate beauty amidst the storm. This contrast between the gentle natural imagery and the speaker's intense emotions highlights the complexity of desire and the ways in which it can disrupt and transform our perceptions of the world.

The Power of the Gaze

A recurring symbol in the poem is the gaze, represented by the "black eyes" of the subject. The speaker's request to "Fasten black eyes on me" and "Fasten your black eyes in my gray" suggests a deep and penetrating connection, one that goes beyond mere physical attraction. The eyes are often seen as windows to the soul, and the speaker's desire for this intense gaze implies a longing for a profound and intimate understanding. The use of the word "spear" in the phrase "spear of a storm" further emphasizes the penetrating and powerful nature of this gaze, suggesting that it has the ability to pierce through the speaker's defenses and reveal their innermost self.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Carl Sandburg's Spanish is a powerful exploration of desire and intensity, using vivid imagery and symbolic language to convey the speaker's urgent and passionate plea. The poem's use of nature and sensory imagery creates a rich and evocative backdrop for the speaker's emotions, while the recurring symbol of the gaze highlights the profound and penetrating nature of the connection sought. The poem's brevity and direct language serve to intensify its impact, drawing the reader into a moment of heightened emotion and leaving them with a sense of the complex and transformative power of desire.