Poem Analysis - Happiness

A Love Defined by Connection

Desanka Maksimovic's poem, "happiness," is a deeply personal exploration of love that transcends conventional measures of time and joy. The poem presents a vision of happiness rooted not in fleeting moments of pleasure, but in a profound, shared experience with another person. Its tone is intimate and reflective, shifting from a rejection of traditional metrics to an embrace of a love defined by mutual understanding and silent communion. The poem celebrates a connection so strong that it redefines the speaker's perception of existence itself.

Rejection of Superficiality: Time, Joy, and Societal Expectations

The poem immediately establishes a departure from conventional measures of time and happiness. The speaker declares that "Hours no are no longer my measure of time," and that joy is "not measured by laughter." This rejection suggests a dissatisfaction with superficial or external validations of happiness. Instead, time is redefined by the presence of the beloved, and joy is found in a deeper, more resonant connection than mere laughter. This emphasizes the poem's central theme: true happiness lies not in conforming to societal expectations but in finding genuine connection with another person.

Finding Profound Connection: Silent Understanding and Shared Emotion

One of the central themes of the poem is the power of unspoken communication and shared experience. The lines, "joy is our mutual silence in sore, / when with the same beat our hearts cry," vividly portray a connection that transcends words. This "mutual silence" represents a profound understanding, a shared emotional landscape where vulnerability is met with acceptance. The image of hearts crying with the same beat suggests a unity of feeling so intense that it becomes a source of joy, even in moments of sorrow. The poem suggests that this shared vulnerability is a crucial element of genuine love and happiness.

The River of Life: Accepting Mortality with Love's Embrace

The metaphor of the "river of life" introduces the theme of mortality and the speaker's acceptance of its inevitable passage. The lines, "I am not sorry that down the river of life / a drop of my existence will also slide," indicate a sense of peace with the ephemeral nature of life. This acceptance is directly linked to the presence of the beloved, as highlighted in "greatly admiring me he stopped beside." The presence of this person makes the speaker unafraid of aging, decay and death. The poem shows that by linking your life to another, mortality becomes easier to accept.

Symbols of Connection: Eyes and Shared Heartbeat

Several recurring images reinforce the poem's themes. The image of the beloved's "eyes" serves as a potent symbol of connection. The speaker's days and nights are dictated by the gaze of her lover, suggesting that their presence is the defining feature of her existence. Similarly, the image of their "hearts cry[ing] with the same beat" symbolizes a deep emotional synchronization. It depicts two individuals so attuned to each other that their inner lives resonate in perfect harmony. The reader could also interpret that the lover's admiring gaze is also what gives the speaker's life meaning, the validation that makes her happy.

A Timeless Definition of Happiness

In conclusion, "happiness" is a poignant exploration of love and connection that transcends traditional definitions of happiness. Through its intimate tone, vivid imagery, and focus on shared experience, the poem suggests that true happiness lies not in external validations but in the profound understanding and emotional unity found in genuine love. It’s a celebration of a love that redefines time, embraces vulnerability, and allows the speaker to face mortality with equanimity. The poem leaves the reader with a lasting impression of love's transformative power to bring meaning and joy to life, even in the face of life's inevitable sorrow.