Poem Analysis - Joy

A Surrender to Love's Quiet Power

Desanka Maksimovic's "Joy" is a delicate exploration of love's profound impact on the speaker's perception of the world. The poem conveys a sense of complete surrender to the emotions awakened by another person's presence. Beginning with a rejection of conventional markers of time and experience, the poem progresses to define joy not through grand gestures but through quiet, shared moments. The overall tone is one of peaceful acceptance and deep contentment, a stark contrast to the potential anxieties of fleeting youth and mortality.

Love's Transcendence of the Mundane

One of the central themes of "Joy" is the transformative power of love. The opening stanza immediately establishes a shift in the speaker's priorities. "I no longer watch the hands turn, / nor track the sun’s hot path." This suggests that love has superseded the need to measure life in conventional terms. The lover's presence dictates the rhythm of her existence: "Day is here when his eyes return, / and night again when they depart." This imagery paints a picture of a world revolving around the beloved, highlighting the extent to which her sense of self has become intertwined with another person.

The Quiet Definition of True Joy

The poem challenges conventional understandings of joy. It isn't found in external expressions like "laughter," nor in the power dynamics of "his yearning outweighing mine." Instead, true joy lies in the silent connection between two souls. "Joy to me is when we’re silent, / and our hearts in tandem chime." This metaphor of hearts chiming together evokes a sense of perfect harmony and understanding, suggesting that profound connection can exist beyond words. The emphasis on silence is crucial, indicating that the deepest forms of intimacy are often unspoken.

Embracing Mortality Through Love

The poem also addresses the theme of mortality with a striking sense of acceptance. The speaker recognizes that life is fleeting: "life’s rivers / will carry off my own life’s drop." However, instead of fearing this inevitable end, she embraces it. The lines "Now blast youth and all to smither’s; / Enthralled beside me he has stopped" are particularly powerful. The phrase "blast youth" suggests a defiant rejection of youthful pursuits and anxieties, replaced by the present, enduring moment of love. The fact that "he has stopped" indicates a shared commitment and a lasting bond that transcends the fleeting nature of time.

A Lasting Bond

The key symbol in the poem is the image of "hearts in tandem chime." This represents a profound and unspoken connection between the speaker and her beloved. The word "chime" is significant because it suggests a harmonious resonance, where two separate entities blend into a unified whole. This symbol underscores the poem's central message: that true joy lies not in external validation or fleeting pleasures but in the quiet, enduring connection between two souls.

Love as a Shield Against Time

In conclusion, "Joy" is a powerful testament to the transformative and enduring nature of love. Maksimovic explores how love can redefine our perception of time, challenge conventional notions of happiness, and even alleviate the fear of mortality. The poem suggests that true joy is found not in grand gestures or youthful pursuits but in the quiet, unspoken connection between two hearts. Ultimately, "Joy" celebrates love as a force that transcends the mundane and offers a profound sense of peace and contentment in the face of life's inevitable challenges. The poem provides insight into how love provides a solid and lasting bond.